Shinan Donivan has dedicated his entire adult life to studying, teaching, and promoting Shorinjiryu Karatedo. His influence extends beyond the dojo, shaping generations of martial artists, leaders, and professionals. Below are some of his many contributions.
Martial Arts Journey & Achievements
Early Training & Promotions
- 1967 – Begins training at the Seidokwan Academy of Judo and Karatedo under Sensei Masayuki Hisataka (then 7th Dan).
- 1969-1976 – First Canadian to earn ranking from Shodan to Godan in Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo.
- 1977 – Achieves Godan from Kaiso Kori Hisataka, founder of Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo, at the Kenkokan Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
- 1985 – First Canadian to earn 6th Dan (Brisbane, Australia).
- 1991 – Receives 7th Dan in Shorinjiryu Kenkokan and 8th Dan in Koshiki Karatedo (Eastman, Quebec).
- 2010 – Assumes the rank of 9th Dan as the Founder of Shorinjiryu Kentokukan Karatedo.
Competition Success
- 1970-1974 – Five-time North American Champion.
Teaching & Coaching
Academic & Dojo Instruction
- 1969-1973 – Assistant Instructor to Sensei Masayuki Hisataka at McGill University.
- 1973 – Establishes Junior Karatedo Program at the Seidokwan Honbu Dojo.
- 1974 – Appointed Chief Instructor of Kenkokan Karate in North America by Sensei Masayuki Hisataka, launching a full-time teaching career at Seidokwan, McGill University, and Dawson College.
- 1977-1980 – Instructor for 2nd-year McGill University Physical Education students.
- 1980-2010 – Full-time Dawson College P.E. teacher, specializing in martial arts.
- 1982-1993 – Teaches Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo through the Dawson College Athletics Program.
- 1994-2020 – Teaches Shorinjiryu Kentokukan Karatedo through the Dawson College Athletics Program.
- 2009-2014 – Played a pivotal role in the SMART (Sustainable Martial Arts Recreational Training) Program, teaching and mentoring young adults to foster leadership and crime prevention within Inuit communities across Nunavik, QC.
- 2020-Present – Teaches black belt classes at the Kentokukan Honbu (Kazoku Kai) Dojo.
International Coaching & Leadership
- Head coach and leader of 12 Canadian International Shorinjiryu teams.
- From 1977 to 2007, guided teams in international tournaments in Tokyo, Maracaibo, Brisbane, Los Angeles, Montreal, Amsterdam, Yanagawa, Lisbon, and more.
Pioneering Modern Koshiki Karate
- First to introduce Modern Koshiki Karate to North America.
- First to import Modern Koshiki protective equipment into North America.
- Director of the WKKF Rules and Refereeing Committee.
- Host and Chief Organizer of the 7th WKKF Championship.
- Chief Referee for six WKKF Championships.
Education & Research
- 1980 – Earns a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education from McGill University.
- 1973 – Model for the first edition of Scientific Karatedo.
- 1977 – Research assistant for the Modern Koshiki project.
- 1985-2010 – Develops Dawson College Martial Arts program.
- 1989 – Co-author of Le Karaté Koshiki.
- 2019 – Author of Shorinjiryu Kentokukan Anthology.
Legacy & Impact
Beyond his technical achievements, Shinan Donivan is widely regarded as a mentor and life coach. His teachings extend beyond the dojo, influencing students in personal development, leadership, and professional success. Through corporate training programs and mentorship initiatives, he has provided individuals with life-changing experiences, helping them surpass their full potential. His ability to instill discipline, confidence, and a strong moral foundation has left a lasting impact on countless students worldwide.
Shinan Donivan’s unwavering dedication to the art and his community continues to inspire new generations of martial artists and leaders. His legacy is not only one of skill and accomplishment but of profound influence on the lives of those he has taught and mentored.
Last update March 2025