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A Karate Journey of Tradition, Learning, and Unity: From Japan to Mexico

Shihan Craig Sargent’s Incredible Journey

My recent travels took me on an incredible journey of growth, learning, and deepened connections within the global karate community. What began as a life-changing trip to Japan culminated in an equally meaningful visit to Mexico, marking significant milestones in my karate journey.

I started my travels with a profound experience in Japan, where I had the privilege of training with some of the highest-level instructors in Shudokan. For two intense days, I trained under the guidance of Ishida Kenshin Hanshi, a renowned figure in the Shudokan world. These sessions, which focused on kihon (basic techniques), makiwara (striking practice), and kata—ranging from Empi Take to sai kata—were an invaluable opportunity to refine my skills and connect with the roots of the art. The second day of training included the presence of Elida Wagner Stewart Shihan, Gregory Stewart Sensei, and their student Ethan Anderson, which made the experience even more enriching.
In addition to training with Ishida Kenshin Hanshi, I visited Jun Kojima Hanshi’s dojo, where we worked on a sai kata and bunkai (application of kata techniques). I also learned more about Goju Ryu, which provided a new perspective on our Shudokan practice. Another highlight was a session with Shotokan instructor Yusuke Nagano Sensei, where we focused on the kata Sochin, a powerful and dynamic form that left a lasting impact on me.
A deeply meaningful moment was when I joined a group of Hanshi and fellow Shudokan black belts to visit the grave of Toyama Kanken, the founder of Shudokan. This moment of reflection, followed by dinner and discussions about the evolution of karate, reinforced my deep connection to the history and tradition of the art.
The pinnacle of my trip was the Toyama Kai Joint Training, a gathering of Shudokan Hanshi, black belts, and students. I had the honor of training alongside some of the most respected martial artists in the world, performing kihon, kumite drills, and kata both individually and in small groups. I was invited to perform the kata Chibana No Kushanku and to join Christian Bellina Hanshi, Elida Wagner Stewart Shihan, Gregory Stewart, and Ethan Anderson in performing Pinan Nidan and Shinpa Tan with Ishida Kenshin Hanshi’s group. The camaraderie and shared dedication among us all were truly inspiring.
The day before I returned to the United States, I had an amazing morning training session with Christian Bellina Hanshi. During this session, he taught me the remainder of the kata Kyoku Nanadan, which was both a challenging and rewarding experience that added even more depth to my understanding of Shudokan.
Just three days after returning from Japan, I traveled to Mexico City, where I had the opportunity to train at Toyama Karate-Do, the dojo where my instructor, Shihan Javier Diaz (Founder of Club Naha Karate-Do), trained. Returning to this dojo, which holds such a significant place in my karate journey, was an emotional and meaningful experience. I was able to reconnect with the instructors and students there, continuing the legacy of training and sharing knowledge.
I then traveled to Iguala, Mexico, where I trained at our central dojo. It was there that I was promoted to the rank of 7th-degree black belt and awarded the title of Shihan. This promotion is a significant milestone in my karate journey and a recognition of my years of dedication to the art, both as a practitioner and as an instructor. It was an honor to receive this acknowledgment and to continue following in the footsteps of those who have shaped my practice, including Shihan Javier Diaz.
Reflecting on these two incredible trips, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to train with some of the highest-level instructors in the world, to deepen my understanding of karate, and to be welcomed as part of the global Shudokan community. My experiences in Japan and Mexico have not only expanded my technical knowledge but have also reinforced the importance of tradition, unity, and personal growth within the martial arts.

As I take on the title of Shihan, I am excited to continue sharing the lessons I’ve learned with my students and peers, and to honor the legacy of those who came before me. These trips have reminded me that the path of karate is never-ending, and I look forward to the next chapter of my journey—teaching, learning, and growing with the global karate family.

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Shihan Craig’s Bio:

Shihan Craig holds the rank of Nanadan (7th degree black belt) in Shudokan Karate and the rank of Rokudan (6th degree black belt) in Hensan Ryu Karate. His martial arts journey began in 1992 at the Waterville Area Boys and Girls Club in Maine, where he learned they style of Hensan-Ryu from Shihan Ken Walsh. In 1999, he began training in Shudokan Karate under Shihan Javier Diaz. During this period, he also trained in Kickboxing under Sensei Bob Hartley and practiced Danzan Ryu Jujitsu under Sensei Rich Charlebois from 2009 to 2012.

Shihan Craig Sargent

207-873-0684 x220

csargent@clubaycc.org

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