We are committed to teaching the true martial art tradition of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do as a form of human development and personal empowerment.
The Rancho Bernardo Karate Center was established in 1997 and is a proud member of the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Federation (IOGKF), an organization created by the world-renowned Master Morio Higaonna. The IOGKF teaches traditional Okinawan karate and allows students the opportunity to travel and train among a family of dojos all over the world! Upon earning their first belt, stude
nts are presented with a badge of the dojo crest to be worn on the left side of one’s gi (uniform) top. The crest is the symbol of the IOGKF and represents a high set of international standards which the bearer ought to take pride in and uphold. Our dojo offers classes for both children and adults in a friendly and supportive environment. We place a strong emphasis on teaching children core values that will help them succeed in life, encouraging the philosophy of “serious training for fun.” Though we use the belt system, we understand that a belt only signifies the amount of time a person has been training. Ability and skill, on the other hand, must realistically be a measure of the amount of dedication a person puts into their studies. What you put into your training is truly what you get back. A few words from Sensei Steve:
Over the last 30 years, I have had the opportunity to train with many world famous instructors from different martial arts styles. I have taken classes in Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu, Shotokan, Kung Fu, Wushu, Judo, and Okinawan weapons. I have chosen to keep my core training in Goju-Ryu because it is truly a very versatile style that already integrates elements of all of the above styles. The concept of “Jack of all trades, master of none” often becomes a reality when instructors choose to mix their martial arts styles, watering them down. I truly believe Goju-Ryu (and the IOGKF in particular) encompasses so many aspects of martial arts that my time is best spent deeply studying only this one style. I have many friends in other styles, however, and love training with them. In fact, I believe that it helps me to better understand Goju-Ryu in doing so. I have competed in tournaments in Canada, Mexico, China, Okinawa and many cities throughout the USA. In 1993 I was honored to be part of a small group to travel to China with Sensei Higaonna for three weeks. We participated in a tournament and demonstrations at the tenth annual Wushu convention in Fuzhou. We also traveled the country, visiting many temples including a Shoalin temple, where we were treated to many fantastic Shoalin and Wushu demonstrations. Then in 1995 I was one of seven participants, invited by Sensei Higaonna, to be part of the USA team at the world tournament in Okinawa. I grew up in Rochester, Michigan, but martial arts training was not available to me until I went to college at Michigan State University. I enjoyed a fantastic youth. I have nine brothers and sisters and we spent most of our playtime outdoors. We were adventuresome and maybe a little wild. My parents, however, were nurturing and held us to high expectations. I began working at the age of twelve, doing farm work and odd jobs. By fifteen I was balancing a full-time job, good grades, and rigorous workouts with the Rochester High School Marine Fitness Team, coached by former Green Beret, Max Hasse. The workouts took place before school and during our fourth period. At year-end, the final 6-man team was chosen to compete in the national finals held in Washington, DC. That was my first airplane trip, ultimately leading me to a life filled with adventure. At the age of 30, I moved to San Diego and began my Goju-Ryu training with Sensei Peled. The workouts were 2-3 hours long, usually 4-5 days a week. We had a great core of very dedicated students, along with many great role models. I was daily taught valuable skills. It was then that I discovered this was to be my path. It was so great to be with so many others that were striving to perfect their karate and personal character. As a result, I dedicated myself to the art and over the years, I have watched karate transform the lives of both adults and children countless times.
08/26/2026
This amazing event is drawing nearer and the early registration discount ends 1st September. We have a translator for the whole event. Please don't miss this opportunity.
To attend this event please pre-register using QR code in the flyer below or follow this link https://forms.gle/JkxzgDJEPPjkneTG7
You will receive an email with full details soon after.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION with other IOGKF members.
このイベントへの参加をご希望の方は、下記のチラシに掲載されているQRコード、またはこちらのリンク（https://forms.gle/JkxzgDJEPPjkneTG7）から事前登録をお願いいたします。登録後まもなく、詳細を記載したメールをお送りいたします。
イベント全体を通して通訳が付きます。
席数に限りがございますので、お早めにご登録ください。
この情報をIOGKF会員の皆様にもぜひ共有してください。 See less
08/19/2026
Hi parents and students,
We have a small change in our Tuesday night adult class. Because of low attendance we will not be holding the Tuesday night adult class through the end of August. This means NO ADULT CLASS TONIGHT.
Please let us know if you are interested in attending Tuesday nights and we could put it back on the schedule in September.
Our schedule is:
Monday: RB
Juniors: 5:00-5:50
Adults: 6:30-7:50
Tuesday: CM
Adults: 12:00-1:00
Tuesday: EB
Juniors: 4:00-4:50
Wednesday: CM
Juniors: 5:00-5:50
Adults: 6:30-7:50 (also on Zoom)
Thursday: RB
Adults: 12:00-1:00
Friday: EB
Juniors: 5:00-5:50
Adults: 6:30-7:50.
We will have our hojo undo class this Saturday (8/22) at the Ed Brown Center, 1:00-3:00.
Next month should see no changes in the schedule, except the possibility of no longer offering the adult evening class on Tuesdays.
We may be holding our belt testing, next month, on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend (9/5). Please let me know if you can attend for the extra training.
I have been training with Sensei Robin for nearly 30 years. He has been an excellent addition to our dojo.
