About Us

The name of the UWO dojo is: Shorin Damashii-ji - meaning "Spirit of the Shoalin temple"

Damashii means "Fighting spirit"

We practice the classical style of Shorin Ryu Karate Jutsu based on the Shorin Ryu style founded by Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura originating from the islands of Okinawa (now part of Japan).

We are an official UWO Campus Recreation Sports Club. Sessions run for the Fall and Winter term with instructional classes twice a week (see our current class schedule for times). Any UWO student or campus recreation member (staff, faculty) are welcome to join our club, and no previous experience in karate is required to start. The 2021/2022 registration fee for one term is $25(+ HST) and for the full year (fall/winter terms) is $45(+HST). Students can register online or in person at the WSRC Membership Services.

Instructor of UWO Karate: Renshi Barnfield and Sensei Hudson

By learning karate, students learn self-control and confidence to defend themselves, and improve their fitness and health. Renshi Barnfield is the head of our UWO dojo and leads our classes with the aid of Sensei Robert Hudson. Hanshi Gary Legacy is the head of our style, Legacy Shorin Ryu. Our instructors teach us not just karate but the history of our style, courtesy, and healthy lifestyle. Classes include basic karate instruction, kata (or "forms"), sparring (kumite), self-defense forms, and traditional Okinawan weapons.

Hanshi Gary Legacy

One advantage of joining the UWO Karate Club is that members become part of Legacy Shorin Ryu and can practice at any of the other Dojos within Legacy Shorin Ryu Karate Jutsu.