S hihan Isao Yabunaka began studying karate with Hanshi Gogen Yamaguchi , who had brought Chojun Miyagi over from Okinawa to establish Goju Ryu karate in Japan. Yabunaka was also a student of Hanshi Shuji Tasaki , who founded Goju-ryu Seiwa Kai  in 1971.

Shihan Isao Yabunaka came to Canada (Vancouver, British Columbia) in 1971. In 1972, he attained the rank of Shidoin (3rd Dan, Instructor degree) and started the first Seiwa Kai dojo at the Renfrew Community Centre. By 1975 Yabunaka was promoted to Jokyo, and achieved the rank of Shihan Renshi (5th Dan Master degree) in 1978.

In 1989, Shihan Yabunaka moved to Ingersoll, Ontario and established the dojo at Cami Recreational Centre, where he still teaches. In 1997 he achieved the rank of Kyoshi (7th Dan).

In 1998, he established Seiwa Kai North America; he oversees all dojos across Canada and the United States on behalf of Tasaki Hanshi. There are Seiwa Kai dojos in Vancouver, Squamish and Whiterock in B.C.; Calagary, Alberta; Stockton, California; St. Louis, Missouri; Ingersoll, Hamilton and Woodstock in Ontario. Kyoshi Isao Yabunaka also works on the Technical Committe of Karate Ontario to develop standards of excellence in karate.

My Seiwa Kai philosophy is:

Learn from Karate - have a “be strict with yourself” (never give up) spirit and; help and support each other.

This is my vision for the organization of Seiwa Kai across North America. I really believe if we keep this philosophy in mind we can all expect good health and a good future. OOOSS!!!

by Shihan Isao Yabunaka