Les Heri Shihan: Martial Arts Innovator

THE LEGACY OF LES HERI SHIHAN

Preserving Tradition • Advancing Human Performance • Inspiring Future Generations

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A Lifetime Dedicated to Budo

Some people study martial arts for a few years. Others teach for a portion of their lives. Few devote an entire lifetime to preserving, advancing, and living the principles of Budo.

For more than five decades, Les Heri Shihan has dedicated himself to the disciplined pursuit of traditional martial arts—not simply as a competitor or instructor, but as a lifelong student, educator, mentor, researcher, and innovator.

His journey began in New York City in 1972 and has continued without interruption through decades of training, teaching, research, and service. Throughout that time, his purpose has remained constant: to help people become stronger in body, sharper in mind, and better in character.

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The Beginning

In 1972, Les Heri Shihan began formal martial arts training at the Richard Chun Tae Kwon Do Center in New York City. There he developed the discipline, work ethic, and respect that would define the rest of his martial arts career, ultimately earning the rank of Brown Belt.

Those early years established a foundation built upon perseverance, humility, and the understanding that martial arts are measured not by belts alone, but by daily effort.

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Discovering Goju-Ryu

Seeking a deeper understanding of traditional martial arts, Les Heri Shihan continued his training at the Tiger Dojo Institute of Goju Karate & Aiki-jitsu.

Under the guidance of exceptional instructors and through years of dedicated practice, he earned:

• First Degree Black Belt in Goju-ryu Karate-do
• Instructor Certification
• First Degree Black Belt in Aiki-jitsu
• Second Degree Black Belt in Goju-ryu Karate-do
• First Degree Black Belt in Iaido

These years also marked the beginning of his teaching career, as he progressed from student to instructor while developing the skills required to mentor others.

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Student of Shihan Michael Robinson

A defining influence in Heri Shihan’s martial arts development was his study under Shihan Michael Robinson.

From this relationship came a deeper appreciation for traditional Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do, not merely as a fighting system but as a lifelong discipline emphasizing humility, respect, technical precision, and continual self-improvement.

These principles became the cornerstone of his own teaching philosophy.

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Building an Instructor

Between 1985 and 1990, Heri Sensei instructed through the Okinawa Goju-ryu Karate-do Preservation Society in New York City.

During this period he taught more than two hundred students throughout the city while continuing his own development and earning promotion to Third Degree Black Belt in Goju-ryu Karate-do.

His reputation as a patient, technically skilled instructor steadily grew.

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Serving the Community

Martial arts have always represented more than physical training.

While serving as Founder and Chief Instructor for American Indian Child & Family Services in Akron, New York, Heri Shihan developed a karate curriculum specifically for Native American children and teenagers.

The program emphasized discipline, confidence, respect, responsibility, and personal achievement while introducing students to traditional Okinawan karate.

This work reflected his belief that martial arts can transform lives far beyond the dojo.

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Expanding Instruction

As a contracted instructor for Bally Matrix Health Spa, Heri Sensei expanded his teaching to include:

• Traditional Karate
• Practical Self-Defense
• Personal Safety Awareness

His ability to adapt traditional principles for modern audiences demonstrated the versatility and relevance of authentic martial arts instruction.

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Founding Tiger Dojo

In 1993, Les Heri Shihan established his own independent Tiger Dojo in Akron, New York after the death of Vega Shihan.

Unlike many commercial schools, the dojo emphasized authentic Okinawan tradition, technical excellence, and character development over rank or competition alone.

During this period he was awarded the title of Renshi, recognizing both technical proficiency and instructional maturity.

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International Recognition

Years of dedicated training culminated in formal recognition by the Okinawa Karate-do Federation Goju-kai.

He was awarded the title of Shihan, officially recognizing him as a Master Instructor.

He also completed certification in traditional Okinawan Kobudo, preserving the classical weapons systems that complement Goju-ryu Karate-do.

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Competition Career

Although deeply committed to traditional practice, Heri Shihan also demonstrated excellence in competition.

His accomplishments include:

• Gold Medal, Battle of Los Angeles National Martial Arts Championship
• First Place, Men’s Senior Black Belt Kata
• First Place, Hollywood Nationals Advanced Black Belt Kumite
• First Place, Hollywood Nationals Advanced Black Belt Weapons
• Third Place, Hollywood Nationals Advanced Black Belt Kata

These achievements reflected years of disciplined preparation while reinforcing that competition is only one aspect of martial arts development.

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Regional, National and International Coach, Judge, Referee

Beginning in 1981, Heri Sensei expanded his service to the martial arts community as a national and international coach, judge, and referee.

