Meet our Senseis
Iron Lions teaches Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan, the Small Forest Style. Its lineage runs master to student for generations.
- Matsumura Sōkon
- Ankō Itosu
- Chosin Chibana
- Shugoro Nakazato
Shugoro Nakazato
1919 to 2016
Shugoro Nakazato was a legendary Okinawan karate master who preserved and spread Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan karate worldwide.
He began training as a young man under Chosin Chibana, the founder of Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu, and quickly became one of his top students. After World War II, he dedicated his life to karate, eventually becoming Chibana's leading successor and founding the Shorinkan branch.
He taught thousands of students both in Okinawa and abroad. Known for his strict but caring teaching and deep technical skill, he helped keep the spirit and tradition of Okinawan karate alive.
Minoru Nakazato
Minoru Nakazato is the current head (Sōke) of Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan karate and the son of the legendary Shugoro Nakazato.
Born and raised in Okinawa, he grew up training directly under his father and became one of the most skilled and respected karate masters of his generation.
Today he leads the Shorinkan organization, preserving its traditions while teaching students from around the world. Known for his technical precision and humble leadership.
Eddie Bethea
Eddie Bethea is an American karate master known for bringing Okinawan Shorin-Ryu karate to the United States. He began his martial arts journey in the 1960s while serving in the U.S. Air Force in Okinawa, where he trained under Shugoro Nakazato and became one of his top students.
After returning to the U.S., he founded his own dojo and produced generations of skilled black belts, playing a key role in spreading authentic Okinawan karate across America.
Stephen Ferraro
Paul Hamilton
Daniel R. Smith
Sensei Daniel Smith is a student of the Iron Butterfly Karate Club. His journey began in 1996 under the guardianship of the great Renshi Theotholus Belle.
He is dedicated to carrying on the Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Small Forest Style imparted by master Belle.
Stephen-Lee Marhong
Stephen-Lee Marhong is a respected Canadian karate instructor known for his dedication to Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan. He began his martial arts journey as a young man, studying under senior instructors in the Nakazato lineage.
He has built a reputation for both technical skill and passionate teaching, leading students of all ages. Through his leadership, many of his students have earned black belts.
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