I started karate under the Japan Karate Association while in the Seminary in about 1968. I have attended instruction in Japan, Baltimore, Trenton, Los Angeles, Denver and Albuquerque. My first black belt was awarded in 1983. In 2015 I was awarded my 5th degree black belt at our national camp in Panama. My local club is JKA of New Mexico on Eagle Rock Avenue in Albuquerque. Recently I attended the 2017 JKA World Championships in Ireland where two of our high school students received 2nd and 3rd place medals in their divisions in free sparring (kumite.) My current teacher (Sensei) is Master Yasuaki Nagatomo, a 7th degree black belt. You can learn more about our non-profit club (New Mexico Karate Association) at www.stancefinder.com. You can see what isn going on in the National Japan Karate Association W/F America at www.jkawfamerica.com
