Karate History
Richardo John, Soke is a well renown exponent of traditional Shotokan Karate with over forty years experiance. He started his martial arts training at a very young age in his homeland, the Republic of Panama and is considered to be one of the pioneers of traditional Shotokan Karate in Panama. He now resides in Missouri City, Texas and is the Executive Director of the Dai-Ichi Shotokan-Do dojo in Houston, Texas which is highly recognized as one of the leading tratitional martial arts schools in the area. Sensei Johns was also a member of the AAU coaching team for the USA tean in 1999 and 2000 that competed in the World Karate Cup in Budapest, Hungary and Valencia, Spain respectively with the USA team winning the gold at the later tournament.
He has traveled throughout the United States and Central America conducting traditional martial arts seminars and promoting the true spirit of Budo. He was awarded his 8th Dan by his Sensei, Vincent Cruz, Executive Director of the ISKA (International San Ten Karate Association). Other qualifications includes special training in Kobudo, Aikido, Judo, and Iaido. His motto for the organization is: Spirit, Hard Work and Excellence
