Sensei Murray honoured at ceremony

Sensei Murray Stanley, owner and Head Instructor at Classic Martial Arts in Barrie, received his 4th Degree Black Belt certification in a presentation ceremony held at his dojo. The certificates were presented by Shihan Isao Yabunaka, Chief Instructor of Seiwa Kai Canada and is associated with the Japan Karate Federation Goju Kai. Sensei Murray was also given the title of Jokyo (which is a title above Sensei in Seiwa Kai Canada) by Shihan Yabunaka. Jokyo Murray received his 3rd Degree Black Belt in 1998 after which his Sensei retired leaving him seaching for another Sensei to train under. After many years he finally found what he was looking for in the Seiwa Kai federation. Also present at the ceremony was Sensei Doug Knipsel, Chief Instuctor of the Kitsune Jiu Jitsu Kai of Canada to which Sensei Murray as been associated for the past 10 years. There were also several students from the Dojo on hand including some of the Black Belts from Classic Martial Arts all wanting to congratulate their Sensei.

May Shiai

Martial Arts Clubs from around Ontario participated in the Spring Shiai (fun tournament) held at Classic Martial Arts on May 3rd. Several students from Classic Martial Arts did well, including three young students taking part in their first tournament.

Natalie Pecora placed second in sparring and fourth in kata and grappling. Leah Stafford finished second in kata and third in weapons and Joe MacDonald finished second in kata.

Brady Warn was first in kata, sparring and weapons and second in grappling. Jimmy Devine was first in sparring and grappling, second in weapons, and third in kata. Ryan Clegg finished first in kata, weapons, sparring and grappling in his division.

In the 35 years and over divisions, Kevin Devine won gold in grappling and sparring, Tim Bilton was 3rd in kata, Lee Mclaughlin was second in grappling, Mike Fraser was fourth in kata and weapons and Brian Francis finished in first place in kata and weapons.

More about us!!!

We hope to use this blog to introduce ourselves to potential students and update current and former students on recent events and happenings at the dojo as well as what's coming up . We pride ourselves on being community minded and support the Barrie Food bank, Barrie O.S.P.C.A., Season's Center for Grieving Children and Christmas Cheer. Every year we put together a team of students, family and friends to walk in the Supercities Walk for M.S.. This year Sensei Murray Stanley personally raised $2,022.00. Last year Sensei Murray, who had been growing his hair for 2 1/2 years, gave his students. friends and family extra incentive to sponsor him in the M.S. walk by giving them the opp0rtunity to cut off 12 inch locks of his hair or swipes with a razor in return for a donation. He then donated the cut hair to "Angel Hair For Kids", an organization that makes wigs for children suffering from cancer. This encouraged one of his students, 9 year old Leah Stafford, to cut her hair and donate it as well.

We also sponsor a Foster Child in Haiti and have mini fundraisers throughout the year to raise funds for his care. Our students are encouraged to send our Foster Child, whose name is Bythova, pictures and letters telling him about life in Canada.

We first opened our doors on Sept. 19, 1995 on Bayview Drive and relocated to our current location at #1-43 Morrow Road on Jan. 2, 2004. In addition to our classes we also have martial arts supplies for purchase. We have two tournaments each year, one in May and one in September. These are small, friendly tournaments called "shiais" where the emphasis is placed on fun and good sportsmanship.

Our Dojo philosophy ~ HONOUR RESPECT HARMONY PEACE BALANCE SPIRIT