Consul-General's Commendation Presented to Mr. Mark Matthews on the Occasion of 30th Anniversary of the Guelph Budokan Centre of Martial Arts

On June 6, the Guelph Budokan Centre of Martial Arts celebrated its 30th anniversary in Guelph, Ontario. The Centre was founded in 1996 by Mr. Mark Matthews as a dojo for Goju-ryu karate, affiliated with the International Meibukan Goju Karate Association (IMGKA). Meibukan was established in Naha City, Okinawa, by Yagi Meitoku, a leading disciple of Miyagi Chojun, the founder of Goju-ryu karate. The Guelph Budokan carries on this spirit and tradition.

Mr. Matthews holds the title of "Kyoshi" with seventh dan. He has trained over 5,000 students and certified 100 black belt promotions, making outstanding contributions to his community and to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Canada through karate.

The celebration was attended by Ms. Dominique O'Rourke, Member of Parliament, Mr. Mike Schreiner, Member of Provincial Parliament, and Ms. Linda Busuttil, Councillor of the City of Guelph. In recognition of his remarkable achievements, Consul-General Matsunaga Takeshi presented Mr. Matthews with a Consul-General's Commendation. Click here for the Consul-General’s remarks.