Sadly, he moved back to the UK last month. Happily, he is still teaching our Sunday morning Zoom classes. Just another good reason to get up early and train on Sunday.
Now that school has started I hope to get everyone back into the dojo for training.
Steve
08/04/2026
To attend this event please pre-register using QR code in the flyer below or follow this link https://forms.gle/JkxzgDJEPPjkneTG7
You will receive an email with full details soon after.
We now have a translator for the whole event.
Places are going fast so register and sign up soon.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION with other IOGKF members.
このイベントへの参加をご希望の方は、下記のチラシに掲載されているQRコード、またはこちらのリンク（https://forms.gle/JkxzgDJEPPjkneTG7）から事前登録をお願いいたします。登録後まもなく、詳細を記載したメールをお送りいたします。
イベント全体を通して通訳が付きます。
席数に限りがございますので、お早めにご登録ください。
この情報をIOGKF会員の皆様にもぜひ共有してください。
07/21/2026
Anyone interested in attending this event please pre-register using QR code in the flyer below or follow this link https://forms.gle/JkxzgDJEPPjkneTG7
You will receive an email with full details soon after.
We now have a translator for the whole event.
Places are going fast so register and sign up soon.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION with other IOGKF members.
このイベントへの参加をご希望の方は、下記のチラシに掲載されているQRコード、またはこちらのリンク（https://forms.gle/JkxzgDJEPPjkneTG7）から事前登録をお願いいたします。登録後まもなく、詳細を記載したメールをお送りいたします。
イベント全体を通して通訳が付きます。
席数に限りがございますので、お早めにご登録ください。
この情報をIOGKF会員の皆様にもぜひ共有してください。
06/01/2026
Hi parents and students,
I just converted the dojo phone number to a cell phone. I plan to carry it with me on karate days. This should be more convenient if you have questions or need to contact me. Texting is also possible. The number is: (858)451-8223
There are two changes to the karate schedule in June:
There will be no adult class at noon this Tuesday, June 2nd. Both community centers will be busy as voting centers.
This Saturday, June 6th, will be a kata class from 1:00-3:00. Kids will be allowed in this class as long as they know that they must focus for two hours.
This Mondays classes will be held in the small room at the RB Center.
The monthly schedule is:
Juniors:
Monday RB 5:00-5:50
Tuesday EB 4:00-4:50
Wednesday CM 5:00-5:50
Friday EB 5:00-5:50
Adults:
Monday RB 6:30-7:50 (sparring)
Tuesday CM 12:00-1:00
(No class this Tuesday 6/2)
Tuesday EB 6:30-7:50 (6/16, 6/23 & 6/30)
Wednesday CM 6:30-7:50
This class also available on Zoom
Thursday RB 12:00-1:00
Friday EB 6:30-8:00
Saturday 6/6 EB 1:00-3:00 kata class
Saturday 6/27 EB 1:00-3:00 hojo undo
Sunday Zoom class 9:00-11:00 AM
We look forward to having some of our college students back for the summer.
Steve
05/18/2026
If anyone is interested in this event please use the QR code in the flyer below or this link https://forms.gle/C1Mqs9Ea39ejv6Et9 to register your interest , you will receive an email with full details soon after.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION.
03/31/2026
Hi parents and students,
I want to remind everyone that there are no adult classes today. We will still have the junior class at 4:00-4:50 at the Ed Brown Center
We have been anticipating a visit by our IOGKF national chief instructor. We have been trying to find a weekend that he can train with us in April. We have been informed that the training event will have to postponed until June. We will keep you posted when we confirm a date.
There are no anticipated changes for our April schedule except there is a possibility that our Wednesday junior class might have to meet at 4:00 instead of 5:00, at the end of the month. There is a possibility that there will be a photography class at the Carmel Mountain Center during our time slot. So far there are no students signed up for this class and it is highly likely that it will be cancelled.
I will post an April schedule when everything is confirmed.
I look forward to seeing everyone training-including Anya and Anay!
Steve
02/03/2026
Hi parents and students,
>
> We have a few changes to the February schedule:
>
> The Tuesday junior class will be held at the Ed Brown Center 4:00-4:50, rather than the RB Center
>
> We will no longer have the Tuesday evening adult class
>
> There will be no classes on Presidents’ Day, Monday February 16th.
>
> The Wednesday adult class on February 11th will be held at the RB Center (confirmation pending).
>
> Following is the schedule for February:
>
> Monday: RB
> Juniors 5:00-5:50
> Adults 6:30-7:50
>
> Tuesday:
> Adults 12:00-1:00 CM
> Juniors 4:00-4:50 EB
>
> Wednesday: CM
> Juniors 5:00-5:50
> Adults 6:30-7:50
>
> Thursday: RB
> Adults 12:00-1:00
>
> Friday: EB
> Juniors 5:00-5:50
> Adults 6:30-7:50
>
> Saturday: EB
> February 7th belt testing 1:00-3:00
> February 28th hojo undo 1:00-3:00
>
> Zoom class:
> Wednesday 6:30-7:50 PM
> Sunday 9:00-10:30 AM
>
> Please recommend us to your friends!
> Celebrating over 29 years in RB!
>
> Steve
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08/26/2026
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