GICHIN FUNAKOSHI
"The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants."
THE FOUNDER
Sensei André Dulce
In 1973, Sensei André Dulce (8th Degree Black Belt) founded the Washington Shotokan Association in Bellevue, Washington after having trained under Kancho Kenneth Funakoshi in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dulce Sensei's friendly teaching style and his love for serving families and the Eastside community led to WSA becoming one of the largest and most successful martial arts schools in the country. Dulce Sensei retired from active teaching in 2015 but continues to serve as Chief Advisor on the WSA Board of Directors. His legacy continues under the leadership of his senior instructors, many of whom have trained with him for decades.
Centuries of Experience
Washington Shotokan Association is led by an experienced team of twelve senior instructors (4th degree Black Belts and above), who represent over four centuries of Shotokan Karate Experience. In addition, WSA is affiliated with the worldwide Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association led by Founder Shihan Kyle Funakoshi, son of founder Kancho Kenneth Funakoshi.
WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL
50 Years in Bellevue Area
What makes Washington Shotokan Association so special is our amazing students and teaching staff. 100 percent of our instructors volunteer their time to teach and "give back" by helping our students achieve their health and martial arts goals. Over our 50 years of serving Bellevue and the Eastside community, we have touched the lives of thousands of students and their families, and have promoted over 100 students to the ranks of Black Belt, including our most senior instructors
Many of our students have made WSA their second family and have incorporated the WSA experience into their daily lives and are amazing people. We consider teaching and serving our students to be a tremendous honor and always will.
*Michelle and Kristina Tran started with WSA in 2000 and continue their learning and training as 4th Degree Black Belts and Sensei's today. They are some of the nicest, most respectful and humble people you will ever meet.