PHILOSOPHY

Zanshin -  Japanese for “Strong Finish.”

What does it mean to have a strong finish or finish strong?

• To finish with as much energy, drive, and passion for God and service as we start with.

• To not give up on the task and path that God has lain before us.
• To know right from wrong and make hard decisions when they arise
• To see the truth and rely on God’s word even when it is hard to see or difficult to follow.

Today, too many children, as well as men and women, are not finishing strong in education, marriage, work or Faith. God’s word calls us finish strong.

       This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says: Be strong and finish the task! 

- Zachariah 8:9

History

Master Funakoshi-Gichin, the founder of Shotokan, was the Master who hadthe greatest significant influence in the development of Karate as we know it. Master Funakoshi is recognized today as the Father of Modern Karate. He is also revered as an outstanding human being who always stressed karate as a total way of life; the true meaning of Karate -do. Master Funakoshi rose to such a level that he was initiated into all the major methods of karate. Funakoshi was the first to write a complete book about Karate entitled Karate-do Kyohan.

Sensei Rocky has been studying in the Martial Arts for the last 35+ years. and is a 4th degree Black Belt. He hold his rankings and is trained in Shotokan Karate, Kobudo, and Dan-zan Ryu Jujitsu. He continues to train and get his ranking from Shihan Bill Viola II at the Allegheny Shotokan “Viola Karate” Club in North Huntingdon, PA. He has been teaching all ages singe 1993. In 1997 he held the responsibilities of teaching and running the Kickboxing and kindergarten curriculum at Allegheny Shotokan “Viola Karate”.  In the competition arena Since 1991 he has held State, National, and International titles in NBL, WKC, SKI, NASKA, USAKF, PKC, AAU, and PKRA. He is a champinon In Kata, Kumite (Sparring), Weapons, Self-defense and Team divisions. He has also served as Judge, Referee, and Coach at these levels as well. 1998 He was the USAKF -70 Kilo Kumite Gold Medalist earning him a spot on the USAKF TEAM USA. He was a member of "Team Yakuza" of ASKC that was Ranked #1 in the US and #3 in the World at the Schwarzenegger Classic Tournament in 1998. In 1999 he was Captain of the USAKF Men’s Synchronized Weapons Kata Gold Medal team. He has served as Tournament Coordinator and Entertainment Director of the Kumite Classic and Pittsburgh Fitness expo. And is slated to be the 2025 Arnold Martial Arts Festival Logistic Director.

Currently he is member as well as the west coast coach of "Team Kumite".  And in June of 2024 he once again earned a spot on team USA, along with his son Remington, and will be representing the United states in Kata, weapons kata, synchronized kata, and sparring at the WKC World championships

Outside of the Dojo, he works as a Level 4 USA Ice Hockey Referee and has been a PROFESSIONAL COMEDIAN for the last 26+ years. And currently shares his testimony on the Comedy stage. Although he came to know the Lord over 40+ years ago, in November of 2011, he completely surrendered his life, career, and talents over to God. Now his comedy is completely clean as he shares the Gospel not just with Kicks and Punches but with Punlines as well.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SENSEI ROCKY’S STAND UP COMEDY MINISTRY

When he is not in the Dojo, on stage, or refereeing Ice Hockey, he is at home his cat Shuto and his three boys Remington Isaac, Sterling Isaiah And Daxton Israel. Sensei Rocky believes a family that kicks together sticks together and because of that his favorite Bible verse is

 … as for me and my family we will serve the Lord.” 

 - Joshua 24:15

Video From our Second Discover YOUniversity Karate KAMP

COME VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION

Santa Clarita

27745 Smyth DR.
VALENCIA, CA  91355
661 412 3656

CONTACT INFO

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Rocky Whatule - rocky@zshotokan.com

All other inquiries or questions please use form below and someone will respond to you as quickly as possible.