History of Shihan

Shihan Raymond Deschamps earned his first black belt in 1967 from Master Andre Langelier, in Ottawa, Canada. Master Langelier was the first to bring the Chito-Ryu system to Ottawa, and studied under Master Masami Tsuruoka, in Toronto, Canada.  Shihan Deschamps received his 2nd Dan in 1974 and 3rd Dan in 1981 all - under the tutelage of Master A Langelier. In 1982, Raymond affiliated with Master Bill Zahapoulas, 8th Dan, founder of Okinawa-Tai Karate-Doh Federation, from Athens, Greece.  Under Master Zahapoulas tutelage, he earned his 4th Dan in 1983, and his 5th Dan in 1985.  In 1987 he was asked to join the Yodansha Kobujitsu Karate-Doh Federation (Y.K.K.F), the International Martial Arts Federation of Japan (I.M.A.F) and was recognized and awarded his 6th Dan.  In 2008 he was awarded his 8th Dan at the World Kobudo Federation World Symposium in Charleville-Meziere, France.

Raymond also holds a 1st Dan black belt in Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, obtained in 1974 under Professor George Sylvain and Professor D. Wrobel of the Canadian International Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

Shihan actively participated in numerous national and international Martial Arts events (karate) over the past 35 years, accumulating hundreds of victories in Canada, the United States and Europe.  In 1987, he was chosen to represent Canada at the World Karate Championship (WAKO), held in Munich, Olympic Stadium, Germany.  The event was televised throughout Europe.  There were over 32 countries participating in his division. Shihan Deschamps won the silver medal as the top fighter in the world.

In 1988, Raymond received the special award from the city of Gloucester recognizing him as Athlete of the Year.  Beginning in 1988, he toured Europe participating in tournaments and gave seminars to local Martial Arts and Kickboxing Schools.  He has visited over 20 countries, and many European cities, where he has taught Martial Arts and Combat techniques.

Shihan Deschamps is considered one of the most successful fighters and martial arts instructors in the past 45 years.  His travels have allowed him to meet and learn from many Masters worldwide.  His teaching and training methods have produced some of the best Martial Artists around.