Shihan Akio Minakami
Shihan means "master instructor" and only those with the highest levels of skill in both the art of Karate and the vocation of teaching, are awarded this honor. Shihan Minakami is a dedicated and enthusiastic practitioner and teacher of Karatedo he is also:
- President of Japan Karatedo Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai USA
- The first person to receive unanimous approval from the governing body of Karatedo in Japan, for certification as Shihan.
- 8th Dan, Karate, from Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai
- 7th Dan, Karate, from the Federation of All Japan Karatedo Organization
- 5th Dan, Chinen Yamanni Ryu Bojutsu, under Ryukyu Bujutsu Kenkyu Doyukai (RBKD)
- 3rd Dan, Kendo
- 1st Dan, Judo
Shihan Minakami founded the Minakami Karate Dojo, in Seattle, Washington, in 1985. Shihan has been teaching Karate in Seattle ever since.
It is Shihan's goal to teach traditional Japanese Karate and to pass his knowledge on to dedicated students who will learn and enjoy the techniques and attitudes of the true martial artist. He pursues this goal teaching at his Seattle Karate dojo, and also by traveling the world to teach martial arts seminars and perform demonstrations.
Shihan Chuck Sternod
Born 1940, Sternod Shihan, is a native of Butte, Montana. After serving 4 years in the U.S. Air Force, he relocated to Seattle in 1961. For over 42 years, he has been President of Sternod Enterprises, Inc., a Franchise Broker and Area Development Company.
In 1983 Shihan Minakami received his Shihan Certificate from both Japan Karatedo Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai and from the Federation of All Japan Karatedo Organization - FAJKO. The Federation of All Japan Karatedo Organization is the governing body for Karate in Japan. Shihan Minakami was the first individual ever to receive a unanimous passing grade, meaning all 11 Masters (representing the 4 major styles) on the examining board, gave him their approval. This is an amazing honor for which he will always be known.
Shidoin (Instructors)
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Walsh Sensei began training under Minakami Shihan in October of 1985, just a few months after the opening of the original MKD dojo in Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood. Though his initial exposure to martial arts was in 1973, studying Goju-kai karate with Sensei Bill Reuter, Walsh Sensei feels his training really began the day he walked into the UKO dojo (as it was known back then) and watched Minakami Shihan teach a class. He doesn’t undervalue his previous experience; after all, it enabled him to recognize a world-class martial arts teacher when he saw one. Walsh Sensei signed up that day and has been a student of Minakami Shihan ever since.
Since being promoted to Sandan in 1995, Walsh Sensei has been leading classes on a weekly basis. Today, he shares responsibility for judging at dojo promotions and serves on the MKD Advisory Council.
When not at the dojo, Walsh Sensei can most often be found at work, plying his trade as a builder of aluminum boats. Other interests include skiing, hiking and Nordic folk dancing.
Walsh Sensei feels extremely fortunate to be involved in martial arts training, especially as a student of Minakami Shihan. He is inspired by Shihan’s constant development of mind, body, and spirit and plans to keep to “The Way” as long as he draws breath. His goal is not to grow old gracefully, but rather with attitude, a martial artist’s attitude.
Gunville Sensei is a Seattle native having begun his martial arts training in 1974 under Shihan Minakami. In 1977 Gunville Sensei moved to California and while living in Santa Ana had the opportunity to train at the dojo of Shihan Fumio Demura. After completing his Master's degree in Social Work he returned to Seattle and in 1984 resumed his martial arts training with Shihan Minakami.
In 1998 Gunville Sensei began the study and practice of Iai (drawing the sword from its scabbard, cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade, and then returning the sword into the scabbard). In 2002 he traveled to Japan to test with the All Japan Kendo Federation and was awarded Shodan in Seitei Iai. Two years later he received his 5th Dan in Hayashi-ha Shito-ryu Kai.
Gunville Sensei is very appreciative of all that Shihan Minakami has shared over the years of his tremendous skill and insight about the martial arts. He cherishes the many opportunities to have been able train with so many dedicated students and can assert that the samurai spirit is very much alive at Minakami Karate. Gunville Sensei believes there is no end sight to training both inside or outside the dojo; that the true goal is always in the process and that this is where one will find their toughest opponent, themselves.
Munroe Sensei still remembers the arduous task of training an out of shape and abused body the principles of physical and mental discipline. That process started 30 plus years ago and he feels most blessed to continue in the practice of the art despite advancing age. He explains "I have been able to stay in condition with flexibility and don’t feel I have lost that much speed over the years due to my consistency."
