SHORIN RYU MATSUMURA SEITO AUSTRALIA

After 45 years association with Grand Master Kise and the study of Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Karate and Kobudo (Based on the teaching’s of Soken O’Sensei and Hanshi – Sei Kise Fusei) together with Shorin Ryu Kenshin Kan Karate and Kobudo the Ballarat karate Club decided in 2018 to move to a position of autonomy.

In doing so has now adopted our new emblem of Shorin Ryu Australia combining the kanji of Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Australia. This change of direction coincided with the retirement of Grand Master Kise Fusei. It also signals a new direction for the club with all members excited about the prospects going forward.

THE BALLARAT KARATE CLUB DRAGON

(Originally the Dragon was superimposed over a red orb to represent the style of Kiai Do Kan. This system which was developed by Master Wayne Williamson,
who merged Japanese style Karate with the Chinese martial art known as Lung Chang.) During the 1970’s links were established on Okinawa by B.K.C. member Barry Packham with Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Grand Master Hohan Soken. This eventually saw Packham being graded to Masters rank of 4th Degree Black Belt (Yondan) under Master Soken and Senior Master Fusei Kise.

The Ballarat Karate Club, established in 1965 adopted this emblem during the clubs developing years. In 1974 the rising sun was replaced with the Hidari Mitsudomoe (Sho patch). This emblem represented the Chinese influence (Dragon) on Okinawan Karate.

The Club however decided to retain the Dragon as a special recognition for outstanding personal with in the B.K.C.The Dragon is symbolic of and awarded for the following attributes of fighting ability and the showing of Heart and Courage. The Dragon at all times remains the property of the B.K.C. The emblem is awarded rarely and carries with it much respect.

SEAL OF THE BALLARAT KARATE CLUB

(Hidari Mitsudomoe)

The Hidari Mitsudomoe ( more commonly referred to as the Okinawan Sho ) is the crest of Hachiman, Japanese God of War.
It is believed to represent the three kingdoms of Okinawa which were united into one by King Sho Hashi.

This symbol was used by the Sho family as their Royal Crest until their abdication was forced by the Japanese Government during the Meiji restoration. Some authors also claim that Matsumura Soken used the crest in his personal writings and that this is where the tradition of the Sho patch being worn by Okinawan Karate and Kobudo students began.This emblem also indicates that the respective style is of Okinawan origin. The emblem is worn on the right sleeve of all Ballarat Karate Club members.This symbol is used as the official seal of the Ballarat Karate Club Incorporated.