ABOUT
ME
Based in Toronto, Canada, Sensei Alpha is a karateka (practitioner) bilingual in French and English, holding a Japanese-Okinawan Yondan registered black belt. He has practiced and researched karate for over 35 years. Through decades of exploring different karate styles, he developed a unique understanding of the art and is available to help you achieve your karate goals.
Sensei Alpha is a multi-time winner of the 'Canadian Outstanding Coach' award (2023–2026).
Sensei Alpha started in 1987 in Lyon, France, where he practiced Shotokan Karate in the F.F.K.A.M.A. under Sensei François Walter, a licensed instructor. After moving to Paris and practicing at several dojos, he relocated to Canada, where he was introduced to Kobudo under Sensei Cezar Borkowski (Hachidan). He continued practicing at various dojos and was also introduced to the Goju-Ryu style. He later went on to practice traditional Japanese-Okinawan Shito-Ryu Karate and Kobudo. The Shito-Ryu dojo Alpha currently attends is run by Shihan Kei Tsumura (Kudan) and his son, Sensei Daniel Tsumura (Nanadan). Other Karate instructors include Sensei Hiroshi Maeda (Nanadan) and Sensei Mark Uyeda (Rokkudan). Their Karate lineage goes back to the famous Okinawan O Sensei Mabuni, straight through Soke Sadaaki Sakagami (Kudan) and his father, O Sensei Ryusho Sakagami (Jūdan), who was one of O Sensei Mabuni's best students. Their Kobudo lineage goes back to O Sensei Taira Shinken, who used to live at O Sensei Ryusho Sakagami's dojo
Passionate About Inspiring Others
Sensei Alpha wrote many Karate articles beyond the ones posted in the blog section of this website. After practicing Karate for about 10 years, he realized that despite doing well in all aspects of Karate, including Kata and sparring, something was missing from a self-defense standpoint. Therefore, in the early 2000s, Sensei Alpha shifted to a more unifying and pragmatic self-defense approach. He decided to practice multiple styles and systematically focused on the most effective aspects of self-defense. He eventually chose the Shito-Ryu style to gain unique exposure to a blend of Naha-Te, Tomari-Te, and Shuri-Te, in line with his unified Karate principles. He has been immersed in Karate practice for over 35 years, modifying his training and consistently working towards unleashing the full power of self-defense Karate.
Sensei Alpha has studied and is currently practicing an impressive number of empty-hand Karate Katas, including:
5 Pinan Katas, Bassai Sho, Bassai Dai, Tomari/Matsumora Bassai, Matsumura Bassai, Ishimine Bassai, Jitte, Jiin, Jion, Naifanchi Shodan, Naifanchi Nidan, Naifanchi Sandan, Gojushiho (Mabuni), Kushanku Dai, Kushanku Sho, Chata Yaran Kushanku (Koryu/ Old style), Chinto (Tomari-te), Chinto (Shuri-te), Chinte, Tomari/Matsumora Wankan, Tomari/Matsumora Rohai, Itosu Rohai Shodan, Itosu Rohai Nidan, Itosu Rohai Sandan, Itosu Wanshu, Tomari/Matsumora Wanshu, Aragaki Niseishi, Aragaki Sochin, Aragaki Unshu, Matsumura Seisan, Seisan (Naha), Tensho, Sanchin, Gekisai Ichi, Gekisai Ni, Sei-in-chin, Saifa, Shi-shochin, Kururunfa, Seipai, Superimpei, Senseiru (Ryuei-Ryu), Anan (Ryuei-Ryu), Nipaipo (Mabuni), Paipuren/Happo (Mabuni), Hakucho/Haffa (Mabuni)