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.
Shihan Leung Yoko Geri, 1987
Shihan Leung teaching student Aidan Lok a Goju-Ryu style kata, 2013
Shihan Leung (r) training at Coney Island in 1975
Shihan’s countless accolades over the past four decades include top ten ranking by Karate Illustrated Magazine in 1982 and the all American Open Championships in 1984, which he won at Madison Square Garden.
Shihan Leung at the 1984 All-American Championships
As a former karate tournament champion and widely recognized expert in self defense. Shihan has taught Shotokan karate-do for Master Toyotaro Miyazaki for many years, establishing himself as Master Miyazaki’s highest ranking disciple and most well known instructor.
Shihan Leung (r) with top students Steve “Tank” Ganiaris (l) and Gene Dunn (c)
Ganiaris: AAU Heavyweight Champion • Dunn: USAKF Heavyweight Champion
He continues to produce some of the country’s most outstanding students, many of whom have gone on to become National and international champions, karate teachers and self defense instructors.
Shihan Leung competing in the early ’80s
Shihan Leung practicing Hojo Undo
with Nigiri Game
Shihan Leung and Lara Diaz
Seipai kata techniques
Shihan Leung officiating kumite match
His commitment as an instructor has brought him to teach at a number of colleges, including the karate instructor’s certificate program at (L.I.U.) Long Island University. He has taught at L.I.U. for more then fifteen years, during which time generation of karate instructors were exposed to his unique gift as a teacher and experience practitioner of martial arts.
Sai Kata 1982
Kankusho Kata 1982
Shihan is well known and recognized as one of the leading experts and scholar of martial art history. He co-authored the text book Karate Martial Art and Sport with Doctor Milorad Stricevic and is featured in the fitness secrets of the martial arts text book Ultimate Warrior Workouts by Martin Rooney. Shihan has helped spread Japanese karate throughout the Americas and has senior students on four continents. Generation of National and International Champions, continue to train at his school, and Shihan has built a strong following through his many years of dedication as a caring teacher and well respected member of the martial arts community.
Shihan Leung Yoko Geri, 1987
Shihan Leung teaching student Aidan Lok a Goju-Ryu style kata, 2013
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.
Read MoreBernard 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.
Read MoreElena 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.
Read MoreLucy 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.
Read MoreJames 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.
Read MoreEdward 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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