LEO Shortle
GODAN
(5th Degree Black Belt)
SHOTOKAN KARATEDO
Leo began his Shotokan karate training in 1976 under Sensei Ray Dalke of the West Coast Karate Association. He received his 1st Degree Black Belt in 1979 (see karate timeline) and his 5th Degree Black Belt in October 2015 from the Upland Shotokan Karate League dojo.
Sensei Leo taught karate at Cal Poly Pomona and assisted Sensei Ty at the Pomona College Shotokan karate program. Sensei Leo was privileged to train under many legendary karate notables such as Hideteka Nishiyama, Frank Smith, and James Fields.
Sensei Leo believed in building a strong foundation through hard work and basics and is featured in the book “Some Basics About Karate” by Ed and Ruth Radlauer. Leo joined USKL in 1999 and his experience and old school rough and tumble ways made him an asset to the dojo. He was formidable on the dojo training floor, didn’t back down in the tournament ring, and was an avid participant in dojo seminars, beach workouts, and karate training camps. Sensei Leslie Safar (10th Dan) would often announce “OK, Leo’s here, we can start camp now” and when teaching karate classes, Sensei Leo commanded one’s undivided focus, attention, and effort. His three loves were: Karate, Karate, and, if I didn’t mention it, Karate. Leo the Lionhearted will be TRULY missed. June 15, 1951 - June 3, 2023
— Sensei Ty Aponte
Timeline
USKL SHOTOKAN KARATEDO
Started 1976 - Sense Dalke
Shodan 1979 - Sensei Dalke
Nidan 1994 - Sensei Dalke
Joined 1999 - USKL/Aponte
Sandan 2002 - Sensei Aponte/Whiteside
Yondan 2013 - Sensei Aponte/Whiteside
Godan 2015 - Sensei Aponte/Whiteside, Dean Pickard, and George Sasano (JKA)
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Shu-Ha-Ri represents a transformational process which entails: “physical discipline, self-defense, sport, artistic expression, meditation, philosophical/ethical development, and spiritual development.”