Senpai Jason Samonte, 1st Dan

Senpai Jason was born a Navy Brat in San Francisco, California.  He began training in Judo at age 7 while living on the Island of Guam.  He trained for 2 1/2 years then moved to Oxnard, Calif. in 1974.  In 1980 he began training in Chinese Kenpo under Sifu Jesus Flores of the Flores Brothers Kenpo Karate Studio.  While with the Flores Brothers, he also trained in Kali (Filipino Stick Fighting).  After 2 1/2 years, he began training in Shito-Ryu karate under Sensei Hide Igaki  in Oxnard.  After less than a year, he attended California State University at Long Beach and joined the Shotokan Club under the direction of Sensei Don DuPree.  In September 2005, he joined Camarillo Shotokan and attained the rank of Sho Dan in April 2009.

Senpai Jason has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of California and works for the City of Oxnard.  He is happily married and has three children (2 boys and a girl).  His entire family trains in Shotokan and he assists with the Lil' Cubs and Lil' Tigers program.

Master Funakoshi's 5th precept, "Mentality before technique"