Shotokan Karate Jutsu at Los Alamos YMCA

Classes will be in Traditional Shotokan Karate. Shotokan Karate Jutsu also places emphasis upon the original defensvie applications that are covered by our style of karate. These bring elements of ground fighting, joint locking, and throwing as well as the punching and kicking methods taught in most karate schools today.

Traditional Japanese/Okinawan-style Shotokan Karate, taught by a staff of highly experienced karate and fitness professionals in a health club environment.

Karate: Fitness with a purpose… *Self Defense *Self Esteem & Confidence *Goal Attainment

Teaching Staff Profiles:

Jim Distel, Sensei Distel has been training in the martial arts for 20 years.  His training began with Shotokan karate under Sensei Joseph Scheid in Philadelphia.  While in graduate school at Penn, he also trained with Sensei Teruyuki Okazaki and for several years in Yoshikan Aikido with Sensei Yokio Utada.  He has also trained in jujitsu, Brazilian jujitsu and kickboxing and continues to pursue the goal of becoming a complete martial artist.  He is proud to be affiliated with the Shotokan Karate Jutsu Academy under Sensei Sal Lopresti and shares his appreciation for a deep, integrated understanding of the martial arts and martial art technique (waza).   Jim has been teaching for 18 years, most recently in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Program Advisors:

Sal Lopresti, Sr., Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt), Chief Instructor of Shotokan Karate Jutsu *Began training career in 1972, achieved Shodan (1st degree) in 1976 *Graduate of Instructor Training Programs from the ISKF/JKA and Long Island University; Instructor for these programs as well *NJ State Champion, 1976 *Team Champion, 1980, Pan Am Games *East Coast Karate Champion in Kata and Kumite, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982 *International Kata Champion, 1985, at Long Island University in NY *Outstanding Instructor Award, Long Island University, 2003 *Owner of Body Max Health & Fitness in Sewell, New Jersey

Paul Lopresti, Godan (5th Degree) Technical Director of Shotokan Karate Jutsu *Began training career in 1977, achieved Shodan (1st degree) in 1982 *Junior Kata and Kumite East Coast Champion *Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training from Glassboro State College *Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers Association *Served as athletic trainer for Moorestown High, Rowan College and as an intern for the Philadelphia Flyers *Graduate of the Long Island University Karate Instructor Program, Outstanding Student Award Recipient *Website addressWWW.SHOTOKANKARATEJUTSU.COM *Presently working on a series of instructional karate videos*Co-Author of Karate: Martial And Sport Vol. 7 * Recognized as Yudansha (Black Belt) in Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu

Joseph Scheid , Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt)

What Is Karate?

Karate is an ancient fighting art passed down to the present from the East. Shotokan karate is of Okinawan origin. It is an “empty-handed” style of fighting; participants learn to use their own bodies for self-defense. Who can train in Karate? Shotokan Karate Jutsu is a karate school for everyone! Our instructors strive to help each karateka (karate participant) achieve his/her personal goals, should they be physical or mental. Karateka are taught to perceive karate as a lifelong endeavor, thus enabling them to transfer their skills (improved self confidence/self esteem, improved coping skills, improved physical skills , etc.) to everyday life.