The Shudokan Aboriginal Karate Club began as an idea of Calvin Helin (of the Tsimshian Nation). He has been studying Goju-Ryu karate with Sensei Toshiaki Nomada for over 30 years and aware of the positive contributions that karate can have on the development of young students. It was originally thought that the club could be a constructive means to teach discipline, manners, and instill self-confidence in Aboriginal students.

With this idea he approached Sensei Nomada who generously agreed to give of his extensive knowledge and experience by becoming the Chief Instructor. Sensei Nomada is assisted by several black belt assistant instructors.

The lessons and discipline of a rigorous martial arts training regimen can be transferred to any areas of endeavor. The club is now available to all Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students free of charge. Teenagers, young adults, and older students are encouraged to join in with the juniors to become healthier, stronger, and lead more enriched lives. The hope is to be able to train karate students to become instructors. As well, we would like to provide students the opportunity to learn from Masters brought from Japan and to be able to travel to Japan for training. Eventually, students that are interested will be encouraged to enter competitions.

Since its inception in 2002 Shudokan Aboriginal Karate Club has had over 600 students. In the long term, SAKC would like to train up as many Aboriginal students as possible to the instructor level. By doing this they may be able, in turn, to set up their own dojos (practice sites), and spread the benefits of karate throughout indigenous communities across the nation. On December 21, 2005 SAKC officially became part of the incorporated society Shudokan Karate & Education Canada Society. The past few years have demonstrated the benefits of a martial art like karate to encouraging kids to stay in school and aspiring to higher education. The society was formed to provide a stronger and more diversified base from which to build on current success. The official purposes of the society are:

1. To promote the development of Goju-Ryu Karate throughout Canada.
2. To assist impoverished children, inner city school kids, and adults to learn discipline, manners, and a healthier lifestyle.
3. To teach discipline, manners, and instill self-confidence in Aboriginal children through karate training and study.