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
7th DAN - KYOSHI KELLY TOVEY (OWNER)
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Kyoshi 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 7th Dan in Shorin Ryu and 6th 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.
6th DAN - RENSHI TIM ROACH (OWNER)
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 6th Dan in Shorin-Ryu and 5th In Kobudo. Tim continues to train with Sensei Yamashita and shows no sign of slowing down.
4th DAN - SHIHAN JOANNE ROACH (OWNER)
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 Renshi Tim and daughter Kyoshi Kelly.
4th DAN - SHIHAN KAREN DANIELS (MANAGER)
Karen’s martial arts journey began when she took herself and her three 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, respect and discipline, along with the physical and mental challenges, were important. After some months, at age 54, Karen decided to try karate and martial arts became the backbone of their family life. Throughout their training they always admired Kyoshi Kelly’s phenomenal martial arts skills, and worked with her at every opportunity. After several years all three children received their black belts from Sensei Yamashita, six months later, so did she. One and a half years after that, she earned her black belt in Kobudo and is now a 4th Dan. 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. Her commitment to training is a testament to the saying "martial arts is a journey, not a destination".
3rd DAN - SENSEI ERIC DINGMAN (MANAGER)
Eric started his martial arts journey in a traditional Okinawan style called Ryuei Ryu. With a young growing family, Eric and his wife Joy starting looking for a new place to raise their children. After deciding on Temecula, the next major decision was finding the right dojo. After researching and many visits to different dojos, Eric decided Yamashita Martial Arts would be his new dojo home. Since Shorin Ryu is different than Ryuei Ryu, Eric started over as a white belt. Along with his new Shorin Ryu journey he studied Yamashita's Suikendo and Matayoshi Kobudo. Beyond transitioning to a new style, Eric had to fight his way back from a major foot injury. Thanks to his wife Joy, and his dedication to martial arts, Eric has been able to work around and through obstacles with a healthy body, mind, and spirit. "I see training in martial arts like taking a long trip - you will use different modes of transportation, hit speed bumps and detours, but if you persevere and keep training with intent you will move forward." Sensei Eric is also a 3rd Dan in Kobudo.
4th DAN - SHIHAN RON SABLAN
Ron’s love for martial arts started in 2005 when he attended his first class in Taekwondo. He spent the next 7 years working to attain his 1st dan. In 2012, after his studio encountered a loss of several key instructors, he began to explore the art of Karate. After visiting several recommended dojos he found his niche with Yamashita Martial Arts. For the past 10 years he has worked to enhance his skills in the world of self-defense and his dedication to the arts can be best summed up in his belief that Karate training is for life. As long as his body will allow it, he has no intention of ever stopping. Sensei Ron is also a 3rd Dan in Kobudo.
4th DAN - SHIHAN DANE SABLAN
Dane achieved his 1st dan Black Belt in Taekwondo in 2012 and became interested in learning Karate. He has trained in the Yamashita system since 2013, and recently focused on refining his weaponry skills, with special attention to the Katana and the Kama. Yamashita Martial Arts dojo has nurtured his love of martial arts, motivating him to continue to the next level in his training. His goal is simple – to be the very best he can. Sensei Dane is also a 3rd Dan in Kobudo.
4th DAN - SHIHAN NEIL BLY III
Neil was originally forced into karate by his mom after a teacher labeled him as a student with A.D.D. But, luckily for him, he enjoyed everything about karate and was destined to continue training for many years. Neil has been training in Yamashita Shorin Ryu and Yamashita Matayoshi Kobudo since 2006. Early on, Neil was able to train with many different instructors and learn from all the past experiences and wisdom they would pass on to him. Neil officially met Hanshi Tadashi Yamashita and Kyoshi Kelly Tovey when they all performed at the 2010 United States Martial Arts Festival in Los Angeles. Years later, Neil’s family moved, and he was ready to move on to a new dojo. Remembering the respect he had for Kyoshi Kelly, he made a visit to Yamashita Martial Arts - Temecula to become a student and has never looked back. Neil loves all parts of Karate, but the art of performing a kata holds the largest place in his heart and he takes every chance to do a tournament or competition, as well as encourage others to do the same. Shihan Neil is also a 4th Dan in Kobudo.
3rd DAN - SENSEI EMILY BLY
Emily was first introduced to karate in 2006, when her mom brought her to the YMCA with the intention to sign up for ballet classes. Instead of ballet, Emily quickly dragged her mother across the room to watch the kid's karate class that was taking place. Within the week, she began classes and so did her deep love for karate. The next years were dedicated to improving her skills and training in Yamashita Shorin Ryu. With the guidance of her Senseis she became one of the first students to earn their junior black belt, and later she become a Sensei at that dojo. Years later, she began training at Yamashita Martial Arts - Temecula, and their style of teaching. Sensei Emily now teaches at Yamashita Martial Arts and continues with her goal of encouraging students to reach their full potential while serving as a role model for young girls and women in the style. Sensei Emily is also a 2nd Dan in Kobudo.
2nd DAN - SENSEI LARRY FORTIN
Larry's martial arts journey has had many starts and stops along the way. He started his journey at the age of 9, studying Judo. Then later, as a young adult, he began to study an Okinawan style called Isshin-Ryu, as well as Taekwondo. Larry was side-tracked from this journey when he needed to focus on completing his undergraduate studies, then finishing Grad School, getting married, and raising a family. After a 35-year break, at the age of 59, Larry decided to resume his journey. He did an extensive search of all the dojos and studios in Temecula and finally decided on Yamashita Martial Arts and has never looked back. Larry particularly enjoys weapons training, the application aspects of Sensei Yamashita's Suikendo system, and teaching and assisting other students in their martial arts journey. Sensei Larry is also a 2ND Dan in Kobudo.
