Kenwa Kai Karate Of Sitka

Kenwa Karate of Sitka is a registered non-profit organization that has been providing high-quality martial arts instruction to the community of Sitka, Alaska since 1984. Our mission is to teach traditional Shito-Ryu karate to youth and families, fostering a lifelong learning environment that promotes physical, mental, and emotional growth.

Our History

Founded by Sensei Michael Taylor in 1984 as a program under Community Schools, Kenwa Karate of Sitka has evolved over the years to become a registered non-profit organization with federal 501(c)3 designation. Today, we hold our regular classes at the New Archangel Dancers' studio, where our lead instructor, Sensei Laurinda Marcello, and her team of assistant instructors provide expert guidance and mentorship to our students.

Our Instructors

Our lead instructor, Sensei Laurinda Marcello, has been with Kenwa Karate of Sitka since its inception and has been instrumental in shaping the organization into what it is today. She is a black belt holder and has traveled extensively to train with world-renowned instructors, including Sensei Katsutaka Tanaka. Sensei Marcello is also a judge for state, regional, and national karate tournaments and holds an M.S. in Fisheries. Our assistant instructors, Rianna and Liam, are both highly skilled karate practitioners who have won numerous awards and accolades in regional and national competitions.

Our Services

At Kenwa Karate of Sitka, we offer a range of karate classes for youth and families, catering to different age groups and skill levels. Our Level 1 and 2 classes are for ages 7 to adult and run throughout the year, while our Little Dragons program is specifically designed for kids aged 4-6 and runs during the school year only. We also offer private lessons and special programming, including seminars and seasonal offerings. Our classes are held at the New Archangel Dancers' studio, and we have a limited number of spaces available to ensure personalized attention and instruction.

Our Goals

Our goal at Kenwa Karate of Sitka is to provide a supportive and encouraging environment where students can learn and grow, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. We believe that karate is a lifelong journey, and we strive to instill values such as discipline, respect, and self-awareness in our students. We are committed to providing high-quality instruction and mentorship, and we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our students and the community of Sitka.