Sensei Alireza "Bruce" Hojati

Sensei Alireza (Behrooz) Hojati is a 4th degree black belt (Yondan) with the Japan Karate-do Maruyoshikai Organization (JKMO) and World Kanzen Budo Kai Federation (WKBKF), and recognized as a 3rd degree black belt (Sandan) by USA National Karate-do Federations (USA-NKF). He started his training in 1980 in Shorin Ryu Karate-do, under Shihan Dean Pickard at Mission College, in Sylmar California.

His mentors and instructors have included some of the finest individuals in the Southern California martial arts community. They include Sensei Doug Krech, Sensei Tai Aponte, Sensei James Doiron, and Mr. Tim Tackett. In 1991 Sensei Hojati joined Shihan Morteza Alborzi, 7th degree black belt of Kanzen Ryu Karate-do, and 7th degree black belt World Kanzen Budo Kai Federation, and former coach and captain of Iranian National Karate Team, and Coach of USA National Team.

In 1992 the WKBKF Technical Committee Co-chairman, Shihan Mehrdad Sadri, accepted Sensei Hojati as a student. Thus, starting a fruitful and respectful relationship with Shihan Sadri.
Through training with Shihan Sadri, Sensei Hojati was able to finally bring together his prior training experience, and learn a substantial library of karate kata, kobudo kata, and insight into the true meaning of karate, that further encouraged him, in his journey in the world of martial arts.

Currently Sensei Hojati trains under the direct tutelage of Shihan Toshiatsu Sasaki (8th dan) who is the president of (JKMO) as well as a member of the technical committee of the Japan Karate Federation (JKF). 

Sensei Hojati's training includes a variety of arts, including Kobudo, Jeet Kun Do, Kali, and Aikido. He is well versed in many different styles of Karate-do aside from Shotokan.

He is currently the chief instructor of both Academy of Karate in West Hills and Duarte, both suburbs of Los Angeles, California. Although these dojos are very young, they are home to many outstanding karate-ka, including many USA National and local champions.

Among his other accomplishments, Sensei Hojati is a noted graphic designer, and writer. He has contributed to several martial arts magazines including, Martial Arts Masters and Inside Karate. He is also an accomplished Motivator and Speaker, and has spoken to many youth and corporate groups in United States.

Sensei Hojati is an active member of his community, and is currently offering free self-defense and karate classes to the under privileged families, through the Valley Women's Center.