Don Benoit Awarded 8th Degree Hachidan and Title of Kyoshi - September 19, 2004

The following is a presentation that what was read at the private award ceremony.

In the late 1950's and early into the 1960's, Bob Dalgleish trained with a number of notable martial artists including:

• Tsaroka Sensei, Now 9th Degree Tsuroka-Do
• Nakayama Sensei, Past Chief Reprsentative for Shotokan in USA
• Mas Oyama, Founder of Kyokushinkai
• Peter Urban, founder of USA Goju - 10th degree
• Gosei Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi Goju Representative for USA

as well as many others throughout his life.

It is also important, who Dalgleish Renshi brought up through the ranks:

• Yogi Israel
• Don Gauthier
• Bill Hind
• Don Warrener
• Ken Tallack
• and of course Don Benoit

A breif history of Yogi Israel shows he trained in New York City in Martial Arts and Yogo. In the 70's he started training Ruth Dalgeish, Bob's wife. Yogi earned the respect of Sensei Dalgleish and moved to the Black Belt ranks. When Dalgleish died in 1978, the Canadian Goju style was left to his students Yogi Israel Segarra, Don Gauthier, Don Benoit, Bill Hinds & Don Warrener to continue to the very best of their ability to promote the martial arts favorably to the general population.

Yogi was then free to practice Goju the way he saw it. Yogi's Goju went through an evolutionary process within his own group. His great work with Goju was noticed and he was officially recognized as First Founder and 10th Degree by Peter Urban. He was also recognized by the World Sokeship Council which bestowed upon Yogi Israel the title of Hanshi.

Don Benoit's history takes him from Shodan in 1975 to Nidan in 1977 under Bob Dalgleish. In 1980 Don was awarded Sandan by Richard Kim , Dai Nippon Butokukai Representative in USA. In 1986 Yogi Israel awarded Don Benoit the rank of Yondan. While a member of the AMAA Don was awarded the rank of Godan in 1990 and Rokyudan in 1996 by the NKA and WKF.

In 2002 Don received NKA and WKA dan recognition and in 2003 received style recognition.

With an overall membership around 300, he oversees dojos in two provinces and multiple locations. He has two past world Championships, has developed multiple world and provincial champions and is currently sought after for his expertise by Karate Ontario and the NKA for Judging and refereeing.

Gosei Yamaguchi has recognized Don Benoit's ability, dedication and contribution to the martial arts in Sudbury, across North America and beyond.

Hanshi Israel noted that Shihan Benoit is always under a caring and watchful eye.

On September 19, 2004 Hanshi Yogi Israel in a small private ceremony acknowledged the accomplishments, dedication and sacrifices that Shihan Benoit has made to Martial Arts and Goju-Ryu Karate, and awarded him the rank of 8th Degree, Hachidan and the title of Kyoshi of Benoit's Goju Ryu Karate-Do.