Ohshima Sensei leads Northern California's 35th Anniversary in 2007 (photo: Shrijeet Mukherjee)
About Arnold Shotokan
Arnold Shotokan was founded in 2022 and continues to be led by Alex Gostrer, a second degree (Nidan) black belt student of Tsutomu Ohshima, founder of Shotokan Karate of America.
Our members enjoy a direct link to ancient masters of martial arts through Mr. Ohshima and his direct instructor, Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate.
We strive to strengthen body, mind and spirit, perfect character, and faithfully transmit the art to future generations.
Benefits of Karate Practice
Karate can be practiced by everyone at any age for self-defense, to strengthen the entire body, improve balance, efficiency of movement, breathing and overall health. No special equipment is needed.
Karate helps to strengthen the mind, develop courage, fortitude, and the ability to achieve goals.
Karate practice emphasizes spiritual values of courtesy, integrity, humility, justice, honor, and self-control.
The study of karate benefits the student in all areas of their life.
Welcome Newcomers!
We are so glad that you are interested in joining Arnold Shotokan.
Joining is easy – just visit any of our practices! There is no charge to observe or to practice with us once or twice. After that, if you decide to stay, you must join Shotokan Karate of America ($125 for the full year). As a member of SKA you will be able to attend any SKA regional, national, and international event open to your rank, and you’ll be able to test for rank twice per year at no charge. Black belt testing is also free, but by invitation only.
To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.”
– Master Gichin Funakoshi