Meet our SENSEI's (Instructors)

Photo (left to right): Sensei Gary T. Mikasa, Master David B. Peterson, Shihan Paul Arel Founder and Director of IKA, Master Jeff Soltez.

BEMA Sensei's

Shihan Paul Arel Founder, International Director, and Chairman of IKA (International Kokondo Association) is a 10th degree black belt in both Kokondo Karate and Jukido Jujitsu. Having earned his black belt in Jujitsu over 50 years ago, Shihan Arel has studied with Sudo Sensei, Don Nagel, Mas Oyama, Ishikawa Sensei, and others both in Japan and the United States. For more information on Shihan Arel, please visit www.IKJA.com.

Master Jeff Soltez is a 5th degree black belt in Kokondo Karate and a 4th degree black belt in Jukido Jujitsu. Master Soltez has previously instructed at BEMA for many years and now teaches Kokondo Karate at the Federal way YMCA.

Master David B. Peterson is a 5th degree black belt in Kokondo Karate and a 4th degree black belt in Jukido Jujitsu. Master Peterson teaches adult Karate at the Oxbow Activity Center and adult Jukido Jujitsu at the Kent Activity Center.

Sensei Gary T. Mikasa is a 3rd degree black belt in Kokondo Karate and a 2nd degree black belt in Jukido Jujitsu. Sensei Mikasa teaches adult Kokondo Karate and youth Jukido Jujitsu at the Kent Activity Center.