Princeton Shotokan Sankukai, Princeton

Flash back to Okinawa, 1800s. Gichin Funakoshi––who is often called the father of modern karate––was getting limber and dangerous with his own "shotokan" self-defense method. Derived from shoto, meaning "wind in the pines", the form is characterized by low stances and powerful, dynamic techniques. In short, he wasn't a guy to be messed with.

Today, the form is still effective and awesome. Case in point: sixth-degree black belt and sensei Takeshi Kitagawa, who teaches traditional Japanese karate out of Princeton Shotokan Sankukai. He is a licensed instructor and holds an A-ranked referee license from USA Karate, the national governing body of the sport of karate. During daily classes, Takeshi draws on more than 20 years of teaching experience to verse students of all ages in techniques such as kicking, balance, blocking, and tying a black belt using only one finger.