Chief Instructor

 Sensei Dan Cole is a native of Longview, Texas. He started his Martial Arts training on January 25, 1985 at the age of 14. He retired from the U.S. Navy on June 30, 2015 after 23 years of service.

He has been training for over 37 years and is an 9th Degree Black Belt in Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu with the Mendocino Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate Association. He also holds Black Belts in Taekwondo (1st Degree) and Tang Soo Do (2nd Degree). He taught in San Diego California from May 1995 – May 2015 for the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department. He is a student of Hanshi Mike Tobin and Soke Takayoshi Nagamine.

Sensei Dan has received 3 meritorious awards to include the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal from the US Navy for his involvement with teaching Karate classes for the community.

Sensei Dan’s goal in life is to continue teaching and training in Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu and promoting the spirit of the Martial Arts. He is willing to teach anyone who is willing to learn and believes the in quote “Karate is a lifelong Marathon”.

"Among my many goals in the Martial Arts, I strive to promote discipline, honor, teamwork and respect toward education, family and each other."

Organizations Involved With:
Co-Vice President - Mendocino Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate Association (MOSKA), 9th Degree Black Belt

Texas State Representative - American Teachers Association of the Martial Arts (ATAMA)​, 9th Degree Black Belt

Shorin Ryu Karate Do International (SRKDI), 7th Degree Black Belt

Special Achievements

1987 - Ranked 8th in both National and Regional Tournaments by the United States Taekwondo Federation.

1996 - Received Letter of Appreciation from Captain T.V. McCully, U.S. Navy, for teaching Martial Arts to the youth of San Diego.

1996 – Awarded “Outstanding Instructor” by South Bay Tang Soo Do in San Diego, CA.

1997 – Received Certificate of Appreciation from William Penn Elementary School for Martial Arts demonstration in honor of Principal Mark Mendoza.

1997 – Received Certificate of Appreciation from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s P.A.L. for volunteering at 1st Annual P.A.L. Youth Karate Tournament.

2010 – Received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for providing over 2,500 hours of instruction to the San Diego Parks and Recreations Department.

2020 - Sleep First Hometown Hero, December 2020