Help Lahaina Karate Club After Tragic Wildfires

Hi, my name is Cory Hastings and I am the head sensei at Hastings Martial Arts.

The Lahaina Dojo and its members have recently been devastated by the wildfires in Maui. In the years leading up to this event, the Lahaina Dojo graciously opened its doors to our members, inviting them to train in karate whenever they visited the area. They have always been incredibly kind and generous, exemplifying the true spirit of karate-do.

With the recent catastrophes, many members have lost their homes and suffered unimaginable losses. Practitioners of karate-do understand that it is not only an art form but a way of life. Hastings Martial Arts, with the approval of Lahaina Dojo Sensei Walter Chihara, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign where 100% of the funds raised will go directly to the Lahaina Dojo and its members to help them through these unprecedented times. I wholeheartedly support this fundraiser and wish the people of Lahaina health and happiness. Please consider supporting this fundraiser and helping the members of the Lahaina Dojo.

All funds will be converted from Canadian dollars to US dollars and transferred directly to Sensei Walter Chihara's bank account for his discretion in use for the club and its members.

Do mo arigato gozaimasu.

Cory Hastings Sensei

5th Dan

Hastings Martial Arts

Here are two personal stories from members of our club who have been welcomed, in the true spirit of karate, by Walter sensei and his club:

"In April 2022, I had the privilege of training at the Lahaina Dojo in Maui, Hawaii. It marked my first international training experience, and Walter Chihara Sensei warmly welcomed me. I felt like a part of the local community, as all the instructors and karate-ka embraced me. The Lahaina Dojo's deep roots in the community were evident, and they generously shared their knowledge and experiences with their guests. This humbling experience left me with a lasting sense of acceptance.

When I first heard about the Lahaina fires, my thoughts immediately turned to the Lahaina community and the dojo members. Later, I discovered that most, if not all, had lost their homes in the disaster. It's unfortunate that a community known for its hospitality and inclusivity had to endure such a tragedy. My heart goes out to all the Karate-ka and community members in Lahaina. The Hastings Martial Arts Dojo on Vancouver Island will train with the spirit of Aloha in our hearts, hoping to send positive thoughts to aid in the recovery process. "Icharibe Chode," an Okinawan saying, means, "Though we meet but once, even by chance, we are friends for life."

Jordan Lim

Hastings Martial Arts

San Dan (3rd Dan) Instructor"

"My name is Corrie Graboski, and I train at Hastings Martial Arts in North Saanich, BC, along with my two teenagers. We've had the privilege of training with Walter Chihara Sensei at the Lahaina karate dojo in Maui on several occasions.

As many of you may already know, Lahaina was recently devastated by a destructive fire that claimed the lives of nearly 100 people and reduced the town to ashes. While we are grateful that all the members of the karate dojo survived, they have tragically lost their homes, and the dojo itself has been lost.

The Lahaina dojo has always epitomized the true spirit of karate, fostering an environment of knowledge sharing, support, and encouragement. Walter Sensei graciously opened his doors to welcome my kids and me with kindness. The fellow karate-ka were exceptionally supportive as we prepared for our Shodan, which we successfully achieved in June 2023. Each class, Walter Sensei would express his gratitude for us attending, but it was truly us who were thankful for the incredible instruction we received.

Thank you for your support.

Corrie Graboski

Physician, 1st dan, Shotokan

Hastings Martial Arts"