Our Instructors & Staff Members

Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the art of Karate and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and also mentors.

Through extensive testing, certification and tournament level competition, our staff has attained mastery in this martial art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to their students. Here are a few of Ken Yu Kan Karate School's instructors and other staff members, starting with :

Richard Gracie  (Founder) Richard Gracie founded Ken Yu Kan Karate School in 1973. He began training in Chinese Kenpo before starting his long time career in Shotokan Karate. Sensei Gracie served as primary instructor for Sensei Croft, Germond, Sanders, and Hanson. He is married, has one son and works for a high tech government contractor in Santa Barbara.

Michael Croft  (Sensei / Head Instructor)  Sensei Croft has been training and teaching Shotokan Karate for over 26 years. He competed successfully on the Traditional Karate Tournament Circuit and is a Certified tournament judge and referee. Sensei began his full time Shotokan training in 1983 and has served as Ken Yu Kan's Head Instructor since 1987. Sensei Croft is in charge of school operations. He serves a Chief Technical Director for Ken Yu Kan and is in charge of curriculum.

Darin Sanders  (Asst. Head Instructor)  Sensei Sanders, a veteran of Karate for 24 years, is a skilled martial artist and teacher. Sensei competed extensively and was a dominant force in Kumite (point fighting). Sensei Sanders has inspired countless adults and children with friendly, yet no-nonsense approach to Shotokan Karate and its applicability to real-world self defense.

Steven McMurray  (Instructor) Steven McMurray is an experienced Shotokan practicioner who also has extensive training in Judo and Jujitsu. Sensei McMurray is a former Karate tournament champion, both in Kumite (sparring) and Kata. He also served as a paratrooper in the US Army. Sensei McMurray often teaches special self-defense seminars.

Olaf Saul  (Instructor) Olaf Saul, a native of Germany, has trained extensively in Traditional Karate, both Goju Ryu and Shotokan. Sensei is a current tournament champion, who's speed and agility are an inspiration. Sensei Saul leads Friday nights, a high energy class that is a real workout. He teaches with patience and humor, making his classes even more enjoyable. Sensei is married to his wife Steffi, also a Ken Yu Kan member who has a Black Belt in Gojo Ryu Karate and is working towards her Black Belt in Shotokan. Olaf & Steffi have two daughters, Anika and Maya.

George Hanson  (Instructor) George Hanson has been training in Shotokan Karate for more than 20 years. Students of all ages find his friendly, patient approach to teaching very helpful. Sensei Hanson is married to wife Belinda, and they have two sons. He is partner in Retail Anywhere, a computer software company.

Anthony Sheplay, M.D.  (Instructor) Anthony Sheplay, M.D. is yet another 20+ year veteran of Traditional Karate. As a physician, his knowledge of the human body has proved invaluable. Exercises and stretches are reviewed by Sensei Sheplay for effectiveness and safety. He is married and has three children. His medical practice has offices in Templeton and San Luis Obispo.

Renee Leton  (Instructor) Renee Leton has been training in Shotokan Karate since 1997. She is very inspirational to both males and females in our school. Sensei Leton is married, with three children and is a Veterinarian and co-owner of El Camino Veterinary Hospital.

Raymond Rathjen Gonzales  (Instructor) Sensei Rathjen-Gonzales has been training in Shotokan Karate since childhood. He is highly skilled martial artist who is eager to assist you with your goals in Karate. He serves as co-instructor of the Friday Night Class.

Robert Fritch  (Instructor) Bob Fritch is a 20+ year veteran of Shotokan Karate, transferring to Ken Yu Kan from Way of Japan Shotokan. Sensei Fritch brings his years of experience to our Dojo and is eager to share his knowledge.

Our Entire Staff Whether you are a complete beginner to Karate or an experienced martial artist hoping to further your studies, we are here to help you reach your goals. You will find Ken Yu Kan to be a very friendly, humble, non-competitive environment. We promise to adhere to the original principals of Karate-Do.

For more information about the Ken Yu Kan Karate School staff or training programs, please contact us at (805)466-0261 or by clicking here.