Our dojo traces its roots to the traditional teachings of Okinawan karate, carried forward through generations of dedicated practitioners.

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Sensei Reza Taher (on the right) began his training under Master Itokazu Toshiyuki, an Okinawan instructor who brought Uechi-ryu karate to the Tampa Bay area after emigrating to the United States in 1979. Under Master “Tosh,” Sensei Taher developed his foundational expertise, earning the ranks of Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan (1st through 3rd degree black belts) through rigorous study and disciplined practice.

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Continuing his lifelong commitment to the art, Sensei Taher has since attained the rank of Nanadan (7th degree black belt) and the distinguished title of Kyoshi. These honors were conferred by Judan (10th degree) Sensei Yasuo Shimoji (in the middle), a highly respected Okinawan master who leads a Uechi-ryu organization and dojo in Tokyo, Japan.

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Supporting this tradition is Sensei Scott Shaw (on the left), a Godan (5th degree black belt), who has trained under Sensei Taher since 1986. Promoted by Shimoji Sensei, Sensei Shaw brings decades of experience, technical precision, and dedication to the continued instruction of students within the dojo.

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​Sensei Michael Chapman represents the next generation of this lineage. Currently a Nidan (2nd degree black belt), Sensei Chapman began training with Sensei Taher and Sensei Shaw in 2021 after returning to karate in his 40s, having first begun his martial arts journey as a child in the late 1980s. Determined to fulfill his childhood goal of earning a black belt and continuing as far as the journey would take him, he brings to the dojo several years of experience working with children as a Cub Scout leader, serving in roles from Den Leader to Cubmaster. Today, he assists in the instruction of the dojo's students while continuing his own study and development under his instructors. As a newly recognized member of the instructional staff, he remains a student of the art himself.

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Together, this lineage reflects a deep commitment to preserving the principles, discipline, and spirit of Uechi-ryu karate while fostering the next generation of practitioners.