He originally started his training with Shihan Minakami and rejoined this organization over five years ago. He believes Shihan Minakami's commitment to the art and being recognized as one the premier practitioners in the world is all the more reason MKD has an effective and respected program of Karatedo. Munroe sensei feels that all who seek the higher levels of Shitoryu karate will find this environment the premier place to attain their goal and that having trained under half a dozen instructors, no one has had the knowledge or skill set of Shihan Minakami.
Setijono Sensei began training in Goju-Kai karate in 1968 in Hong Kong. In 1970 at the age of 12, he received his shodan from Soke Gogen Yamaguchi. In 1974, Setijono Sensei came to Seattle to attend college, and in 1975 while attending Highline Community College, he joined the Japan Karate Federation karate club, a Shito-Ryu style headed by Junki Yoshida Sensei and Ferdi Orbino Sensei. While attending the University of Washington in 1978, Setijono Sensei and Orbino Sensei started the UW Asian Student Association Karate Club. This club became the biggest martial arts club on the UW campus. In the early 1980’s Japan Karate Federation joined Ryobukai under Sensei Kiyoshi Yamasaki. Setijono Sensei was able to train under Yamasaki Sensei at his Anaheim dojo.
In 1985, Setijono Sensei and Jimmie Sornito sensei (a Hayashiha Shito-Ryu stylist) started Northwest Shito-Ryu, a non-profit karate school and the school is currently still operating in the City of Newcastle. In early 2010, Setijono Sensei joined Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai under Shihan Minakami. Setijono Sensei currently trains at the hombu dojo
twice a week in addition to teaching at the Newcastle dojo three times a week.
Throughout his karate career, Setijono Sensei was very active in karate tournaments, where he competed and won many local, regional and national tournaments in kumite and kata.
Setijono Sensei is a graduate of University of Washington in Architecture and Construction Management. He currently resides in Bellevue and is the managing partner of a Seattle based construction company. He is also currently a board member of a few non-profit organizations in the Seattle area assisting in fund raising for the non-profit organizations.
Decker Sensei began studying martial arts in Shotokan in 1979. He studied under Andre' Dulce Sensei at the Washington Shotokan Association, Bellevue, WA dojo. Dulce Sensei taught Decker Sensei the traditional stances, punches and kicks. Attaining the rank of purple belt, Decker Sensei went off to college at the University of Washington. At the University of Washington Decker Sensei studied Tae kwon Do under Master Leon Preston for 4 years. Master Preston taught Decker Sensei how to kick and compete in completions.
After many years of searching for the right martial art, Decker Sensei started Hayashi-ha Shito Ryu training with Shihan Minakami at the Minakami Karate dojo in Seattle, Washington in 1997. He received his San-Dan in 2006. Teaching and training at the Minakami Karate dojo keeps my body in shape, my mind focused and energy up, says Decker Sensei. Shihan Minakami continues to teach us how to move our bodies quickly as we get older and maintain our energy.
Some of Decker Sensei's passions are serving God, being a husband, dad, and commercial real estate developer, plus all the other fun stuff; travel, scuba diving, skiing, hiking, biking, and running on the beach.
Sensei Creech began his training back in the 1960s when there were few schools from which to choose. Tae Kwon Do was his chosen field of study at the time. Sensei Creech is a retired YMCA professional who established schools usually in the cities where he was assigned to work such as Asheville & Greensboro, North Carolina, Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA, and now Seattle, WA.
Sensei Creech currently runs a karate program for a non-profit agency that teaches 200+ elementary school children weekly in the art of Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai in Bellevue, Renton, and Issaquah, Washington. He currently serves as President of the Advisory Council for the Minakami Karate Dojo in Seatle, Washington. Sensei Creech is extremely grateful to be associated with Minakami Karate Dojo both as a student and as a trusted advisory member.
Pat Sensei beagan his karate training exclusivley with Shihan Minakami in 1995 with the original intention of being a supportive father to his 5 year old karate-ka son. Pat Sensei soon dedicated himself to practcing with Shihan Minakami, and has been doing so since the spring of 1995. Through hard training Pat Sensei achieved Sandan and now teaches an all-level karate class and a Yamani Ryu bo kobujitsu (weapons) class.
Pat Sensei recognizes that true martial art sprit must come from within but only through diligent study with a master such as Shihan Minakami can it flourish and grow. Pat Sensei will forever be in debt to Shihan Minakami for his pateince and support in his continuing study of the art of karate. It is with extrmeme pride that Pat Sensei claims Minakami Karate as his dojo.
