Our Lineage: A Legacy of Excellence
At Shotokan Studio, we don’t just teach movements; we preserve a legacy.
Our Leadership
Shotokan Studio is led by Renshi José Vargas, 5th Degree Black Belt with decades of experience in the art. Renshi Vargas is a dedicated student of Shihan Hector Sotomayor (8th Dan), a renowned figure in the puertorrican martial arts community and student of Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai (10th Dan), Chief Instructor of the International Karate Daigaku (IKD). This connection ensures that our students receive world-class traditional Shotokan Karate training, recognized for its high standards and technical precision.
Modern Training for a Modern World
At Shotokan Studio, the Dojo is wherever you stand. By providing our training fully online, we remove geographical barriers, allowing us to focus entirely on the transmission of authentic Shotokan techniques and philosophy directly into your living space.
This isn’t a library of static videos. Our classes are live and interactive. Using high-definition streaming, Shotokan Studio provides real-time corrections on your stances, kata, and kihon, ensuring that your progress is as precise as it would be in a physical training hall.
We have designed Shotokan Studio’s curriculum for home training. You don’t need a massive gym—just a small space and a commitment to excel. Save the commute time and invest it back into your practice, making karate a seamless part of your daily lifestyle.
Every student receives exclusive access to our Shotokan Body of Knowledge, a comprehensive digital course featuring official reference videos, curriculum guides, and historical archives. This ensures you have 24/7 support for your training between live sessions.
Shotokan is a universal language that transcends physical borders. By removing the commute, we’ve built a vibrant digital dojo where students can connect and train together in real-time. This community ensures you are never practicing in isolation, providing a supportive network of peers who share your dedication to the art, regardless of your geographic location.
Behind the Emblem: Our School Patch
The Shotokan Studio patch is a representation of our philosophy and the path every student walks. Each element carries a specific meaning that connects our students to the history of Karate-do.
The yellow field symbolizes the bright energy, optimism, and mental clarity we strive to cultivate. The solid black border represents the discipline and boundaries required to master the art—holding our focus within the dojo.
At the center is the practitioner. Notably, the karateka is depicted with a white belt. This serves as a constant reminder of the “Beginner’s Mind.” No matter how high we rise in rank, we remain humble students, always open to learning and perfecting our basics.
Resting above the practitioner is the traditional Shotokan Tiger in a striking red. This honors the legacy of Gichin Funakoshi and symbolizes the “Tiger of the Mountains”—representing the untamable spirit, courage, and explosive power that characterizes our style. The red color signifies the passion and heart we pour into every movement.