Sensei Jorge Lopez
Head instructor
Jorge is an experienced Karate instructor who has taught for over 25 years. He began his training in Chicago, IL., in 1981. That same year, he moved to Monterrey, Mexico, to continue his studies at the University of Nuevo Leon. There, he met Shihan Kunio Murayama, director of the Shito Kai (Shito Ryu) Organization, and began to train with him.
He soon began to represent the University of Nuevo Leon, excelling as one of the best competitors at the state level. He had won several national and Pan-American Championships in less than two years. He was awarded the honor of competing for the Mexican Karate Organization. Following that, he became a member of the International Mexican Team.
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As a member of the World Karate Federation and Japan Karate Federation, he received his 1st Degree Black Belt in 1989, directly from Manzo Iwata, the president of the Shito Kai Organization. In 1990, he moved back to the United States and began to train with Sansei Morio Higaonna in Goju-Ryu. Sensei Higaonna returned to Okinawa, and Sensei Jorge Lopez began to train in Shorin Ryu with Sensei Richard Rabago, who held a 7th Degree Black Belt Kobayashi Shorin Ryu.
Today, Sensei Jorge holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Kobayashi Shorin Ryu and a 1st degree in Okinawa Cobudo (weaponry), a 5th Degree in Traditional Authentic Shito Ryu from Hanshi Minobu Miki, who is an 8th Degree Black Belt certified by the Shito Ryu Nippon Karate-Do Kai.
On August 26, 2006, Sensei Jorge Lopez was inducted into the Master's Hall of Fame, receiving the grand honor of “Outstanding Instructor of the Year.” In 2007, he was recognized by the Mayor of Oceanside, CA, for the work that he has done with those with special needs. He is still very passionate when it comes to those who are physically and mentally challenged by holding weekly classes to inspire them to overcome their physical or mental condition.
Sempai Lopez Preci
Instructor
Today, Sensei Jorge holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Kobayashi Shorin Ryu and a 1st degree in Okinawa Cobudo (weaponry), a 5th Degree in Traditional Authentic Shito Ryu from Hanshi Minobu Miki, who is an 8th Degree Black Belt certified by the Shito Ryu Nippon Karate-Do Kai.
On August 26, 2006, Sensei Jorge Lopez was inducted into the Master's Hall of Fame, receiving the grand honor of “Outstanding Instructor of the Year” in 2020.