Matthew Apsokardu
Godan – Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo
Investing time, money, and trust in an instructor is always a serious matter. As such, we aim to deliver as much relevant information as possible. All instructors maintain a clear background check and do their best to uphold the principles of the dojo.
Matthew Apsokardu is a 25+ year veteran of Okinawa Kenpo Karate and Kobudo. He has traveled and trained both nationally and internationally and has supplemented his core style with exposure to other martial arts.
Training Experience:
- 25+ Years Training in Okinawa Kenpo Karate
- 25+ Years Training in Okinawa Kenpo Kobudo
- 5th Dan (Godan) Rank in Karate and Kobudo via Bruce Heilman Hanshi
- Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Kenjutsu and Kendo for 7 years
- Muso Shinden Ryu for 2 Years
Civil Service:
COMMUNITY SAFETY PATROL
DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
- Completed full 9 week academy
- Performed uniformed patrol duties
- Assisted in crowd control events
- Worked directly with deputies
- Presented on public safety topics
- Gained additional training on de-escalation, force laws, and self-defense
Publications & Speaking:
PUBLIC WORKS ON MARTIAL ARTS
- Author of Tales from the Western Generation Nonfiction Book
- Author of Sanrin Arts Martial Arts Blog
- Contributor to Magazines: Shimbun, Jissen, and Association of International Martial Artists
- Contributor to FightingArts.com
- Author of Surviving a Traditional Dojo Ebook
- Author of Shigeru Nakamura Ebook
Eric Mest
Yondan – Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo
Eric Mest is a senior practitioner of Okinawa Kenpo Karate and Kobudo. He has supplemented his primary training with practice in the following arts:
- Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu
- Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
- Seifukujitsu (healing arts)
Mest Sensei is a rare resource for technical information and is often relied upon to “fact check” kata, even for practitioners senior to him. Mest Sensei has maintained consistent attendance at IKKF events, providing him with exposure to senior karateka of varying styles.
