Les Heri Shihan-shiten Dojo-Los Angeles

1972-76 Richard Chun-Eastern Karate Center NYC -Brown belt  

1976-81 Tiger Dojo Institute of Goju Karate & Aiki-jutsu, NYC
1st Degree Black belt in Goju-ryu karate & Instructor Certification 

1982-85  Instructor at Tiger Dojo Institute of Goju Karate & Aiki-jutsu                                                                                                                                                      2nd Degree Black belt in Goju-ryu karate-do

1st Degree Black belt in Aiki-jitsu (joint locks)

1985-90  Okinawa Goju-ryu Karate-do Preservation Society, NYC
Achieved 3rd Degree Black belt in Goju-ryu karate-do
1989-93 American Indian Child & Family Services, Akron, NY
 Karate program founder & Chief Instructor See video in next section
 Developed curriculum and taught Native American children and teens
1992-93  Bally Matrix Health Spa -Williamsville, NY
  Contracted Karate, Self Defense and Safety Awareness instructor

1994-2002 Tiger Dojo, NYC- Owner & Chief Instructor
 Opened independent (non-franchise) karate school

2003 Okinawa Karate-do Federation Goju-kai
4th Degree Black belt and "Shihan" license by Kancho Michael Robinson
7/19/03  Battle of L.A.-National Martial Arts Championship 

 1st place Senior Black Belt Forms
10/19/2003  Hollywood Nationals-National Martial Arts Competition
  1st place- Men's Senior Black Belt Sparring
  1st place- Advanced Black Belt Weapons Competition
  3rd place- Men' s Advanced Black Belt Forms

2013  Awarded the Bushido Award by the Nikkei Games Karate Committee                                                                        

1993-2025  National & International coach, judge and referee
American Red Cross Community CPR and First Aid certificate       

Bushido Award 2013 Winner - Les Heri presented by the Nikkei Games Karate Committee

The Bushido Award is given to the competitor that has demonstrated karate in the true spirit of budo.                                                                                                   It is not necessarily given to the best competitor but is also awarded for extraordinary displays of sportsmanship and spirit.

The winner is selected by the Nikkei Karate Committee. A trophy is awarded and the winner

recognized at the subsequent years event. Winners need not be selected every year, only if a competitor displays the necessary qualifications.

When we select an award winner, it is not about the who the best fighter is or who does the best kata. It is primarily about demonstration of the martial spirit. It is about a competitor that exemplifies the true values of Bushido (warrior’s code). Proper attitude is paramount. The competitor is a humble when winning and is respectful when losing. When fighting, the competitor exercises proper control and constantly demonstrates good sportsmanship.

When an entire dojo demonstrates these qualities, it is hard to pick one winner.

The reason why the students have these qualities is because of an exemplary Sensei. It is because of this that this year’s recipient of the Nikkei Karate Bushido Award goes to Bushido Award 2013 Winner - Les Heri

The Bushido Award is given to the competitor that has demonstrated karate in the true spirit of

Budo. It is not necessarily given to the best competitor but is also awarded for extraordinary displays of sportsmanship and spirit.

The winner is selected by the Nikkei Karate Committee. A trophy is awarded and the winner

recognized at the subsequent years event. Winners need not be selected every year, only if a competitor displays the necessary qualifications.

When we select an award winner, it is not about the who the best fighter is or who does the best kata. It is primarily about demonstration of the martial spirit. It is about a competitor that exemplifies the true values of Bushido (warrior’s code). Proper attitude is paramount. The competitor is a humble when winning and is respectful when losing. When fighting, the competitor exercises proper control and constantly demonstrates good sportsmanship.

Heri Sensei, a native of New York City, a student of Shihan Michael Robinson.

Currently Heri Sensei is a 5th dan in Goju Ryu and has been studying martial arts since 1972.

 He is a former champion in kumite and kobudo in the Hollywood Nationals. He was also a former

kata champion from the LA National Martial Arts Championship.

Sensei Heri has been a strong supporter of the Nikkei Games karate tournament. He requires participation in the tournament by all his students. He also requiresall students and parents to stay for the duration of the tournament, teaching the students respect and support for their fellow team members. This is commendable  and further solidified our decision to present him with the award.

Heri Shihan currently teaches in three locations in Southern California