Shihan Darren Hunter

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Shihan Darren Hunter is a 6th-degree black belt (Rokkudan) in Shorinjiryu Kentokukan Karatedo and the official representative of the system in Ontario. A lifelong martial artist and senior instructor, he previously served as the Technical Director for the International Budo Institute (Ontario), and has earned black belt rankings across multiple Japanese and Chinese martial disciplines.

Shihan Hunter holds a 5th-degree black belt (Godan) and Shihan title in Shorinjiryu Bubishido Karatedo; a 1st-degree black belt (Shodan) in Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo; 3rd-degree black belt (Sandan) in Kosen Judo under Hanshi Hiroshi Nakamura (9th Dan, Kodokan Judo); a 4th-degree black belt (Yondan) in Japanese Jujutsu; and a 4th Kyu in Aikido under Sensei David Yates (6th Dan, Kanata Aikikai). He is also a Level 2 Commando Krav Maga instructor. (Moni Aizik, founder of Commando Krav Maga)

From 2007 to 2016, Shihan Hunter operated the Shuyokan Dojo from three locations in the Toronto/Newmarket region, teaching Karatedo, Judo, Jujutsu, Catch Wrestling, Sambo, and No-Gi Grappling. His training background spans the Japanese arts of Karatedo, Judo, Jujutsu, Aikido, Kendo, and Kenjutsu, as well as the Chinese arts of Tai Chi and Shuai Chiao. He has also been exposed to the Wu Jing combat system used by the People’s Republic of China’s special military police.

Beginning his martial arts journey in 1988 in Montreal under Shinan Wayne Donivan (9th Dan)—with whom he continues to train—Shihan Hunter has since competed internationally, representing Canada at the 1996 European/Dutch Open Koshiki Karatedo Championships, where he placed 5th in Shiai (fighting). He also studied Judo under Hanshi Hiroshi Nakamura, one of Canada’s most respected Judo masters.

Beyond the dojo, Shihan Hunter brings decades of professional experience in security and defensive tactics. He has completed coursework in criminology at the University of Calgary, has maintained First Aid/CPR certification since 1986, and has earned multiple qualifications in the security and hospitality sectors. He received a special commendation from Marriott Hotels International for his security planning during the 2002 G8 Summit in Calgary. He currently serves as an Area Trainer and Use-of-Force Instructor for Securitas Canada in Ottawa, Ontario.

Dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate about the lifelong study of Budo, Shihan Darren Hunter continues to share his expertise with students of all ages and backgrounds, preserving tradition while promoting effective, modern self-defense training.