Fuku Shidoin (Assistant Instructors)
John Gough currently holds the rank of Nidan and has been practicing martial arts since 2000; a member of Minakami Karate Dojo since 2002. When he moved Seattle at the end of 2001 from the Midwest, it was important for him to find a new karate dojo to continue his martial arts training. After visiting a number of karate schools in Seattle, he found himself dissatisfied with all of them because of the lack of atmosphere and spirit which he felt was important in karate training. John found what he was looking for at Minakami Karate Dojo. The energy and enthusiasm of the students currently practicing during his visit was exactly what he wanted in a karate school and he knew immediately that Minakami Karate was the place where he wanted to continue his training. When he finally met Shihan Minakami, he knew that he had made the right choice. Aside from raising two young children, who are also training in the mighty mites and junior classes, John's wife has also recently began training at the dojo. John usually attends classes a few times a week: sai where he's an instructor, and kata on Tuesday, assisting mighty mites and juniors on Saturday and just about any other time his schedule will accommodate.
Angela Parvanta has been interested in martial arts since she was a young child. Her father's enthusiasm for Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee films likely played a part in sparking this interest. She remembers watching martial arts movies with her family as a kid and thinking afterwards, "Wow, I wish I could do that!"
However, it was not until she started college that she had the opportunity to begin studying martial arts. In January 2004, Angela began studying karate under Sensei Sean Roberts of Minakami Karate Hawaii. It started as a hobby but soon developed into a passion. The martial arts she learned was not like what she saw in the movies. It was much, much better. She learned that karate is more than just a sport with kicks, punches and other cool moves that make you feel strong. It is about making yourself a better person. Developing good etiquette, skillfulness, awareness and courtesy.
After graduating from the University of Hawaii in 2007, she moved to Seattle where she now works as the Minakami Karate General Administrator and assistant instructor, and trains and teaches 6 days a week. She currently leads the Mega Bites (ages 3-4) and Mighty Mites (ages 4-7) classes and assists under Shihan Minakami in the Junior (ages 7-14) and Adult All Level (ages 15+) classes. For her, karate is not just a hobby or a passion, it is a way of living life.
Harvey Moul currently holds the rank of Nidan, and his martial arts background dates back to the early 80’s when he studied Hapkido in Del Rio, Texas, while enlisted in the US Air Force. After being discharged he studied Kenpo Karate at Northwestern Karate in Medford, Oregon, where he learned the basics of using the bo, nunchakus, and escrima. After competing on the amateur circuit for a couple years up and down the west coast, Harvey stopped training in order to focus on college full time at Oregon Institute of Technology, graduating in 1988 with a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology. Returning to martial arts in 1999, his first year at the dojo saw him training regularly even though he had to have his right knee reconstructed from a skiing injury from nearly a decade earlier. Earning the rank of Shodan-Ho in 2002, Harvey Moul is an enthusiast of weapons and kata.
Currently employed at Panasonic as a Quality Engineer, Harvey Moul is married with no children. Current hobbies include scuba diving, underwater photography, shooting, travel, and gourmet cooking. When not engaged in one of his primary hobbies, he plays video games (poorly but enthusiastically) and reads extensively. When teaching, Harvey likes people to have fun during class, even when working very hard, and believes that far more important than the physical mastery of martial arts is the mental training it develops.
Carlos Aviado started his Karate training in August of 1993 at the Northwest Shito-Ryu Karate Association under Sensei Herman Setijono and Sensei Jimmy Sornito. During this time he also attended various martial arts clubs at John F. Kennedy High School, gaining exposure to Choy Lay Fut Kung-Fu, Tae Kwon Do, and Goju-Ryu Karate. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1999 and attended Bellevue Community College. While still keeping up with his training in Shito-Ryu, he attended Karate Classes at Bellevue Community College under Bret Hartwig, teaching Okinawan Goju-Ryu.
In April of 2000, Carlos enlisted in the US Army Reserves and attended Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, SC. When his training was completed, he returned to Washington State to resume his training in Shito-Ryu Karate. Later he attended Seattle Central Community College where he studied Goju-Ryu under Sensei Boyd Gittins and helped establish the SCCC Karate-Do Club. In December of 2004, Carlos began training in Kenshin-Ryu Kobudo under Sensei Clifton Jackson, who also taught him Shito-Ryu Kata.
