Joel Heller, Nidan (2nd degree black belt), is our dojo leader. He has practiced Ohshima Shotokan Karate since 1975, beginning with Godan Marion Taylor at Hampshire College. Joel was ranked directly by Ohshima Sensei.

Paul Pakstis: Nidan with strong spirit!

High level SKA black belts; Yodan Dave Gabai has lead practices several times per year at the Philadelphia dojo. There are special weekend practices available with high level seniors at other East Coast SKA dojos, and intensive SKA special trainings on the East Coast twice per year.  We are different than kickboxing, MMA, Taekwondo, Aikido, and other styles of martial arts, with a more traditional practice focusing on developing the mind, spirit, and body together. We are an affiliate club of SKA (Shotokan Karate of America) founded by Tsutomu Ohshima Sensei.