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Sensei Joseph "Yousif" Claycomb
His Martial arts training began at the age of seven. He has trained internationally & locally with several mentors and high-ranking instructors.
His first mentor and inspiration was Sensei Mark Kupsz (3rd Dan) Chief- instructor of the Burleigh Shotokan Karate Club in Wales, whom Yousif considers to be the foundation and main influence of his knowledge.
Sensei Phil Dutton (7th Dan) former Welsh national team captain, from the British martial arts association (BMAA), Shihan Mehrdad Sadri (6th Dan) Vice president of the World Kanzen Budo Kai Federation & former USA National KATA & Weapons Champion, Shihan Morteza Alborzi, (7th Dan) former USA National Team Coach, Iranian National Team Captain & Coach, Former W.U.K.O. Bronze Medalist & President of the World Kanzen Budo Kai Federation (WKBKF) have all played a positive role in Sensei Claycomb's growth and experience. Sensei Claycomb met Sensei Hojati through Shihan M. Sadri
in 1994 when he joined what was then the Academy of Karate in Glendora. Shihan Mehrdad Sadri soon accepted Sensei Claycomb as his assistant instructor.
He eventually began teaching on a full-time basis. He immediately
made a positive impact, especially on the younger generation with his energetic personality
and dynamic fun teaching methods. He also introduced the Cardio Kickboxing program
and assisted in teaching the adult Karate-ka as well. His dedication
and loyalty created a strong, respectful & trustful relationship with
Shihan Sadri. By this time Sensei Claycomb and Hojati had developed a very close friendship and became great training partners. Claycomb not too shortly after began visiting and assisting Sensei Hojati at his Dojo in West Hills too. Currently both Sensei Claycomb and Sensei Hojati train under the direct tutelage of Shihan Toshiatsu Sasaki (8th Dan) a direct student of Masatoshi Nakayama. Shihan Sasaki is the president and chief instructor of Japan Karate-do Maruyoshikai Organization, as well as a World Karate Federation A-level referee. Sensei Claycomb's training includes a variety of arts, including Kung fu, Tae Kwon do, Kobudo, Shito ryu & Goju ryu Karate. But his main focus of training has always been in Traditional Shotokan Karate-Do. As a result of his passion for Karate & to carry on his journey in the Martial arts, he decided to open his own dojo to fulfill his life-long dream. He is now the Owner & Head instructor of the Academy of Karate in Duarte, CA. Sensei Claycomb is celebrating his sixth year of operation in Duarte. With a very developed and dedicated student base in all ranks Sensei Claycomb looks forward to an even stronger future in the years to come.
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Training with Shihan Sadri has helped Sensei Claycomb achieve
a higher level of technical ability and Knowledge as well as a higher understanding
of it's philosophical principles and values.