Sensei Shawn Danaher was born in 1981 in Camarillo, California. He began his karate training in 1993 under Marcus Young (Sensei Victor's son.) Shawn received his 1st degree black belt in 1998 under Shihan Hiroyasu Fujishima. He was promoted to 2nd degree black belt by Sensei Young in 2003, and 3rd degree in April 2006.
Shawn has worked on several action films, including “The Power Within”, “Tiger Heart”, and recently auditioned for a new reality series pilot, “The Next Martial Arts Superstar”. You can check him out on YouTube. He organized and participated in a “Stranger Danger” program for local schools which helped to educate students about the potential dangers of interacting with strangers. He has organized and participated in many local karate demonstrations such as the Obon Festival, St. Mary Magdalen Fiesta, JACL(Japanese Culture Day), and the Martial Partners Expo.
Shawn received his BA in Psychology from Cal-State Channel Islands in 2006. Shawn is a trained Behavioral Therapist for S.T.A.R. (Support and Treatment for Autism and Related Disorders), where he applies “State of the Art ABA services for Children with Autism”. While working full time, he is still seen at the dojo five times a week where he continues his training at Camarillo Shotokan under Sensei Young.
Standing at 5'6", Shawn is known for his lightning speed. Sensei Shawn has experience in many national/international open and traditional competitions and feels that it is important to share his experiences with the students. He has received many First Place and Grand Champion Awards in events including, Traditional Japanese/Okinawan Kata, Open Forms, Musical Forms, Men’s Black Belt Kumite, Showmanship, Traditional Weapons (with both Bo & Naginata), and Open Weapons (with both Traditional Kamas and Kamas w/ rope). Shawn is a 2007 World Team Kumite Champion (Ozawa Cup: Las Vegas, NV).
Shawn has experience teaching all ages, Lil’ Cubs (3-4yrs), Lil’ Tigers (5-6yrs), Youth (7-12yrs), and Adults (13-older). Currently he is the Youth Program Director, and teaches all youth levels. As the Team Captain of Camarillo Shotokan’s Competition Team, Shawn encourages all students to participate in special events, seminars, tournaments, and fundraisers. He feels that all students will benefit from these unique life experiences. He is a fine instructor with a great future.
"The only thing in life achieved without effort is failure"
-Unknown
