Karate Hawaii was founded in 1964 by Sensei Richard Young, 7^th dan, a native of Lahaina, Maui. Sensei Young was one of the original students of Sensei Kiyoshi Aihara from Japan. Sensi Aihara was personally trained by Shihan Gichin Funakoshi, who is called the “Father of Karate,“ and Master of the Shotokan style of karate.

In his quest for deeper know-ledge and unique training, Sensei Young also studied under the following prominent instructors: Professor Albert Empron (Kempo, Lua, and Karate-Goju-ryu Style); Shihan Kiyohisa Hirano (Karate-Wado-ryu Style and head of J.I.K.C.); Professor Wally Jay (Master of Small Circle Ju-Jitsu); Shihan Shoshin Nagamine (Master of Shorinryu-

Matsubayashi-ryu style of Karate); and Shihan Tommy Morita (Karate-Shorinryu style, and Master of Shinden Kempo.)

Sensei Young is a member of the board of directors of the Hawaii Karate Kodansha Kai and the Hawaii Karate Congress.

Sensei Young has a Bachelors and masters degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He has taught in many secondary schools under Hawaii’s Department of Educations, and served as a graphic and media specialist for the University of Hawaii. He retired as a security officer for the State of Hawaii Judiciary.

Through his dedication to Karate, Sensei Young and the Certified instructors of Karate Hawaii strive to teach students Karate as an art form giving it the proper respect and attention deserved.