Sensei Andy Pruim is a 5th Dan Black Belt who began his Karate training in 1972.  Sensei Pruim founded Shotowa Karate in Victoria in the early 80's with his brother Wally.  Since relocating to the Vancouver area he has been very active in teaching and training.  Sensei Pruim is a recognized expert in traditional Shotokan Karate and Kobudo who has trained in Japan with some of the world's foremost Karate masters including Kanazawa Sensei.  Sensei Pruim also founded one of the few Naginata schools in Canada after training with Kimura Sensei.  In addition Sensei Pruim has had several historical and technical articles published in Black Belt magazine and has hosted an instructional TV series on his art.