After graduating from West Las Vegas High in 1989 a high school in Las Vegas, NM, Margaret Montoya decided to attend New Mexico Highlands University. While attending college she noticed that there was a karate program offered as a credit for physical education. She started the program in June of 1990 under the instruction of Steve Flores. This is where Margaret had her first experience with the style of Shotokan (empty hand) and Okinawan Kobuto (weapons). May of 1993 turned out to be a great year for Margaret completing her Bachelor of Arts degree on the 15th and reaching her 1st degree Black Belt on the 22nd. For Margaret karate became a big part of her life, training and sometimes competing. She even traveled to El Paso Texas to fight with the New Mexico team that was made up of four men and one woman. By August of 1995, she had reached a 2nd Dan level with Karate Academy. During this time Margaret had begun teaching others the skills that she had perfected. Her 3rd Dan promotion came during the month of June 2001 and along with it a title of Sensei. Ms. Montoya continued to train, teach and hold down a full time job however her job seemed to be taking up to much of her creative time. At this same time her instructor Renshi Steve Flores had been traveling to Las Vegas for seventeen years and decided it was time to make a change. Mr. Flores decided to sale the Las Vegas School to Sensei Montoya. This worked out great for both her and Renshi. Sensei Montoya became owner and instructor in November of 2004. She continues to invite Renshi to work with the students and remains under his instruction. Sensei Margaret Montoya and her students continue to compete when they have a chance. Margeret is now a 4th degree black belt.