Len Tran has been training with Sensei Kirk Dombrowski, Godan, 5th degree, in New York City, since 1994. After a vigorous training for more than six years, 1994-2000, with Sensei Dombrowski, Sensei Tran moved to Virginia and continued practicing Shorin-Ryu. Sensei Tran also trained with Shorin-Ryu Karate of U.S.A organization founded by Master Ansei Eushiro. He trained with them for almost two years until decided to open up a dojo in Alexandria, Virginia at the request of his students. Currently, Sensei Tran has at least 25 serious students and the class is growing each semester. The students of Alexandria are regularly training with Sensei Dombrowki's dojo at least once every two months in New York City. During 2006, Len was very honored to have met Sensei Katsuhiko Shinzato, who resides in Yonabaru, Okinawa. Under the instruction of Sensei Shinzato, Len has been very diligent with his koshi training and he is continuing to seek Sensei's instruction on a continuous basis.

In addition to Shorin-Ryu, Sensei Tran also has a black belt in HAPKIDO, the art of self defense, under 3rd Degree Blackbelt, Ralph Ianucelli. Sensei Tran teaches both Karate and Hapkido in class. This gives the students an opportunity to not just punch their opponent, but also to utilize joint locks as other means of damage. Combining the art of koshi and hapkido, one can damage the opponent regardless of their size or shape.

Born in Managua, Nicaragua, Felix Hernandez had trained Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu, under the guidance of sensei Sergio Aranda in Miami, Florida. He has over 10 years experience in martial arts including Northern and Southern Styles of Kung Fu. Felix has been very active with the Alexandria dojo and his presence always make the class enjoyable. Felix began his koshi training in 2005 and currently he is qualified to teach the concept of koshi to others. Felix recently achieved his Nidan and his expertise and understanding of karatedo is always valuable to our dojo.

In addition to training with the Alexandria, Virginia dojo, Felix is also assisting other students in Miami, Florida to understand the concept of koshi training on a monthly basis.

Andy Tiea has recently earned his Shodan and in addition to his accomplishment, Andy is known for his intensive cardio training. Andy has been very active with the Alexandria dojo and is currently assisting lower ranking belts to achieve their black belt as well. Prior to training with Sensei Len, Andy had trained in another style of karate. It is remarkable over the last few years, that Andy has been acknowledging the effectiveness of using koshi for every technique. Besides practicing basic katas, he is training in the advanced version of continuous fist while emphasizing the importance of koshi from one motion to another.

Andy is experienced in both the Sai and Bo. He had learned both Kyan no sai and Kishaba no sai and is assisting others in their weapons training. Andy also participates in regular trip to New York City where we train with our sister dojo. In addition, Andy is now concurrently training the art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to complement with his karate, empty hand, training.

Huy Ho joined the dojo in April 2006 under the instruction of sensei Len Tran. He has been impressed with the koshi training and dedicated himself to learning the physical aspect as well as the psychological aspect of karate-do. Huy has trained himself how to punch effortlessly with the same power as an aggressive punch, while maintaining good body posture and conserving energy for additional consecutive moves. He is currently training with other blackbelts as well as instructing lower ranks to improve his teaching skills. Huy is learning both the Bo and Sai katas to complement with his empty hand katas.

Prior to training shorin ryu, Huy had trained in taekwondo. The understanding of both kicking and empty hand have made Huy closer to becoming a true martial artist.

Anne Marie Albertazzi began training under Sensei Len Tran in the Spring of 2006, having no prior martial arts experience. Her previous experience includes ballet and modern dance forms, as well as Ashtanga yoga and cross-country running. Anne Marie had the honor of accompanying Sensei Tran and Sensei Hernandez to Okinawa to receive instruction from Sensei Katsuhiko. She is continually amazed by the power of koshi movement and is committed to her own improvement as well as assisting lower ranking belts to improve their practice.

Tod Van Roy obtained his Shodan in May of 2008 after having trained with Sensei Tran since 2005. Tod has come to realize both the efficiency and power behind the Koshi idea as taught to him by Sensei Tran and reinforced by other senior training partners. Tod believes that it is a humbling experience to understand that body size or shape is not important, but rather how one uses their body to convey both power and grace from the Koshi movements. Obtaining a more complete understanding of this motion is Tod's current goal, as well as to assist those who wish to learn more in their own study of this concept.