Coastal Shotokan Karate
2025-10-02T17:30:03.428Z
I have been with Coastal Shotokan Karate for 11 months. Sensei Tom and Senpai Roberto have a combined 70 years of experience in karate; their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence is what has kept me at this location learning Shotokan Karate. We found the location 3 years ago when we had a foreign exchange student from Japan for the year. He confirmed that what was being taught in Pensacola was the same as what was taught in Japan. We decided to put our son, and then nephew, in with our exchange student to learn karate. Over the last two and a half to three years we have watched our both grow in his confidence, discipline, athleticism, and enthusiasm for karate and helping others.Professionalism:Sensei Tom and Senpai Roberto adhere to the five rules of Shotokan Karate.1) Seek Perfection2) Be Faithful3) Endeavor4) Respect Other5) Refrain from Violent BehaviorBoth have unmatched professionalism! Their ability to work with young children in our class by being gentle yet firm and building their confidence when they have questions about what/how to do moves. Yet they still hold them to the standard of what is required to progress. I am the second oldest in the class and both know how to work with middle aged, retired military person who has been extremely rough on his body and pays for it now. Senpai Roberto is an advocate for training for years to come. He told me when I first got there: “Don’t hurt yourself, we train to train for years to come.” He pushes me but keeps an eye on me to make sure I am not overdoing it because of misplaced youthful (in mind and heart) enthusiasm.Dedication:When training has officially finished Sensei Tom and Senpai Roberto do not walk out the door. They are there to answer questions, give advice, and teach more, even though they are not required to or paid to train more. It is their passion and love for karate that drives their dedication. They have built a culture, love, and passion among all of us that flows through the class that keeps many of us after training to continue training with each other. Many nights Senpai Roberto has been there working with individuals helping them to perfect techniques for 30-45 minutes after class. This has extended beyond the classroom, and we have started meeting with each other socially and to train together of our own accord.Commitment to Excellence:Whether you are a young child or a seasoned individual they adhere to the “Seek Perfection” rule of Shotokan Karate. I have seen my son, nephew, and myself fall in love with a sport that knows that no one is perfect but pushes you to seek perfection; through personal self-discipline, the help of others, and those with whom have been entrusted and given the honor to train you.I give four thumbs up and recommend trying Coastal Shotokan Karate to anyone and everyone, young or seasoned, already established in another form of martial arts or have never tried anything, someone looking for something that is missing, a way to stay active, or looking for positive and motivating friend. Coastal Shotokan Karate is a great place to be.
I have been with Coastal Shotokan Karate for 11 months. Sensei Tom and Senpai Roberto have a combined 70 years of experience in karate; their profess... More