Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai Singapore was founded in 1999 by the late Shihan Michael Sim, a lifelong martial artist who believed karate was more than sport — it was a way to grow as a person. From his youth as a competitor to his years as a coach, he lived the values of discipline, respect, and resilience.
Shihan Michael’s legacy continues through our dojo today: a place where students 17 and above train to sharpen not only their skills, but their focus, confidence, and character.
We remain closely connected to our Honbu Dojo (Main Dojo) in Osaka, Japan, ensuring that every technique, kata, and principle stays true to the tradition of Soke Teruo Hayashi, the founder of Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai.



Began karate at age 15, earned black belt in 3 years.
Represented Singapore internationally, winning top spots in kata and kumite.
Known for his generosity and passion: he often let financially challenged students train first, pay later.
Saw karate not just as fighting, but as a way of life.
In 1999, he founded Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai Singapore to pass on these values to future generations.
Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai was founded in 1970 by Soke Teruo Hayashi, a versatile martial artist who studied across Okinawa, Japan, and China. He blended kata and fighting methods from multiple traditions — including Shuri, Tomari, Ryuei Ryu, Judo, and Shitoryu — into one comprehensive system.
His legacy continues worldwide, with dojos across Japan, Spain, Australia, Africa, and Singapore. Until his passing, Soke Hayashi traveled the world, teaching and inspiring students across cultures.


Former SEA Games athlete who has represented Singapore internationally, Gim Kai now coaches the club’s kumite fighters, preparing the next generation for competition success.

A dedicated instructor with deep expertise in traditional kata, Zhong Ming leads the club’s kata coaching and prepares students for competition performance.

National champion and Program Director of the Little Warriors initiative, Nicholas blends traditional karate training with modern approaches to build resilience, focus, and growth in young adults.

Previously serving as SIT’s dojo sensei, Red now supports the club in an administrative capacity, ensuring smooth operations and continued growth behind the scenes.

Chief Instructor with over 30 years of experience, Sensei Kim Song leads Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai Singapore with a focus on discipline, respect, and character-building, mentoring generations of karateka through authentic Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu Karate tradition.