Derek Greene, Sandan
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Darren Pike, Sandan
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Roger Argus, Nidan
I originally started learning karate in 1980 at Long Beach State University and came to San Diego as an unranked
white belt. In 1986, I was promoted to Shodan and later to Nidan. I have been the dojo leader from 1989 to 2003.
I practice karate to enhance my life skills - perception, concentration, etc. When I am not practicing, I work as
the Regional Manager for a major environmental consulting company and spend time with my wife and three kids.
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Martin Vargas, Nidan
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Daniel Baird, Nidan
I joined the dojo via the Adult Education program in 1996. I had always wanted to learn a Martial Art, and in the
Winter of 1996, I finally decided to do something about it. It only took one class and I was hooked. I found
Shotokan to be a perfect match for my body and my mind, and with a very high ratio of Blackbelt instructors to
students, it was almost like private lessons. I have since gone on to win the Best Competitor award at Nisei Week
in 2003, and in 2004 I was selected to be a member of the US Kumite team fighting at the 40th Anniversary celebration
of France Shotokan.
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Peter Buerki, Shodan
I started practicing karate with Suisse Shotokan in 1992, because a friend talked me into it. Around the same time,
I embarked on a meditation year with a Buddhist monk in Switzerland and practiced Zazen for a year. In 1993, I moved
to Japan on business and had the opportunity to practice with a small group of senior SKA black belts at the Waseda
University dojo in Tokyo. This is where I met Ohshima-sensei and Senior Watanabe for the first time. I was so impressed
by these individuals that I decided to stick with karate despite the fact that I was never good at sports and learning
karate was a long struggle for me. In 1997, I moved to California and joined SKA. I am particularly interested in the
mental and Zen aspects of karate training, and the Japanese concept of Do. I have entered a stream following my seniors
on their path to perfection while leading my juniors on their path, being at the same time a student and a teacher,
always flowing and never arriving. Practicing karate is my way to further my spiritual development, to overcome my
physical and mental weaknesses, to become master of the house, with the ultimate goal of becoming a better person. Besides
learning karate, I am a PhD chemist, am married, and enjoy spending time with my little daughter.
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Philippe Couvignou, Shodan
In 1991, I discovered a Shotokan karate dojo in Pittsburgh, PA, where everyone was pushing very hard and strong. Later,
I came to understand that during practice we are also pushing ourselves mentally very hard by constantly challenging
our physical limits and by developing the power of the mind over the body. Traditional Shotokan karate is helping me
get both physically and mentally stronger, be more confident, and focus on the present in order to better achieve my
goals in life. Like my seniors have guided me and continue to inspire me, I am looking forward to helping my fellow
practitioners on the never ending path towards understanding the great martial art that is Shotokan karate. I live in
San Diego with my wonderful wife and two lovely boys.
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Dave Patterson, Shodan
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Jason Dedrick, Shodan
I began training through the Adult Education program and joined SKA in 1998. I wanted to learn some self defense
skills and have a more interesting workout than just going to the gym. I've learned a great deal from my seniors
here in San Diego and from other seniors in SKA, but realize I have just scratched the surface of all there is to
learn from karate. I am a researcher at UC Irvine, am married and have a daughter who is just learning her first
kata.
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Sanae Okada, Shodan
I have been interested in martial arts for a long time. When I was small, I practiced Kendo (Japanese swordsmanship)
and made it to Nidan. Many years later, after moving to California, I was looking for a Kendo teacher in my area, but
could not find a suitable club. I was suggested to try out karate instead. I joined SKA in 2001, became Shodan in
2006, and won the SKA Women's Southern California Jiyu Kumite Tournament in 2007. SKA is a great organization to belong
to, and I met so many great individuals who inspired me. I have a B.A. in international politics and am currently in
charge of multinational company accounts in the Sales department of a large Japanese electronics manufacturer.
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Tony Bianchi, Shodan
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Want to know more?
Talk to one of our black belts before or after
practice, or contact us by email:
info@sandiegoshotokan.org
