HISTORICAL PROFILE
Yasunori Ono Sensei
Yasunori Ono Sensei is an important figure in the history connecting Waseda University karate, Ohshima Sensei, Norman Welch, and the formation of Canada Shotokan Karate.
Ono Sensei began karate practice at Waseda High School before continuing into the Waseda University Karate Club, one of the important university clubs connected to the development of Shotokan practice.
In 1966, Ono Sensei became the All Japan Student Karate Federation Champion. The following year, in 1967, he placed second and also served as captain of the Waseda University Karate Club.
After graduating in 1968, Ono Sensei travelled to Los Angeles to visit Ohshima Sensei. In 1969, he visited Toronto, where he met Norman Welch. That meeting became an important part of Canada Shotokan Karate history, as Ono Sensei introduced Norman Welch to Ohshima Sensei.
This connection helped lead to the formation of Canada Shotokan Karate in 1972. Ono Sensei has visited Canada Shotokan Karate many times over the years and has continued to support its development.
For students of Shotokan karate, Ono Sensei represents an important link between Japanese university karate, Ohshima Sensei, Norman Welch, and the growth of Canada Shotokan Karate in Canada.