About the Dojo
Tradition, Discipline, and Lineage
A proud Shotokan Karate International Federation member dojo in Houston, Texas.
Welcome to the Dojo
Traditional Karate, Right Here in Houston
Shotokan Karate-Do Center, Houston, TX is a proud member of the Shotokan Karate International Federation (S.K.I.F.), the worldwide federation founded by the legendary Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa. We teach karate the way it was meant to be taught — with deep respect for tradition, technical precision, and the spirit of budo.
Whether you are stepping onto the mat for the very first time or continuing a lifelong journey, you will find a welcoming family of karateka and dedicated instructors ready to guide you, push you, and celebrate every belt you earn.
Every class begins and ends with a bow. Respect for instructors, training partners, and oneself is the soul of karate-do.
We train the mind alongside the body. Focus, perseverance, and a calm spirit carry students well beyond the dojo floor.
Through kihon, kata, and kumite, students build real-world strength, conditioning, and confidence at every level.
Our Lineage
From Funakoshi to Houston
- 01Gichin FunakoshiFounder of Shotokan Karate1868 – 1957
Brought karate from Okinawa to mainland Japan and named his style after his pen name, Shōtō (松濤) — “pine waves.”
- 02Hirokazu KanazawaFounder of S.K.I.F.1931 – 2019
Soke Kanazawa founded the Shotokan Karate International Federation in 1978 to preserve traditional Shotokan and share it across the world.
- 03Our DojoShotokan Karate-Do Center, Houston, TX40+ Years · S.K.I.F. Member
We carry the lineage forward in Houston — teaching kihon, kata, and kumite with the precision and respect that defines S.K.I.F. Shotokan. For over 40 years, our dojo has called the Trotter Family YMCA of Greater Houston home, with instructors visiting from Japan to keep our training directly connected to the source. Classes are led by Sensei Kayarash Daylami, 7th Dan.
Lead Instructor
Sensei Daylami brings decades of S.K.I.F. Shotokan training to every class, maintaining strong ties with instructors in Japan to ensure our students receive teaching that is true to the tradition.
Our Instructors
Senior Instructors
Stephan5th Dan · S.K.I.F.
Lisa5th Dan · S.K.I.F.
Cyril3rd Dan · S.K.I.F.
Jeff2nd Dan · S.K.I.F.
What We Teach
The Three Pillars of Training
Fundamentals — stances, blocks, strikes, and kicks practiced until they become second nature.
Choreographed sequences passing down the techniques and spirit of past masters.
Sparring — controlled application of technique with a partner, building timing and composure.
Affiliated Dojos
Our Extended Family
Open Doors
Beyond Our Federation
Our family extends beyond the dojos we’re directly affiliated with. If you train Shotokan — in any federation, anywhere in the world — you have a place on our floor. Visitors moving to Houston, karatekas passing through, students from other organizations: come train with us. The lineage we share is bigger than any single banner.
- Any Federation
- Any Rank
- Any Background