Senseis

Shihan Richard

My karate training began in 1993 under the direction of Shihan Marcos Del Rio in theJohn Marshall High School at the age of 40. I received my shodan (lst degree black belt) in the year 1996. I have been an assistant instructor at John Marshall High School, Calhoun Center (Friends Association), New Hope Methodist Church, Richmond Southside Community Center, and presently the senior instructor at the Dai Ichi Shotokan VA, LLC dojo in the Plaza View shopping center in the city ofRichmond’s southside.

Through my martial arts experience I have learned that not only have I physically gained  from the vigorous training which has kept my body in good condition, but have gained tremendously mentally as well. The body is nothing without the mind and the understanding of the mind over the body is a never ending learning experience. Growth in the martial arts experience is limit less.

I received my 4th  degree black belt-renshi on July 11, 2009. I received my 5th degree in July, 2014. I have the honor of being the senior instructor in our dojo with the assistance of five black belts.

Shihan Dunhree

Karate has been a part of my life since 1989. It was offered as a "free six weeks self-defense course" at John Marshall High School here in Richmond, VA. I had no idea the course was based on karate...complete with an instructor dressed in "that white outfit-thing (ghi), as I called it due to lack of knowledge.

Sensei Marcos DelRio exposed me to the "do" [doh] (the way of karate).  His experience, physical ability, dedication and expert teaching methods molded me to make Dai-Ichi Shotokan Karate-Do a commitment.  I was the first black belt that he produced. Through rigorous training, I received the degree of shodan (1st degree black belt) in 1992 and nidan (2nd degree) in 1995.   I removed myself from karate for about seven years due to my mother's illness, her subsequent passing and other lifetime commitments.  Over those years, I kept pace with my karatekas and planned to re-join them fully.  My Richmond Dai-Ichi family pressed on to secure our first dojo Dai-Ichi Shotokan Virginia, LLC.  Now back into the full swing of things, I received my sandan (3rd degree) in 2007.  I received the rank of renshi (4th degree) on July 11, 2009.

Shihan Dunhree

I received the rank of shihan (5th degree) on July, 2014.The Dai-Ichi family has a unique bond and through all of these years Hanshi Ricardo Johns, the highly respected founder of Dai-Ichi Shotokan Karate-Do, has kept us rooted in the tradition of Shotokan.  All black belt promotion tests are administered with his authority and performed in his presence along with members of the board (high-ranking dans) in Houston, TX.  He also stengthens our commitment and skills through seminars, tournaments, individual dojo visits and annual summer training camps.  This ensures that we will operate as ONE.

We are eager to emphasize our practical and hands-on training and discipline.  We are very committed to passing on knowledge of Shotokan Karate the traditional way.

OUS!!

Sensei Dunhree A. Davis

Renshi Sandy

Renshi Sandy

Sensei Dunhree Davis asked me several times to come to karate class, however, my schedule was full. After my Mom passed in 1993, I truly understood the future is not promised. I had taken karate classes in college, but never really made a commitment. It was time now to commit.

My karate exprience began in March of 1994 at John Marshall High School under the instruction of Shihan Marcos Del Rio. My commitment and dedication continued and I was promoted to shodan (lst degree black belt) in 1997. Over the years, I have been head instructor at Fairfield Daycare and assistant instructor at the Calhoun Center (Friends Association), Fairfield YWCA, Southside Community Center, and New Hope UMC Church.

As I look back over my life, I feel proud to be one of the few females at my age still active in karate. In 2003 I received my second degree black belt in karate.

Renshi Ed

I was born and raised in NYC and moved to the Richmond area in 1994. I met Shihan Marcos DelRio at a karate demonstration at the old juvenile court building. I was intrigued by the speed and style of the art. As a white belt a whole new world opened up for me. In 1999, I tested for shodan (black belt) in Houston Texas.

I have been traveling to Houston for this training camp every summer except one. In 2007 I received the rank of sandan (3rd degree balck belt). Shihan Marcos DelRio has instilled in his black belts the motto, "Do your best today and better tomorrow"-OUS!! In 2013 I received yandan (fourth degree black belt) .

Renshi Marisa

Renshi Marisa

 I started in karate in September, 2000 because I got tired of going to work, coming home, and doing nothing. I visited several schools and was only impressed with Dai-Ichi; after seeing the skill and the techniques I knew I wanted to be a part of the family. I have help teach martial arts at various Boys & Girls Clubs and have participated in many demonstrations within the Richmond area. I have received first or second place trophies in many tournaments. We have training camp every year in July.

In July, 2003 I was promoted to 1st degree black belt and in July, 2005 I was promoted to 2nd degree black belt, and I haven't regretted one moment of it. In 2008 I was promoted to 3rd degree black belt. In August, 2005 we started our own dojo so that the legacy of Dai-Ichi can continue to be passed  on.   In 2013 I received yandan (fourth degree black belt).

Sempai Gerald

I have been studying martial arts for over 15 years. My instruction began at John Marshall High School under the instruction of Shihan Marcos Del Rio. I have judged tournaments throughout Virginia. I have been an assistant instructor at the Calhoun Center and New Hope UMC. Also I was one of three main intructors at Fairfield Boys & Girls Club.

Each year I look forward to gaining additional training during the seminar in Houston Texas. I received a second degree black belt in 2002. I received a third degree black belt in 2009.

Sempai Gerald