About
Our Dojo is located at 226 South Broadway in Denver. We have trained in the same location, and will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2024.
The building dates back to 1919 when it was a series of shops, and at one time was a meat market. The meat market sign was visible until a few years ago.
The building became a martial arts studio in 1966, and has been ever since. Sensei Yaguchi became the Chief Instructor in 1972 and remained so until 2016 when he decided to retire.
At the start of 2017 Dale and Ryu took over the business in the same location. Although it's not new, it's a location we have come love and revere. It is an authentic old style Dojo. The history and tradition inspires us to excel in our practice. Come in and see for yourself.
Instructors
Gordon McDaniel
Instructor
He is a 8th Degree Black Belt, ISKF Certified Instructor, Examiner and Judge. He is a 3 time National Senior Kata Champion. He joined the dojo in 1977. Mr. McDaniel has traveled all over the world competing, judging, and teaching. He has visited over 250 Dojo's.
Dale Weyant
Instructor
He has trained in Shotokan Karate for more than 36 years and is a seventh degree black belt. Karate training has changed his life for the better in many ways. He is honored to have the chance to share these benefits with others.
Tatsuun Ryu
Instructor
7th Dan. He is somewhat reserved and quiet in nature but relaxed and laid back. After Sensei Yaguchi's retirement, he became in charge of the technical discipline to carry on his legacy at ISKF Colorado (Denver Dojo) and Lone Tree Recreation Center.
Miyuki Kuroha
Instructor
She is a 6th Degree Black Belt, ISKF Certified Instructor, Examiner and Judge. In the ISKF titles, she is a 2 times World Shoto Cup Senior Kata champion (2012, 2016), Kumite runner-up in 2016 and 2014 Pan American Senior Kata Champion. Also she is a US National Senior Kata Champion from 2010 to the present, 2011 Senior Kumite Champion. In the world wide open tournament, she has 5 Kata champion titles. She started Karate at nearly 40 years old but still challenges and never gives up. Where there is a will, there is a way. Come and join us!!!
Andrew Morrell
Instructor
He has been studying Shotokan Karate for 22 years and has achieved the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt). He has graduated from the instructor training program and is ranked as a C level judge.
Instructor Trainees
John Serini
Instructor Trainee
He began his karate training in 1975. After retiring from a career as a Denver-based attorney, he resumed his training in 2006 with Shihan Yaguchi. He holds the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt) and is currently enrolled in the ISKF Instructor Training Program. He has won awards in several tournaments.
Herman "Hy" Dreksler
Instructor Trainee
He started Karate in New York in 1972 and earned his Shodan under Sensei Mori. He has received his Godan in Shotokan Karate under Sensei Yaguchi. He is also Shodan in Okinawan Karate Systems, and has trained in Jeet Kune Do. Although he retried, he remains to be the oldest Karataka in Mountain States region.
Seth Merrill
Instructor Trainee
He started training Shotokan Karate in 1989. Seth considers himself fortunate to have trained under some of the best Karate instructors in the United States, if not the world. Seth was an active competitor for many years, serving as a captain of the regional team and competing on the ISKF-US Team in Panama and Canada. He serves as president of the Mountain States Region Board of Directors.