"Profile: Senior Instructor Richard Kageyama"

Richard Kageyama started Karate training in January 1972 with the sole purpose of getting back into shape, never realizing that he would still be training after twenty-four plus years.

Kageyama-San's training began at the West Los Angeles Karate Dojo under George and Gene Takahashi. He received his SHODAN ranking in 1974, and was assigned as an Assistant Instructor that year.

In 1980 Kageyama-San joined Sensei Gene Takahashi at the Marina Karate Club as an Instructor, advancing to Senior Instructor in 1985.

During the 1983 Nisei Week Karate Tournament in Los Angele's Little Tokyo, Kageyama-San placed high enough in the Kata competition to become a member of the team representing California at the American Amateur Karate Federation's National Tournament held in San Francisco. In the following year, Kageyama-San received his NIDAN ranking.

Kageyama-San received his certification as a Regional Judge in 1986. At the International Traditional Karate Federation's Summer Camp in 1987 Kageyama-San attended the Regional Instructor's seminar, receiving his certification as an Instructor upon successful completion of the course and examination.

Kageyama-San received his SANDAN ranking in 1988.

Most recently, Kageyama-San competed in the 1996 AAKF Western Regional Tournament in celebration of his 50th birthday! He placed in the top 3 for Kata and represented California at the AAKF National Tournament in Chicago.

Kageyama-San received his YONDAN ranking in 1996.