About
Established in October 1986, The only martial arts school in the city that has a direct connection to Okinawa, Japan, the birthplace of karate.
Goju Ryu karate has the distinction of being the first of the Okinawan karate styles to be officially named. The style was created by Chojun Miyagi and was formally registered as “Goju Ryu” with the Japanese government in 1933. The late Meitoku Yagi was the most senior student of Goju Ryu karate creator, Chojun Miyagi. After Miyagi’s death the Miyagi family chose Meitoku Yagi to carry on the traditions of the style. Yagi taught the system to his two sons. The oldest son, Meitatsu, carries on the technical finesses of the style and its philosophy. Meibukan means “House of the Pure Minded Warrior” and was the name Meitoku Yagi chose for his school.
We are honoured to be members of the Meibukan and to have the opportunity to learn from Sensei Meitatsu Yagi. The International Meibukan Gojyu Ryu Karate Association website can be found at IMGKA.com.
Bob Toth has been training in the martial arts for over forty years. His first sensei was the late Dr. Richard Kim, 10th dan, hanshi. Bob received a teaching grade of yondan (fourth degree black belt) from Dr. Kim. After Dr. Kim’s passing, Bob had the honor of being accepted as a student by Sensei Meitatsu Yagi, 10th dan, hanshi of Okinawa, Japan. In 2012, Bob graded in Okinawa, Japan with Sensei Yagi and the International Meibukan Gojyu Ryu Karate Association to godan (fifth degree black belt) and to rokudan (6th degree) in 2022. Sensei Toth is a published author of the martial arts as well as an international teacher, lecturer and tournament judge. Bob continues his sensei’s martial arts work by teaching the entire Meibukan Goju Ryu karate system as well as kobudo (weapons) and the Samurai martial art of daito ryu at the St. Catharines Martial Arts Centre.
Olga J.A. (Lysiuk) Toth was born in St. Catharines. Early in her life, she became very active in the sport of baton twirling. She won the title of Miss Majorette of St. Catharines for six consecutive years. Olga also won Miss Majorette of Ontario and the highest national title, Miss Majorette of Canada. She retired from competition and spent many years teaching and judging across Canada and the United States. Olga has been training in the martial arts for thirty years and has a yondan (fourth degree black belt) from the International Meibukan Gojyu Ryu Karate Association. She brings all of her enthusiasm and experience in training and competing to the St. Catharines Martial Arts Centre.