Shi Gaku Kan

The Shi Gaku Kan karate dojos (clubs) are run by Sensei Mark Donaghy (5th Dan) and his wife, Libby (4th Dan), offering a comprehensive training syllabus in traditional Shotokan karate. Together, they successfully host a number of classes in Aberdeen and Peterhead providing professional tuition to students of all ages and ability.

The Shi Gaku Kan dojos were established in the 1960s By Jim Hardie, who is one of Scotlands first black belts and is now 6th Dan and honorary vice chairman of S.K.K.I.F. The Shi Gaku Kan name was given to the clubs by Manabu Murakami 6th Dan and former two times world champion on one of his visits to the the NE of Scotland, and it means "the school you go to if you wish to study karate properly". The personal benefits enjoyed through continued training are numerous and include improved fitness, flexibility, speed, confidence, self-awareness and self-discipline.

Quality instruction at the Shi Gaku Kan dojos is affirmed by its affiliation to S.K.K.I.F (Shotokan Karate Kanazawa-Ryu International Federation), which itself is a representative association of S.K.I.F (Shotokan Karatedo International Federation) who have their head office in Tokyo, Japan. With over 2.5 million members in over 100 countries, S.K.I.F remains the worlds largest single-styled karate organisation.

Shi Gaku Kan are dedicated to following the teachings of Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa and his son Nobuaki. Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa is the Kancho (President) of S.K.I.F and one of the worlds most renowned and respected traditional karate masters alive today. Nobuaki Kanazawa, Kancho Designate, is a worthy successor to his father.

As well as being fully qualified to teach adults, Mark and Libby have attended the necessary courses to teach children including Good Practice and Child Protection, and both are First Aid certified.