Meet the OCIGK Leadership and Instructors
OCIGK is led by Roy Cadiente (left), Founder, 6th degree black belt; he holds the title of Kyoshi (Professor) and Matthew Hemenez, 5th degree black belt; he holds the title of Shihan (Master).
Kyoshi and Shihan have worked closely for over 25 years, along with a very dedicated leadership team, to transform OCIGK from a seedling community program to the mutli-faceted, multi-location, caring, professional and traditional learning environment that it is today.
Roy Cadiente, Kyoshi (left) and Matthew Hemenez, Shihan (right)
Senior Sensei Tom Furukawa
Sensei Tom Furukawa is the Senior Sensei at OCIGK and a 4th degree black belt in Goju Ryu Karate. He started his martial arts training in Kyokushin Karate and received his black belt when he was 16 years old. He then trained in Enshin Karate where he competed in full contact (pre-MMA) tournaments.
Sensei Furukawa received his black belt in Goju Ryu Karate in 1996 from Kyoshi Roy Cadiente and has been teaching at the OCIGK ever since. The OCIGK became his home for continued training due to its focus on traditional karate while creating an inviting and nurturing environment.
He is a father of 3 and former baseball player. His daughter, Ashley and son Tyler are both OCIGK black belts. He received his Bachelor of Science in Information and Computer Science from the University of California, Irvine.
Teaching Philosophy: Karate is for everyone, and anyone can learn.
Sensei Andrew
Sensei Andrew is a 4th degree black belt who started training with Kyoshi Roy at the age of 7, earning his 1st degree black belt in March 2001. He would continue onwards in training and improving fellow students, earning his 4th degree black belt in 2024.
Sensei Andrew earned his Bachelor's degree in Sociology from UCI in 2004.
Teaching Philosophy: Effort and practice are the most valuable goals in karate: practice the correct way, strive to do your best, and these elements will give you satisfaction.
Sensei George Escalante
Sensei George Escalante is a 3rd degree black belt who began training in martial arts as an adult. His interest in Karate piqued as the parent of a young child attending classes at OCIGK. He soon became a student himself under Kyoshi Roy, earning his black belt in 2011.
Sensei George has a daughter and two sons; both sons are OCIGK black belts.
Sensei George earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in physics from California State Universities Fullerton and Long Beach, respectively. He earned a Ph.D. in Computational Sciences–Physics at Chapman University.
Teaching Philosophy: Emphasize a good work ethic in the dojo and that will positively impact other areas of a student’s life.
Sensei Edward Uy
Sensei Edward Uy is a 3rd degree black belt who began training in martial arts as an adult, earning his 1st degree black belt in April 2014. He went on practicing with OCIGK to earn his 3rd degree black belt in October 2023.
Sensei Ed earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from Villenova University and University of California Irvine, respectively.
Teaching Philosophy: Teaching at the right level for the individual student is important, so they enjoy the class and reach their maximum potential. Deliver every class with energy and ensure students learn something new each time.
Sensei Jean-Claude Khoury
Sensei Jean-Claude Khoury is a 3rd degree black belt who received his black belt with OCIGK in April 2014. He has gone on since then to earn his 3rd degree black belt in September 2019.
Sensei J.C. earned his Bachelor's degrees in Business and Finance from the University of Maryland, and Master's degrees from London Business School. Sensei J.C. has also been practicing Ju-jitsu for over a decade, and has 2 sons.
Teaching Philosophy: Encourage students to understand the practical application of katas.
Sensei Andre Escalante
Sensei Jean-Claude Khoury is a 3rd degree black belt who received his black belt with OCIGK in April 2008. He has gone on since then to earn his 3rd degree black belt in January 2021.
Sensei Andre earned his Bachelor's degrees in History and Religious Studies from California State University Fullerton, and an additional Bachelor's in Psychology from California Baptist University. Sensei Andre has gone on to earn his Master's degrees from Regent University in Divinity, and has one son.
Sensei Yosh Bhattarai
Sensei Yosh Bhattarai is a 2nd degree black belt who first began training in shotakan karate at the age of four before moving to OCIGK, and went on to received his black belt in November 2016. He has gone on since then to earn his 2nd degree black belt in November 2023.
Teaching Philosophy: Demonstrate techniques throughly before instructing and practice all strikes with impact.
Sensei Yaseen Sattar
Sensei Yaseen Sattar is a 2nd degree black belt who first began his training with Kyoshi Roy at 4 years old, and went on to received his black belt with OCIGK in October 2017. He has gone on since then to earn his 2nd degree black belt in November 2023.
Sensei Yaseen earned his Bachelor's degree in Econ from the University of California Riverside.
Teaching Philosophy: Karate builds the discipline and character that form the foundation for success in all aspects of life.
Sensei Casey Dallman
Sensei Casey Dallman is a 2nd degree black belt and the main instructor for the online class. She obtained her black belt with OCIGK in February 2017, and graduated Cum Laude from William Peace University where she obtained a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration.
Teaching Philosophy: It is best to learn from firsthand experience and building on knowledge that is already known.