Reviews of Okinawa Karate Academy

One of the best testaments to the high quality of instruction at the Okinawa Karate Academy is that at least three regular students drive long distances to attend class. While San Francisco or Napa are not far from the Richmond, Calif., school as the crow flies, commuting from those places in Bay Area traffic to OKA often can take more than an hour. And yet, several students make these long commutes to attend Sensei Mehran Shahkar's classes.

Mehran is also an accomplished children's instructor, and has taught hundreds of students from young ages through adulthood. His dedication to improving his students is unmatched. Likewise, the regular attendance of his adult and children students shows they take his classes seriously -- although, they are fun, too!

I have studied under Sensei Mehran Shahkar for over five years and had previously studied Uechi-Ryu on the east coast. I consider myself fortunate to have found his dojo. The atmosphere is friendly - no macho competitiveness. Here you will find serious students who strive to help one another progress in their practice, and a friendly, good-natured instructor with deep knowledge and an effective way to communicate this to his students. The adult class is comprised mostly of Dan (black belt) ranks, which is great for newer students because there is always someone to work with who can really help you. I also have brought my son to the kids' class for years, so I have seen and participated in much of the instruction. Sensei Shahkar knows when to push the kids and when to let things go for another time, and his kids' classes are well attended with many long time students. I encourage anyone reading this to come to a class - better yet, commit to at least three classes so you can get a good feel for it - challenge yourself and you will be rewarded. Great dojo!

I belong to a different karate organization as Sensei Mehran so this should add credence to my comments. I have known Sensei Mehran for more than 25 years and practiced with him. He is one of the best of the best Uechi-ryu karate practitioners I have known, and an excellent teacher. Extremely personable too. You will learn the real traditional Okinawan/Chinese karate. Go elsewhere if you want the Hollywood stuff. Sensei Mehran has also been practicing Gigong for about 25 years so check with him if you are interested. . I highly recommend him. Well worth the time and effort if you are anywhere near his dojo. If you are in the Fairfield vicinity and don't feel like driving to El Cerito, check with me. Henry Thom

8th Degree Black Belt, Uechi Ryu, IUKF

www. EmptyHandsDefense. com

The Okinawa Karate Academy of Richmond is headed by Shihan Mehran Shahkar, 8th degree black belt. Mr. Shahkar has extensive experience in martial arts, particularly with Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do, one of the core systems of Okinawa, Japan. In addition, Mr. Shahkar is knowledgeable in kinesiology and applies that knowledge to the teaching of karate. The training is fun and effective. Highly recommended.

Uechi Ryu is one of the best Karate systems of Okinawa and the Academy here teaches this traditional style in a pure and instructive way. The instructor is awarded the master instructor certification by the Okinawa Karate Association and ranked as an 8th degree Hatchi Dan.