Sensei David Blair

NANADAN
(7th Degree Black Belt)
Shotokan Karate-do

Sensei David Blair was founder and Chief Instructor at the Fontana Karate Club from  1974-2015, has black belt rankings in two different styles of Karate (Shito-Ryu and Shotokan), and has also studied Kobudo (Okinawan weaponry), Iaido (Samurai sword), and Kendo (Japanese Fencing).

He is a 7th degree Black Belt Master who has over 50 years of Karate experience and has produced many tournament karate champions in both kata and kumite. He studied Karate in Japan for five years, dedicating his life to the art.  While in Japan, he lived in the Zen Temple and studied the mental aspects of the art.

He has a B.S. degree in sociology from Cal Poly University and has his teaching credential. He also studied Eastern Philosophy at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan.  He coached the U.S. National Team in Karate and is a former Golden Gloves Boxing Champion.   

Sensei Blair was inducted to the Black Belt "Hall of Fame" in 2007 and was also inducted in to the city of Fontana "Wall of Fame" in 2007 by the Mayor of Fontana.

He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his classes. Sensei Blair was rated a top "8" Karate player in the World Championships and was a highly acclaimed competitor (60’s & 70’s) in the United States, winning many tournaments. Because of Sensei Blair's approach to teaching, his dojo grew from a few students to near-capacity classes. Over the years, his teaching has emphasized a tradition of quality.

Sensei Blair’s personal philosophy:

"Karate training and teaching is not something you do or learn but is what you are. For over 50 years, I have been committed to Karate.  Throughout my Karate career, it has been my goal to take myself and my students to a higher level, to reach national and international levels of competition.  I’m now reaching that level.  As a Sensei (coach), you must do what it takes to succeed. Success is built on time.  Along with time you must believe in yourself, strive to develop your inner-self and character, and be a person of honor, loyal to the program, and be resolved and then you will reach new frontiers."

Personal History:

  • Born in San Bernardino, CA. married, two daughters and one granddaughter.

  • Lived in Japan studying Karate for 5years

  • Attended Public schools in Fontana, CA

  • Attended Chaffey College in Alta Loma, CA

  • Attended Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan for two years

  • Attended Cal Poly Pomona, CA and graduated with a BS in Psychology

Employment Highlights:

  • Full-time Shotokan Karate Instructor for forty years

  • Former dojo in Fontana, CA had 150 students in a 5,000 sq. ft building

Training History:

  • Began Karate in 1962 under Senseis Dan Ivan and Fumio Demura in Santa Ana, CA

  • Studied Karate at the Japan Ryusho Sakagami,and at the JKA Dojo from 1968 to 1973

  • Studied Shotokan Karate with Hidetaka Nishiyama at the LA Dojo from 1973 to 2000

Personal Achievements:

  • National Instructors License issued by the AAKF in 1982

  • California State Recreation Award for Instructor of the Year in 1983

  • Community College: Teaching credential issued from the State of California

  • Chairman LA Games Karate tournament First in LA in 1988

  • Hosted 20 Karate Tournaments in Fontana

  • Received a commendation from Asumi Ozawa for more than 20 years of teaching

  • Taught Karate in Las Vegas in 1993

  • Received a commendation from Sensei Dan Ivan for being the most unique and  dedicated person to come out of the Santa Ana, CA Dojo.  Sensei Ivan also lived, studied, and competed in Japan

Competition:

  • First Place, Orange County Tournament in 1964

  • First Place, in LA State University Championships in 1967

  • Third Place, Kubota’s “All Star Tournament” in 1967

  • First Foreigner to receive Silver medal at the Budokan in Japan in 1970

  • Bronze Medal, “All Japan Championships”  and Third Place, East Japan Championships.

  • Winner, several Last Man Standing Championships in Japan

  • Second Place, Western United States Shotokan Championships

  • Second Place, Los Angeles City Shotokan Championships in 1985 and 1986

Rank Obtained:

  • Brown Belt, 1967, Santa Ana, CA Senseis Fumio Demura and Dan Ivan

  • Black Belt, FAJKO/Shito-Ryu, Tokyo, Japan

  • Black Belt, 1976, JKA Los Angeles, CA, Sensei H. Nishiyama

  • Nidan, 1980, Los Angeles, CA, Sensei H. Nishiyama

  • Godan, 1990, AJKA Shotokan, Riverside, CA

  • Nanadan, Shotokan Karate, Sensei Ray Dalke

Coaching Career:

  • Hawaiian International Championships, 2006
    All six team members medaled: 3 first places, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds

  • Black Belt Team Winner, Ozawa Cup, Las Vegas, NV, 2007

  • California State Championships, Camarillo, CA, 2007
    Team won 20 first places, 9 seconds, and 5 thirds

  • First place winner, Indio Invitational Championships

  • US Team World Shotokan Championships, Canada, 1994

  • Olympic Champion, Mexico City, 2002, Competitor of the Year Award

  • Jr. Olympic Champion, Chicago, IL 1999

  • Two USKA World Champions, New Orleans, LA, 2001

Sensei Blair's students have competed in Russia, Morocco, Africa, and Canada.  For many years, under Sensei Dave’s instruction, students from the Fontana Shotokan Karate Club were winning tournaments and were considered very formidable and well-respected throughout the Southern CA area.

(Sensei Blair's former Dojo for many years on Sierra Avenue in Fontana, CA)

Sensei Blair has been a friend and mentor of Sensei Ty Aponte and the USKL dojo for over 30 years. Sensei Blair has dedicated his life to the study and transmission of Shotokan karate do and we are honored to have a man of his integrity, experience, and leadership sharing his wisdom, energy and positive spirit at our dojo.