Meet the First woman in Norway who reach the 5th Dan Shinkyokushinkai : Bjordal Ingrid Shihan, Fana Karate club, Norway
Starting Kyokushin Karate i 1980, Bjordal Ingrid have more than one thing to celebrate this year. But lets talk about the classical term “I have trained in x number of years” In Bjordal Ingrid’s case – the numbers of practicing Kyokushin Karate is what is says. ⇓ Summer-camp Norway 1988, Ingrid in front of Steve Arneil
In other cases one can see that “I have trained Karate for 20 years” actually means that I have trained Karate, and during each year I have 2 months summer holiday, two weeks Christmas holiday, Easter.. Winter etc.. so one have to see behind the numbers, and and not least the content of each training year. ⇓ Summercamp 2023 with Sensei Magnus Hanssen and Mirjam Björklund
Bjordal Ingrid always uses the holidays to enter camps and seminars – together with the Dojo members of Fana Karate Club. Highly respected for always being present, and always taking the hard way. ⇓ Physical session with Kumiko Sunakawa Shihan and Mitsuhiro Izumi Sensei, Spring Camp Horten 2023
As mention, Ingrid Bjordal have a long life in the lines of Karate. And when it comes to teaching others – this is a chapter of its own. In a very early stage, Ingrid was one of the first that introduced full-contact Karate to children in Norway, and that with a safe introduction, filled with all the good values that Karate should have. ⇓ Summercamp with Annika Peterson Shihan and Cristian Boldut Shihan 2022
Building her own environment trough her own Dojo made the circle compete. Slowly but sure, the ranks did also raise – hand in hand with experience and countless hours. Shodan was taken in 1987, Nidan 1993, Sandan in the year 2000. Fana Karate-club operated as a branch of the neighboring club, and became 100% independent in 1991
Building up the knowledge in the Dojo, Howard Collins Shihan played a significant role. For many years he visited Fana and shared his extraordinary knowledge. And the visit was paid back, as Ingrid and Fana traveled to Sweden for more. ⇓ Howard Collins Shihan, one of many times visiting Fana.
Year after year passes by, but there are no slow down in the pace of dedication. More or less everybody knows for sure that every time a seminar, camp or similar activity is held – Fana will be there with Ingrid in the lead. ⇓ Summercamp 2018 Harris Wallmen Sensei and Marius Ilas Sensei
One of the most unique things about Ingrid is that she actually practices the Budo code to the fullest. Everyone knows that it is very easy to say (and believe) that you do it, but when it comes down to it – there are actually very few who can show the true face of Budo manners. This is passed down in the Dojo – and in the family as well.
⇑ Picture fro Summercamp in 2022 – everybody switched belts to keep in mind – first of all we respect people, not the grades. Mattis Bjordal (son of Ingrid) is following the footsteps and the tradition. The true values are the same, and the will to use time to live the life developing others – and himself. ⇓ Fana Dojo with Kumiko Sunakawa and Mitsuhiro Izumi 2024
In 2007, the same year as the Norwegian Shinkyokushin organisation was established – Ingrid was up to 4th. Dan. Building up a new organisation takes a lot of work, and one need many different skills distributed on different people. But the most important factors will be people one can trust, people who lead but not push others down to stand in front and shine – in other words one need Ingrid Bjordal Shihan – awarded 5th Dan 2025 ⇓ With Edit Abraham Shihan and Brigita Gustaitytė
The response from the Norwegian community has been far beyond anything we have ever seen before, and it is safe to say that the positive reactions are also pouring in from abroad. Not surprising since Ingrid has been to countless camps and seminars with foreign instructors. ⇓ Tomasz Basiak Shihan / Poland Ingrid Bjordal and Piotr Sztencel Sensei / Poland
The title Shihan is not for mastering kick and punch, or showing a higher Kata. It is a lot more heavier than so. It’s defines who you truly are. Therefore many have been called Shihan without the 5th Dan – and many will never be called Shihan – even with 5 Dan and more. Include not exclude. Support others not promote yourself. Build environment not split.
Bjordal Ingrid Shihan, you have been “Shihan” your whole life, you just did not know it!
