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Kyoshi
Hector Martinez (9th Dan in Shotokan Karate-Do) - Founder of ASKD Shihan Martinez began studying Shotokan Karate-Do while living in the St. Joseph's Home for Boys with two of his Counselors Kyoshi Manzo Tanaka and Shihan Jim Hawkins. Shihan Martinez earned his 1st-degree Black Belt in 1959. Subsequently, Shihan Martinez moved in with his father in Manhattan. Shihan Martinez wanted to continue his training, so he began to train with Kyoshi Tom Purdy, who ran a Shotokan karate class in the Judo Twins Dojo in Manhattan. Shihan Martinez also continued to travel to St. Joseph's on the weekends. In 1966, Shihan Martinez earned his 4th-degree Black Belt with Kyoshi Jim Hawkins, and was granted permission to open his own Dojo. Subsequently, Shihan Martinez established the first American Shotokan Kodokan Dojo in the basement of St. Mary Catholic Church on Grand Street, in Manhattan, with the help of Sensei William Crespo, a Kodokan Judo Instructor. The Dojo was later moved to 402 East Grand Street. The Dojo soon became known for its sparring and kata techniques. In 2003, Shihan Martinez earned his 9th-degree Black Belt from Kyoshi Tom Purdy. Shihan Martinez has appeared on Manhattan Cable on several occasions promoting Shotokan Karate-Do.
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Sensei Robert Ornes (7th Dan in Shotokan Karate-Do) - Chief Instructor of ASKD Sensei Robert Ornes began studying Shotokan Karate with Kyoshi H. Takaki, who ran a karate club in Manhattan. When Sensei Takaki returned to Okinawa, Sensei Ornes began training with Sensei Hector Martinez. After six years of training with Shihan H. Martinez at ASKD, Sensei Ornes earned the rank of Shodan (1st-degree Black Belt) in 1973. over the years, Sensei Ornes has trained under some of the world’s foremost Shotokan instructors during several visits to Okinawa and Japan. Sensei Robert Ornes started his first Dojo in 1980 in the Bronx, and opened a second Dojo in Long Island in 1989. In 2004, Sensei Ornes earned a 7th-degree Black Belt from ASKD, and was promoted to Chief Instructor of ASKD. Sensei Robert Ornes is known for his sparring and kata techniques. After many years in the art, he still considers himself a student who continuously seeks to learn. He has organized and performed in a great number of charitable events and tournaments to raise donations for worthy causes, while sharing his knowledge and expertise in the Martial Arts. Other
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Sensei Peter Ornes (7th Dan in Shotokan Karate-Do) - Head Instructor of ASKD Sensei Peter Ornes began his study of Shotokan Karate with Shihan Hector Martinez at ASKD and earned his 1st-degree Black Belt in 1973. Sensei Ornes opened his first Shotokan Karate club in Manhattan in 1981. Sensei Ornes competed in several New York State Police Olympic Tournaments in Syracuse, NY, earning medals in sparring and kata. He has also completed in 19 NYC Marathons and 10 Triathlons in Rhode Island and Long Island, N.Y. In 2004, Sensei Peter Ornes earned his 7th-degree Black belt and promoted to Head Instructor of ASKD. Sensei Ornes is also renowned for his sparring and kata techniques. Other
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