Bio Donald LaMattina began his study of Japanese karate in March 1965 under the tutelage of renowned Grandmaster Soshu Shigeru Oyama. After 11 years of study, he was awarded the rank of fourth degree black belt and was internationally certified as a Kyokushin instructor. In 1986, Shihan LaMattina became co-chairman of the International Toshindo Karate Federation and rose to the rank of eighth degree black belt. Shihan LaMattina is currently chief instructor at Toshindo. He supervises a staff of four senior black belt instructors and four junior black belt instructors. Shihan LaMattina is experienced in kobudo (weapons) training and self-defense techniques, and is a certified Toshindo kickboxing instructor.
Achievements
As a highly recognized tournament competitor, Shihan LaMattina competed internationally, winning more than 60 tournament titles in both sparring and kata (form competition).
Youngest student to ever earn the fourth degree black belt (certified instructor) in the Kyokushin Karate system in North America
Favorite Kata Kanku - because the significance is that no matter what problem or dilemma you may face, each day the sun rises anew and the universe is before you. As long as you are here and the sky and the sun are before you, you are never defeated.
Favorite Martial Arts Quote Kenjo No Bitoku - With true strength comes humility.
Advice to New Students Develop the self-discipline to begin training and then train consistently on a regular basis.