MEET THE SENSEIS
SENSEI RAUL PONCE
4th Dan Black Belt in Karate and Kobudo.
1st Dan Black Belt in Judo.
Training in other styles of Karate.
Over 45 years of experience.
SENSEI CARINA RAVETTI
4th Dan Black Belt in Karate and Kobudo.
Brown Belt in Judo.
Training in Tae Kwon Do and other styles of Karate.
Over 40 years of experience.
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SENSEI AILEN PONCE
4th Dan Black Belt in Karate and Kobudo.
Training in Judo.
SENSEI MICAEL PONCE
4th Dan Black Belt in Karate and Kobudo.
Training in Judo.
SENSEI SELENE PONCE
3rd Dan Black Belt in Karate and Kobudo.
Training in Judo.
In 1991, we were under the supervision of Sensei Shigeo Nakazato 8º Dan (Degree). After long, hard and enduring practices we obtained our 1st degree as black belts in Karate-do and Kobudo of the Ken Institutes. For over 10 years we were in charge of the Branch of Ken Institutes in the state of Santa Fe, Argentina; with two primary schools, one in the city of Capitan Bermudez, and the other in the City of San Lorenzo.
We are currently the only branch of this style to teach and practice in the U.S. We have the privilege of sharing this activity with as many people who are determined to learn it. Our knowledge is well developed, allowing us to be teaching as we have been doing so for more than 30 years. Our teaching is not based as a combat method but instead as a philosophy of life, where values such as discipline, respect and friendships are taught throughout.
Ailen and Micael Ponce received their Black Belt-1st Dan- Shodan, in 2006, after more than 13 years of intensive practice. 2nd Dan-Nidan in 2009, 3rd Dan- Sandan in 2012, and 4th Dan- Yondan in May 2019. Selene Ponce received her Black Belt, 1st Dan- Shodan, in 2010, her 2nd Dan- Nidan in 2012, and 3rd Dan-Sandan in May 2019.
Ailen, Micael, and Selene are the children of Sensei's Raul Ponce and Carina Ravetti, therefore, the guardians of the style in the U.S.
This traditional Okinawa Karate style does not limit itself to various techniques of combat or self-defense using different parts of the body, but it also impliments the managing of Okinawan weapons. These weapons are: BO (wood stick), Tunfa (handle), eku (oar), sai (trident), and kamanti; each one is accompanied by basic techniques and katas.
Our system is prepared for children, young men/women and adults. The physical activity working together with the concentration, discipline and respect, are combined with trainings destined to dominate the body with strong, aesthetic and fast movements. The style offers those who practice it a constant work ethic and motivation to exceed, helping them forge a strong self-esteem allowing them to cope with any given situation in life.