Background
Higashi was born in Chemainus, British Columbia.
Higashi was born in Chemainus, British Columbia.
He is the current head of The Canadian Chitō-ryū Karate-dō Association, and the Technical Advisor for Karate Canada. Shane Higashi was inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2007. His family moved to Japan in 1946 and then later returned to Canada in 1956.
In 1961, he began studying Karate at 21 years of age under the instruction of Masami Tsuruoka.
He became his star pupil, earning his shodan in only one year. In 1965, Higashi received his 2nd Dan from Tsuyoshi Chitose, and then moved back to Japan in January 1966 to continue his training under Chitose.
In 1968 he received his 5th Dan from Chitose, and then, in 1972, he received his 6th Dan. Higashi was involved in the formulation of the Canadian Ryukyu Kobujutsu Association in 1995, and currently sits as the National Chief Instructor
In 1979, he received his 7th Dan, and was awarded Kyoshi-go.
In November 2008, Higashi was awarded his 9th Dan and the title of Hanshi, by Masami Tsuruoka.