For decades he has helped maintain fairness, professionalism, and technical excellence in tournaments while mentoring competitors and instructors alike.

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The Bushido Award

Among his most meaningful recognitions is the Bushido Award presented by the Nikkei Games Karate Committee.

Unlike awards based solely on competitive performance, the Bushido Award honors those who consistently demonstrate humility, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, self-control, and the true spirit of the warrior’s code.

The committee noted not only Heri Shihan’s personal conduct but also the exceptional character displayed by his students, recognizing that such qualities reflect exemplary leadership. Here is the text citation of the Award 

Bushido Award 2013 Winner - Les Heri presented by the Nikkei Games Karate Committee 

The Bushido Award is given to the competitor that has demonstrated karate in the true spirit of Budo. It is not necessarily given to the best competitor but is also awarded for extraordinary displays of sportsmanship and spirit. The winner is selected by the Nikkei Karate Committee. A trophy is awarded and the winner recognized at the subsequent years event. Winners need

not be selected every year, only if a competitor displays the necessary qualifications. When we select an award winner, it is not about the who the best fighter is or who does the best kata. It is primarily about demonstration of the martial spirit. It is about a competitor that exemplifies the true values of Bushido (warrior’s code). Proper attitude is paramount. The competitor is a humble when winning and is respectful when losing. When fighting, the competitor exercises proper control and constantly demonstrates good sportsmanship. 

When an entire dojo demonstrates these qualities, it is hard to pick one winner. 

The reason why the students have these qualities is because of an exemplary Sensei. It is because of this that this year’s recipient of the Nikkei Karate Bushido Award goes to Les Heri Sensei.

Heri Sensei, a native of New York City, a student of Michael Robinson Kancho. Heri Sensei has been studying martial arts since 1972. He is a former champion in kumite and kobudo in the Hollywood Nationals. He was also a former 

kata champion from the LA National Martial Arts Championship. Sensei Heri has been a strong supporter of the Nikkei Games karate tournament. He requires participation in the tournament by all his students. He also requires all students and parents to stay for the duration of the tournament, teaching the students respect and support for their fellow team members. This is commendable and further solidified our decision to present him with the award. 

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Shoreiha Dojo

Through Shoreiha Dojo, Heri Sensei has continued his lifelong mission of teaching authentic Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do.

Students are challenged to pursue technical excellence while developing confidence, humility, perseverance, and respect.

Training extends beyond physical techniques to include character development, community responsibility, and lifelong learning.

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Beyond Traditional Instruction

Throughout his career, Heri Shihan has continually explored how science can strengthen traditional martial arts.

His interests include:

• Human biomechanics
• Athletic performance
• Plyometric conditioning
• Neuromuscular development
• Connective tissue health
• Injury prevention
• Functional movement
• Human performance optimization

Rather than replacing tradition, scientific understanding deepens appreciation for the wisdom contained within classical martial arts.

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The Coil Core Vision

One of Heri Sensei’s continuing areas of research is the development of the Coil Core concept.

This work explores how rotational movement, structural alignment, elastic energy storage, and efficient biomechanics can improve martial arts performance while reducing unnecessary strain on the body.

The goal is to integrate traditional principles with modern sports science to benefit martial artists and athletes alike.

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Teaching Philosophy

True martial arts instruction is never limited to punches, kicks, or kata.

It is the lifelong cultivation of character.

Technique without humility is incomplete.

Strength without compassion is dangerous.

Knowledge without continued learning becomes stagnant.

A martial artist should leave every class not only technically better, but also a better human being.

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Looking Forward

After more than fifty years of training, teaching, and research, Heri Shihan continues to pursue new knowledge.

His vision is to preserve the traditions of Okinawan martial arts while advancing the scientific understanding of human movement and performance.

He believes the future of martial arts lies in honoring the past while embracing thoughtful innovation.

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Legacy

The true measure of a martial artist is not the number of trophies won or ranks earned.

It is found in the lives improved through patient instruction, ethical leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Generations of students have benefited from Les Heri Shihan’s guidance.

His influence extends beyond competition and beyond the dojo.

It lives in every student who carries forward the principles of respect, discipline, humility, perseverance, and service.

His legacy is not merely one of martial arts achievement.

It is the legacy of a teacher who has dedicated his life to helping others become stronger, wiser, and more capable human beings.

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Closing Reflection

“Tradition is not preserved by standing still. It is preserved by understanding it deeply, living it faithfully, and passing it forward with integrity.”