My interest in the art of karate begin back when I lived in Pecos, NM at the age of 32. After moving to Las Vegas, NM and playing in a basketball league for 20 years, I decided to began karate training in 1996 with Steve Flores in Shotokan Karate and Okinawan Kobudo at the Las Vegas Karate Academy at the age of 39. I tested and was promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt in February of 1999. I have attended some karate tournaments and won the In-school fight Grand Champion in Black Belt men, but my training remains at the top of my list. My 2nd Dan promotion was in June of 2001 at the Las Vegas Dojo test. At the 2004 Yudansha workout my instructors awarded me with the Bushido Award for displaying excellence outside of the Dojo. I continue to assist Sensei Montoya with classes and offer private lessens to students. My training sometimes takes me to Santa Fe to train privately with Renshi Steve Flores at the main Dojo. I am working on the material for my 3rd Dan and studying for the next Sensei test.