Nelson Vaughn

• Began training in 1974 with Japan International Karate Center (JIKC) Hickman Kentucky
• Trained in Hawaii from 1981 –1990
• Awarded Nidan (second-degree black belt) in 1994 from Mr. Mikami, Japan Karate Association (JKA)
• Sandan (third-degree black belt) from Mr. Hirano in 1986, Japan International Karate Center (JIKC)
• Yondan (fourth-degree black belt) from Mr. Kanazawa in 2010 Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF)
• Teaching since 1978, he has taught more than 28,000 karate classes and personally recruited and instructed more than 3,500 students

Norm Tantingco

Sensei Norm began training in 1989 at the Pacific Coast Shotokan Karate Club in Cupertino, CA. He joined Shotokan Karate Academy in 1999 and earned his Shodan (first-degree black belt) in 2002 and his Nidan in 2004. Sensei Norm also earned Nidan under Mr. Kanazawa of Shotokan Karate International Federation in 2005. Sensei Norm is one of the best instructors in Mid-Coast Maine and teaches many excellent classes each week.

Matt Bancroft

Sensei Matt came to us from Mr. Nishiyama’s organization and has been training in Shotokan Karate for over 30 years. Sensei Matt earned Nidan under Mr. Nishiyama in 1988 and is one of the best technicians in our area. His technical insight is instructional to us all, and he is a great addition to our dojo.