Early Life

Born on 27th April, 1944 in Hokkaido, Japan, Saiko Shihan (Chief Instructor) Hidetada Narumi began practising karate from a young age. His dedication spans more than 50 years of continuous training and teaching.

Karate Legacy

Shihan Narumi is among the three most senior grades of Gima‑Ha Shotokan‑Ryu Karate‑Do and serves as the Chief Instructor of the Gima‑Ha International Karate Federation. His expertise, particularly in Kumite, has inspired generations of karateka worldwide.

Martial Arts Mastery

Beyond karate, Shihan Narumi holds:

3rd Dan in Kendo
2nd Dan in Judo

These disciplines helped forge his indomitable spirit from an early age.

International Impact

In 1968/1970, while holding the rank of 3rd Dan, Narumi Sensei visited Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for what was meant to be a two‑week vacation. A chance visit to a local dojo created such a sensation that his stay extended to ten years, profoundly benefiting the growth of karate in British Columbia and across Canada.

Legacy of Shihan Hidetada Narumi

Founding in Canada

Pacific West Karate Dojo: Established on West Hastings Street, Vancouver, with the support of senior visiting students.
BC Karate Institute: Later evolved under the auspices of the All Japan Karate-Do Shisei-Kai, led by President Makoto Gima and Chief Instructor Ikuo Higuchi.

Champions Produced

Washington/Oregon area: Greg Englehart and Ritsu Goto distinguished themselves.
Pan-American circles: Bino Felix rose to prominence.
British Columbia: James Johnson (multiple National Kumite titles), Bino Felix, and others achieved provincial and national success.

Dojo Character

Old school and austere: The Shinai was ever-present, symbolizing discipline and tradition.
Takayuki Sameshima Shihan: Arrival from Senshu University, Tokyo, elevated the dojo’s reputation, producing abundant Kata and Kumite champions.

Organisational Leadership

1974 incorporation: The B.C. branch of the National Karate Association was founded, with Narumi as its first President, uniting all styles under one body.
Return to Japan: In 1980, Narumi Shihan returned to his homeland.

Continuing Legacy

Kushiro, Hokkaido: Hidetada Narumi continues to teach Karate, serving as President of the Gima-Ha Shotokan-Ryu Hokkaido Federation and formerly of the Hokkaido Karate Federation.
International impact: His influence remains strong in Japan, Canada, and England.

UK Perspective

Mentorship of Shihan R. Sidoli: Narumi was Sidoli’s childhood instructor and lifelong mentor, shaping both his Karate and personal philosophy.
Swimming anecdote: After Sidoli won a silver medal, Narumi’s remark—“2nd means you are dead, in Samurai times!”—instilled a deeper drive for excellence in both swimming and Karate.
Father-son bond: Their relationship transcended the dojo, embodying respect, discipline, and familial closeness.

This account positions Narumi not just as a teacher, but as a bridge between cultures and generations, shaping champions and leaders across three nations. His austere style, uncompromising standards, and mentorship created ripples that continue to define Karate communities today.

The news article below reads:

“From 1986 for 30 years, he served as director, vice chairman, and chairman of the Kushiro District Karate-do Federation, and while devoting himself to teaching, he took the initiative in improving the competitiveness and refereeing skills of karate. In 1969 he travelled to Canada staying 10 years. At the World Karate Championships in 1977, he served as a technical supervisor for the Canadian team; and was instrumental in providing guidance on the spread of Karate and establishing associations throughout Canada. The Canada Cup, which originated from this, has prospered up to 32 times this year, and has been popularizing karate for many years. Through the excitement, he has made great achievements in activating international exchange through sports.”