About Us

Our instructors are Herman Setijono, Jimmie Sornito and Val Ayat. There is over 100+ years of karate experience between our 3 instructors. Our mission is to preserve and promote the art of traditional karate and to be a positive influence in our students lives whatever the age. Through the traditional training methods we teach our kids respect, honor, goal setting and how to be future leaders and successful citizens. We also encourage parents to join and learn alongside their children to strengthen the family bond, and receive the benefits of good health and fitness. Along with learning karate, our students build strong bodies and minds, self confidence and discipline. We see these attributes as great building blocks for them to contribute to their families and their communities in the future.

Our dojo was founded by Sensei Herman Setijono and Sensei Jimmie Sornito in 1985 as NW Shito-Ryu. We have been actively teaching karate on the eastside for over 20 years and 14 years before that in South Seattle. In 2010 we re-established our ties with Japan and became a recognized and registered dojo under Japan Karate-do Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu Kai. Japan Karate-do Hayashi-ha Shito-Ryu Kai is the only organization recognized and authorized by the Japan Karate-Do Federation (JKF) to teach and promote certified ranks in the karate-do style of Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu.atedo style of "Hayashi-ha Shito-ryu." Persons and/or organizations not affiliated with Japan Karatedo Hayashiha Shitoryukai are NOT permitted to use the term "Hayashi-ha Shito-ryu" or to teach, test or promote rank in "Hayashi-ha Shito-ryu." Other organizations stating a connection to Hayashi-ha Shito-ryu exist, but represent older versions of the style and cannot claim currency or legitimate succession to the style created and taught by the late Soke Teruo Hayashi. Non-affiliated organizations, dojo, and individuals should NOT display photographs of Soke Teruo Hayashi in their dojo or on their website to imply legitimacy.

This dojo is registered and recognized by Hayashi-Ha USA and Japan Karate-do Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu Kai. Other organizations stating a connection to Hayashi-ha Shito-ryu exist, but represent older versions of the style and cannot claim currency or legitimate succession to the style created and taught by the late Soke (Grand Master) Teruo Hayashi.