US Yoshukai Karate Student April Spotlight
Student Spotlight
Each month the US Yoshukai Karate Association will recognize the hard work and dedication of one of our students. A different student will be selected each month from our different dojos. The spotlight will give some insight into the student's journey, life, their goals and what they like best about US Yoshukai Karate. Each month instructors will nominate students for the "Student Spotlight" and we cannot wait to share their stories!
Student's Bio
Ms. Sophia Bagley is an 8th Kyu Yellow Belt in the Honbu Dojo in Montgomery, Alabama. She began studying U.S. Yoshukai Karate in August 2024 under Soshu David Koda. Her favorite kata is Kihon Kata Yondan and her weapons of choice are fans with knives! Her favorite activity in karate is round kicks.
Favorite Martial Artists
Shihan-Dai Alex Koda
Karate Goals
Ms. Bagley's goal in karate is to achieve her Black Belt by age 10.
What I like the best about Karate
"I learn how to stay safe and also how to fight!"
Life outside Karate
Ms. Bagley loves to pet puppies, play chess, do her make-up, perform ballet, and spend time with family and friends.
A Note from the Sensei
Ms. Bagley is a delight to have in class. She has the best spirit and enthusiasm and has the loudest Kiyai in class. She shows the true spirit of Yoshukai.
Soshu David Koda
Ms. Bagley is always going to have the best spirit, the most excitement, and the LOUDEST Kiyai in any room that she's in. Watching this tiny little firecracker of a girl inspire grown people to be the best they can be in class is such a joy. I want to be like Ms. Sophie when I grow up!
Shihan-Dai Alex Koda
US Yoshukai Karate Student March Spotlight
Student Spotlight
Each month the US Yoshukai Karate Association will recognize the hard work and dedication of one of our students. A different student will be selected each month from our different dojos. The spotlight will give some insight into the student's journey, life, their goals and what they like best about US Yoshukai Karate. Each month instructors will nominate students for the "Student Spotlight" and we cannot wait to share their stories!
Student's Bio
Mr. Dametrius Byno is a 6th Kyu Green Belt at the Georgia Dojo. He began studying US Yoshukai Karate in 2024 under Sensei Paige Arthur. His favorite kata is Kihon Kata Yondan and his weapon of choice is the Sai. His favorite activity in karate is practicing different katas.
Favorite Martial Artists
Bruce Lee and the Karate Kid
Karate Goals
Mr. Byno's goal in Karate is to increase his skills to achieve his Black Belt.
What I like the best about Karate
"It teaches me self-discipline and self defense techniques."
Life outside Karate
Mr. Byno enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games, riding his bike, and playing with Legos and wrestling action figures.
A Note from the Sensei
"Deuce is a wonderful student and I am lucky to have him in my dojo! He is always pushing himself to be his best and is an excellent role model for students showing what it means to "Strive for Excellence!" He has grown so much since he began at US Yoshukai Karate of Georgia and I am excited to what his future holds."
Sensei Paige Arthur
US Yoshukai Karate Student February Spotlight
Student Spotlight
Each month the US Yoshukai Karate Association will recognize the hard work and dedication of one of our students. A different student will be selected each month from our different dojos. The spotlight will give some insight into the student's journey, life, their goals and what they like best about US Yoshukai Karate. Each month instructors will nominate students for the "Student Spotlight" and we cannot wait to share their stories!
Student's Bio
Mr. Drew Meaux is a Shodan (1st degree Black Belt) at the Kentucky Dojo. He began studying US Yoshukai Karate in 2020 under Shihan Shinji Matsuda. His favorite kata is Seisan and his weapon of choice is the Nunchakus. His favorite activity in karate is learning new weapons and forms.
Favorite Martial Artist
Shihan Shinji Matsuda!
Karate Goals
Mr. Meaux's goals in karate began with obtaining his black belt. Since reaching that goal he strives to become better and continue learning new things. "For right now that is learning to obtain my Nidan, but it will probably not stop there."
What I like the best about Karate
"I enjoy the sense of community it fosters, I love my karate family, along with the discipline and confidence that grows within those that take the time to put the effort in. I like watching us all grow and looking back on the progress we've made as martial artists."
Life outside Karate
Mr. Meaux works as the Head of Operations at an IT company. He enjoys archery, reading, adventures with his friends, and traveling.
A Note from the Sensei
Mr. Meaux has been a great asset for US Yoshukai Karate Kentucky. He never misses classes and always helps with classes. I can not operate the dojo without him. All the kids love him because of his personality! I know not many people practice outside of the dojo, but Mr. Meaux goes to the park during his lunch break and practices! I always tell everyone that more practice will help them to improve and he definitely shows that is true. Mr. Drew is instrumental in assisting in the planning of our annual tournament with his knowledge of IT, he provides all the information for the online registration.
I am super lucky to have him in my dojo and I can not wait to see his accomplishments in the future in US Yoshukai Karate!
Shihan Shinji Matsuda
US Yoshukai Karate Student January Spotlight
Student Spotlight
Each month the US Yoshukai Karate Association will recognize the hard work and dedication of one of our students. A different student will be selected each month from our different dojos. The spotlight will give some insight into the student's journey, life, their goals and what they like best about US Yoshukai Karate. Each month instructors will nominate students for the "Student Spotlight" and we cannot wait to share their stories!
Student's Bio
Mrs. Davis is a Nidan (2nd degree Black Belt) at the Honbu Dojo in Montgomery, Alabama. She began studying US Yoshukai Karate at the Pike road Dojo in 2017 under Soshu Koda. Her favorite kata is Seisan and her weapon of choice is the Bo. Her favorite activity in karate is breaking boards.
Favorite Martial Artist
Soshu David Koda!
Karate Goals
Mrs. Davis's goal in karate was to achieve her Black Belt. She has surpassed that goal by achieving Nidan and is currently training to test for he Sandan. Learning new material and advancing is always a wonderful goal!
What I like the best about Karate
"The sense of confidence it can give everyone, no matter what level. Also, I am allowed, even encouraged, to yell as loud as I can!"
Life outside Karate
Mrs. Davis enjoys teaching Math (she is a veteran teacher with Montgomery Public Schools), Hallmark movies, Escape Games, puzzles, and karaoke.
A Note from the Sensei
I have enjoyed having Mrs. Davis in class for the past seven years. She is a major asset to the class with her energy, enthusiasm, and spirit. She is an excellent teacher and provides great guidance to the other students in what it means to be a US Yoshukai Student. She is a leader and a cheerleader for other students. She always comes to class with a positive attitude and is excited to learn new material. After achieving her Black Belt Mrs. Davis has been a great support to the dojo by helping teach class and even covering classes when necessary. Every dojo should be lucky enough to have a Mrs. Davis in class! - Soshu David Koda