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The chief instructor of the San Francisco Shorin Ryu Shorinkan Okinawa Karate and Kobudo Dojo is Kyoshi Sam Ahtye. He has been practicing since 1967. Kyoshi Ahtye is the direct student of some of the greatest martial artists in the world. He is privileged to walk in the footsteps of legendary instructors like Master Clarence Lee. During this eight year relationship, Master Lee instilled his love of hard training and kata. Kyoshi Ahtye also studied Traditional Chinese Martial Arts with Master Kwan Sai Hung (of “The Wandering Taoist” fame) for four years. He became the teaching assistant to the late Professor William Paul (Kodokan Judo) for nine years. Dr. Paul taught self defense and bio-mechanical efficiency. Since 1995, Kyoshi Ahtye’s advanced studies have been the responsibility of the eminent Doug Perry of North Carolina.
Hanshi Perry is the North America Director of Shorin Kan Kyoshi Kai.
Kyoshi Ahtye continues to make frequent trips to North Carolina and Okinawa for further training. We follow the leadership of Grandmaster Shugoro Nakazato of Naha Okinawa. Kyoshi Ahtye is a Shihan (licensed instructor) and is a high ranking yudansha (black belt).
Since 1992, the dojo has been located at the South of Market Cultural Center
934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
See the facility website: www.somarts.org.
We practice every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Our weapons class is held Mondays at the same time.
You may email Sensei Ahtye at:
to confirm current schedule.
Visitors are always welcome. Come by the dojo during classes and observe. Please feel free to ask questions. We charge a nominal fee for students to cover our rent and support Kyoshi Ahtye's travel and learning.
Come join us in learning life protection skills in the study of authentic Okinawan Karate.