James Luk

James Luk

Shidoin

Instructor

James Luk started traditional Shotokan Karate training at the young age of 6 at the world famous Shoto Juku Dojo under Shihan Kai Leung. Over the last 20 years of continuous karate training, Sensei Luk has achieved the rank of Yon-Dan (4th Degree Black Belt) and has become one of Shihan Leung’s highest ranked disciples. Sensei Luk is an excellent technician who specializes in Kata (forms) and has been teaching for Shihan Leung since 2000. Sensei Luk is also a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu under Shotojuku and Renzo Gracie Black Belt Doug Pelinkovic.

In addition to Martial Arts, James Luk has been dedicated to the traditional arts of Peking Opera, Chinese Acrobatics, and Chinese Folk Dance. James joined the New York Chinese Cultural Center in 1996 to learn Peking Opera from Bai Ge (currently with Cirque de Soleil, Ka) and Chinese Acrobatics from Xu Tong Shan (Shanghai Dance Academy). Shortly after joining NYCCC, James was recruited as a guest performer and frequently performs with the dance company, Dance China New York (formerly known as New York Chinese Folk Dance Company) performing in all genres of Chinese Folk Dance and Peking Opera.

Our Trainers

Shihan Kai Leung

Master Instructor of the Shotojuku

Shihan Kai Leung, Master Instructor of the Shotojuku, is a founding member of the International Shotokai Karate-do Federation. His dojo is the Federation Headquarters. Shihan started training in the martial arts in 1964, obtained his black belt in 1967, and began formally teaching in the early 70's.

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    Bernard Clemons

    Instructor

    Mr. Bernard Clemons is an outstanding Karate and Kobudo practitioner. Not only is he a career martial artist, but is also one of the top weapon experts in the country. Mr. Clemons studied for many years, developed into an excellent instructor of the martial arts. He has also won many grand championships with his weapon katas.

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      Elena Kaminskaia

      Teacher

      Ms. Elena Kaminskaia has been studying karate with Shihan Kai Leung for over 20 years and she is one of Shotojuku’s highest ranking women black belts who possesses a great deal of knowledge and skills. She has competed in many karate tournaments over the years and has won many awards.

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        Lucy Lora

        Senior Advisor to Shihan Leung

        Ms. Lucy Lora originally started training in martial arts under Master Toyotaro Miyazaki of the renowned Tokutai Dojo in Flushing New York. She joined the Shotojuku dojo in Astoria New York in 1982 and became one of the highest ranking disciples of Shihan Kai Leung.

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          James Luk

          Instructor

          James Luk started traditional Shotokan Karate training at the young age of 6 at the world famous Shoto Juku Dojo under Shihan Kai Leung. Over the last 20 years of continuous karate training, Sensei Luk has achieved the rank of Yon-Dan (4th Degree Black Belt) and has become one of Shihan Leung's highest ranked disciples.

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            Edward Nieto

            Instructor

            Mr. Edward Nieto started martial arts with Shihan at the age of eight. Mr. Nieto is known as one of Shihan's top students and an excellent Instructor of martial arts. He is known as a tournament champion and his most recent accomplishments are a gold medal at the 2006 USANKF Junior Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2006 AAU Nationals. Besides helping Shihan everyday with the running of the Dojo, he is also the captain of our competition team.

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