About Us

There are 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 student's lives whatever their age. 

Through 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 Shitoryu. 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 Shitoryu Kai. Japan Karate-do Hayashi-ha Shitoryu 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 Shitoryu. 

Persons and/ or organizations not affiliated with Japan Karatedo Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu Kai are NOT permitted to use the term "Hayashi-ha Shitoryu" or to teach, test, or promote rank in "Hayashi-ha Shitoryu." 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, dojos, and individuals should NOT display photographs of Soke Teruo Hayashi in their dojos or on their websites to imply legitimacy.

This dojo is registered and recognized by Hayashi-Ha USA and Japan Karate-do Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu Kai. Other organizations stating a connection to Hayashi-ha Shitoryu 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.