Sensei Reza Taher began his karate training under Itokazu Toshiyuki, an Okinawan who emigrated to the United States in 1979.  Master "Tosh" introduced Uechi-ryu karate to the Tampa Bay area at that time and sensei Taher received his Shodan, Nidan and Sandan (1st, 2nd and 3rd degree black belts) while studying with Master Tosh. 

 

Sensei Taher is now a Nanadan (7th degree) and Kyoshi promoted to that rank by Judan (10th degree) Okinawan sensei Yasuo Shimoji, who maintains a dojo and Uechi-ryu karate organization in Tokyo, Japan.

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Sensei Taher is assisted by Scott Shaw, a Godan (5th degree black belt promoted by Shimoji sensei), who has been training with sensei Taher since 1986.