About
A lifetime of practice. A patient, traditional approach.
Authentic Shotokan karate, taught one student at a time.
I am a second-degree black belt (Nidan) in traditional Shotokan karate, with my training rooted in the Shotokan Karate of America (SKA) tradition. After years of dedicated practice, I now offer private and semi-private instruction from a focused training space in San Diego.
My approach emphasizes discipline, respect, careful technique, and steady progression — the same values that have always defined Shotokan. Sessions are calm, structured, and adapted to each student's goals, whether that is confidence, fitness, self-defense, or serious karate study.
Because I work with one student or a small group at a time, every session is personal. There is time for correction, repetition, and the kind of attention that is impossible in a crowded room.
Lineage & Instructors
- 1996–2002 — SKA (Shotokan Karate Association): Sensei Shojiro Sugiyama / Hidetaka Nishiyama.
- 2003–2015 — SKIF (Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation): Hirokazu Kanazawa.
- 2015–present — SKA (Shotokan Karate of America): Tsutomu Ohshima (96 years old) — ska.org.
Direct instructors
- Godan Dave Lechuga
- Godan Tom Muzila
Credentials
Certificates & training history
Teaching values
What guides every session
Traditional Shotokan
Stances, basics (kihon), kata, and kumite practiced as the art was meant to be taught.
Discipline & respect
Etiquette and focus are part of training, not separate from it.
Personalized instruction
Small groups and private sessions allow real correction and progress.
Safe & beginner-friendly
A structured environment that meets students where they are.