Carlos was called to active duty in 2006 and completed a tour in Iraq where he served as a Postal Sergeant. While there Carlos taught karate and learned Tai Chi Chuan from Sifu Doug Jaques. Upon his return home in 2007 Carlos continued his karate and kobudo training with Sensei Jackson and was introduced to Sensei Charles Creech and Shihan Akio Minakami. Sensei Creech teaches karate and administers karate programs as part of Eastside Enrichment, a non-profit organization that provides after school activities to elementary schools in the Renton Highlands Area. Carlos now serves as an Eastside Enrichment Karate instructor, regularly attends classes at the Minakami Karate Dojo, and assists with the MKD Demo team.
Izumi Kuroiwa has been training at Minakami Karate Dojo since 1998 when she was already in her mid-forties. While growing up in Japan, and since she moved to the U.S., she has always been interested in Japanese martial arts and the way of samurai. The opportunity to study martial arts did not surface until she enrolled her two daughters and herself at Minakami Karate Dojo. When Izumi was awarded her first black belt in 2005, she realized that her true martial art training had just begun, and it would be a process of life-long learning. Despite her age and petite stature, she understood power and strength can be generated through the use of a trained body and mind. That, in turn, gave her confidence and mental calmness in adverse conditions. It also helps her concentration and endurance when working as a professional interpreter. All this has been achieved by the patient teaching of Minakami Shihan and his dedicated students. She would like to share what she learned to those who don’t think it’s possible. Izumi also enjoys creating art, listening to music, traveling and sharing good food with her family.
Andy began his study of martial arts in MI in 1992 training in Tae Kwan Do in High School and also briefly in Judo at Western Michigan University. He became serious about his training in 1996 when he began studying Kobudo and Shitoryu Karate, at Michigan Technological University under Sensei Quazi Habib of Bangladesh.
After completing his BS and MS in Chemistry in 1998 he moved to Corvallis, OR where he began training in Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai Karate as well as Kobudo under Shihan Reed Noss and Sensei Myra Noss. While at Oregon State he was an assistant instructor for the Oregon State University Karate PAC (physical activity course) for several years, and served as main instructor for the 2002-2003 academic year. During this time he also co-taught Kumite and Kobudo at Noss Karate.
Andy completed his Ph.D. in Molecular Toxicology in late 2003 and moved to Portland where he conducted research at Oregon Health and Sciences University which included frequent trips to the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Light Source. While in Portland Andy trained in IOGKF Gojuryu under Sensei Robert Ellis and Kendo at the Obukan.
After moving to Seattle in 2008, to work as a research scientist at Seattle Children's Hospital, Andy trained infrequently until coming to the Minakami Dojo in early 2010. Shihan Minakami and his students inspired him to rededicate himself to his training, through their tireless commitment to practicing Karate as a true martial art. Andy currently holds a Nidan in Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai Karate, Nidan in IOGKF Goju Ryu Karate, a Shodan in Kenshin Ryu Kobudo, and a Shodan in Yammani Ryu Kobudo,
Phuc “Paul” Tram began his martial arts training under a friend while in at the University of Washington. He was eventually advised to seek formal training at a dojo and eventually went on to train under Tim Cabading-sensei at the Washington State Karate-ka Organization. When Cabading-sensei stopped teaching a few years later, Paul met Minakami Shihan and joined the Minakami Karate Dojo at the recommendation of a close friend whom he had trained with.
Paul currently holds the rank of Shodan. He assists in teaching the All Levels class at the dojo as well as teaching Kata, Kumite and Bo at the Minakami Karate satellite schools, headed up by Charles Creech-sensei.
Chip Hamilton started studying Shotokan Karate in 1963. His first dojo emphasized the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of martial arts. When he went off to college, he had a lot of trouble finding another dojo with a similar focus. He studied Aikido, Judo, and various other martial arts still looking for the "right" dojo. Eventually he found his way to Minakami Karate Dojo in 2004. He currently holds the rank of shodan. He has a special interest in Kobudo, and martial arts weapons.
Chip graduated from Florida State University in 1978 with a BA in Communications. He then attended massage school. While practicing massage he became more interested in the human body and decided to attend chiropractic school. He graduated from Life Chiropractic College in Atlanta Georgia with a doctorate in Chiropractic in 1989. His wife Wini, is a chiropractor as well, also holds the rank of shodan at Minakami Karate Dojo.
When his two kids were young, the entire family studied karate together. Chip says, "Minakami Karate Dojo is a great place for families to train together. The values taught here help to instill in kids a positive work ethic, discipline (both mental as well as physical), and the confidence to go out into the world knowing they can defend themselves. If every child could train here at Minakami Karate Dojo, the world would be a better place! "