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Sam Sensei started in karate in 1982. He started training with Lee Gray Sensei in 1983.
In 1992, Sam Sensei started teaching his first small group. He's taught classes for children and adults since then.
He's been a guest instructor at other schools, taught youth organizations, women's self-defense, given seminars open to the public, and held seminars with Marine Corps recruiters and recruits. He's also attended numerous seminars and had the honor to train with some notable karateka over the years.
Sam Sensei has also received training in Okinawan kobujutsu (weapons), and Jo jutsu (short staff) which originated in mainland Japan. Okinawan weapons include the bo (staff), sai, tonfa, jo, and cane.
When he reached the 10 year point in his karate training, he attended the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. His goal was to increase his knowledge so he could benefit his students and friends. There he earned a certification in acupressure and massage with a specialization in sports therapy. He also studied fitness training and strength training. Because of this, he has a unique understanding of physiology, body movement, and mechanics not often found in martial arts instructors.
To understand why he believes in the benefits of karate, we'd like to share a story from his life.
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Over 25 years ago, I was in a motorcycle accident resulting in severe muscular and nerve damage to a leg. The doctors informed me I would not be able to engage in any strenuous activity because of these injuries. In fact, I was told sports activities were an impossibility. So they sent me home with a cane and no rehabilitative therapy as the doctors felt physical therapy would not be of any benefit for the injury.
With the help of my Sensei, Lee Gray, Goju-ryu karate became my physical therapy. Through training, the leg recovered to a point after a few years where people could no longer tell I’d been injured. I credits God, my Sensei, and Goju-ryu karate for allowing me to defy the doctor's prognosis. This has made me firmly believe in the health benefits of correct training in the martial arts.
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