32625 Temecula Pkwy, Suite 120, Temecula, CA 92592 (951) 331-3250
YAMASHITA MARTIAL ARTS
INSTRUCTORS
10TH DAN - HANSHI TADASHI YAMASHITA
Sensei Tadashi Yamashita is a 10th degree black belt and is the founder and overseer of all Yamashita Martial Arts. With over 60 years of continuous martial arts training, Sensei Yamashita is highly respected and known throughout the world as one of the greatest martial artists of our time; even today his blazing speed and skill set is nothing short of amazing. Sensei Yamashita provides continued guidance and training to Shihan Kelly and Sensei Tim. All seminars and Black Belt testing/promotions are performed by Sensei Yamashita as well. For more detail of the life and many accomplishments of Sensei Yamashita CLICK HERE
5th DAN - SHIHAN TIM ROACH
In his mid 40s with a bad lower back and knees, Tim figured his physical activity would be very limited from that point forward, but God works in mysterious ways. Tim had been driving his daughter Kelly from Temecula to Woodland Hills, (a 200mi round trip) every week to train with Sensei Yamashita. Kelly would train while Tim sat and watched. Approx 3 months into their training, Sensei Yamashita had enough of "father watching daughter". Sensei grabbed a pair of boxing gloves and threw them in Tim's lap. "Here sir, put these on". Tim laughed, thinking Sensei must be joking. This time Sensei was more direct, "put the gloves on"! Tim reluctantly put the gloves on and so started his training with Sensei Yamashita. Many years have passed and those back and knee issues have improved to the point where he feels better today than he did 15 years ago. Currently, Tim is 5th Dan in Shorin-Ryu and 4th In Kobudo. Tim continues to train with Sensei Yamashita and shows no sign of slowing down.
6th DAN - RENSHI KELLY TOVEY
Renshi Kelly started her training in Okinawan Shoryn Ryu Karate at the age of 10 from a local family owned karate school. 4 Years later she switched to a Yamashita Karate Studio. It was at this studio that Kelly tested for her blackbelt in front of Sensei Yamashita. Shortly after this, Kelly began training directly with Sensei Yamashita. Today, Kelly has earned her 6th Dan in Shorin Ryu and 5th in Kobudo (weapons). With 20 yrs of training, Her passion and commitment to the martial arts hasn't wavered. Kelly's mission is to share her knowledge with others and of course. continue her training with Sensei Yamashita.
4th DAN - Shihan JOANNE ROACH
Joanne had an interest in martial arts for many years before she ever started, In fact she and her husband Tim had talked many times about the whole family training together someday. She never imagined that some day, many years later, not only would they train together, but would own and operate a successful martial arts studio. If their is a backbone to the school, it would be Sensei Joanne. She does many of the tasks necessary to keep a dojo running smoothly. She is usually the first and last smile a student will see when entering or leaving the dojo. Joanne continues her martial arts training along with her husband Shihan Tim and daughter Renshi Kelly
4th DAN - Shihan KAREN DANIELS
Karen’s martial arts journey began when she took her 3 children to a restaurant where there happened to be a Yamashita Karate demonstration. Her kids were enthralled. From that moment on their lives were forever changed. As a single parent, the teachings of respect and discipline, along with the physical and mental challenges, were very important to her. After some months, at age 54, Karen decided to try it herself and martial arts became the backbone of their family life. Throughout their training they always noticed Shihan Kelly’s phenomenal martial arts skills, and so worked with her at every opportunity. After several years all 3 children received their black belts from Sensei Yamashita. 6 months later, so did Karen and one half year after that she also earned her black belt in Kobudo (weapons). As a Sensei, she loves sharing her joy for martial arts and helping other students push their own boundaries no matter their age or perceived limitations. Currently Karen holds the rank of 4th Dan in Shorin-Ryu and 3rd Dan in Kobudo. Her commitment to training is a testament to the saying "martial arts is a journey, not a destination".
