PRESIDENT/ CHIEF INSTRUCTOR

Hanshi Ganhao, born on November 1, 1968, in Benavente, Portugal, began martial arts training at age 10, studying multiple disciplines including Judō, Karate, and Krav Maga. He served as the self-defense instructor for the Venezuelan National Guard from 1999 to 2007 and holds the rank of 7th Dan white and red stripped belt from Japan Karate-Dō Tanabe Kai and the World Amateur Martial Arts International Federation. As a member of the Venezuelan national team, he won world championships in kata and kumite in 1996 and 1997, also placing in the Koshiki Karate-do World Cup. After his master’s passing in 2022, Hanshi Ganhao founded Shōtōkan Karate-Dō Shōgen Kai (SKSK), expanding his legacy globally.

TECHNICAL COMMISSION DIRECTOR

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, the Shihan currently holds the rank of 6th Dan black belt.
His journey in karate began at the early age of 4 in Los Teques, Miranda, Venezuela, under the guidance of Hanshi Luis Ganhao and Senpai Yuribay Figueras. Initially, karate was a choice made by his parents to instill discipline, but over time, he became attracted to karate, especially to the thrill of combat. However, as he advanced through the ranks, his interest turned into a passion. He became part of the high-performance team, which not only allowed him to engage with people of a high caliber internationally but also helped him forge friendships. After closing a competitive career with significant achievements, he continued his path as an instructor at the Zanshin dojo. Nowadays, he contributes his knowledge as part of the technical commission of Shōtōkan Karate-Dō Shōgen Kai (SKSK).

ADMIN/FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, the Sensei started her karate practice in 1980 at age 12 along with her family. She suspended karate in 1984 to dedicate to her career resuming later with, at that time Sensei, Luis Ganhao in 1992. Since then, she has been accompanying Hanshi Luis Ganhao as a student, wife, instructor, and administrator, managing karate schools in Venezuela, Canada and the United States. The sensei currently holds her Yondan 4th Dan black belt.

GRADING COMMISSION DIRECTORS

The Sensei began training Shōtōkan Karate-Dō in 1989 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania at the Lycoming College Club under Sensei Charles Russert, George Vance and William Bubb. He continued training through the Kyu ranks in Williamsport until moving to Bucks County, PA where he joined the Lower Bucks County Shotokan Karate Club in Levittown under the instruction of Sensei Kevin Hawley. The Sensei then took a 17-year hiatus from formal Karate training until moving to Katy, TX in 2015. At that time, he joined the Katy Dojo under the instruction of Sensei Siamok Tavakoli ultimately earning the Shodan rank in 2017. Then in 2019 he met Hanshi Luis Ganhao and began training with him which continues today. The sensei currently a Yondan (4th Dan black belt), resides in Virginia and is establishing a Shōtōkan Karate-Dō Shōgen Kai (SKSK) Dojo affiliate there with his son Senpai Zachary Rider (Shodan 1st Dan black belt).

EVENTS/ COMPETIONS DIRECTOR

The Sensei was born in Punto Fijo, Venezuela, on December 29, 1981. She began training Karate when she was 8 years old, with Sensei Marcos Cañas and Shihan Enrique Reyes in the Venezuelan Association of Shōtōkan Karate-Dō (AVSK). From that moment, Karate became her passion and her lifestyle. At the age of 15 she obtained her black belt, and for the year 2001 the 2nd Dan black belt. Throughout many years she participated in different competitions at the national level, obtaining medals, trophies and plaques of recognition for her perseverance. Currently, she resides in the United States, and as part of her philosophy of life, she keeps training. She obtained her 4th Dan black belt in 2022 and continues to focus on continuing to advance at a level under the direction of Hanshi Luis Ganhao in Shōtōkan Karate-Dō Shōgen Kai (SKSK).

LEGAL ADVISOR

The sensei started his karate training in 1989 under the guidance of Hanshi Luis Ganhao. The sensei has had many achievements with notable participation in kata and kumite modalities in various national, regional, and invitational championships, including the Simón Bolívar Cup, as well as serving as technical staff in several events, karate practice. Currently he is the instructor of the Gensei Dojo karate academy located in the city of Santa Ana de Coro, Falcón, Venezuela, and affiliate dojo to Shōtōkan Karate-Dō Shōgen Kai (SKSK). In addition to promoting health and physical fitness, the sensei states "Karate-Dō fosters values such as respect, discipline, perseverance, self-confidence, drive, responsibility, and honorability."

HONOR COUNCIL

"At the age of four, karate entered my life as a spark of curiosity and excitement, and the feeling of putting on a gi with a white belt was the start of a transformative journey. Under the firm yet attentive guidance of my sensei, I quickly learned that karate was more than just movements; it was a way of life rooted in discipline, respect, and purpose. As I grew, the dojo became my sanctuary, a place where daily frustrations found a healthy outlet, and where my mental and spiritual strength flourished. Every training session pushed me beyond my limits, moving me closer to the lifelong goal of self-improvement, even though perfection remains unattainable. Over 30 years of practice, karate has not only shaped my body but also my spirit, turning the dojo into a sacred space where I face the challenges of adult life. The art of perseverance, ingrained in me through decades of training, now serves as my guiding light, reminding me that each step, each technique, is an opportunity to grow and get closer to that elusive perfection, which continually drives me forward."

SECRETARY/COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

"I currently hold a black belt with the rank of 1st Dan black belt and the title of Senpai. As the firstborn daughter of the founders of our organization, Hanshi Luis Ganhão and Sensei Rebeca Gomez, it was only natural that I too would become a Karateka. I began my Karate-Dō journey at one of our first dojos, Zanshin Dojo in Los Teques, Venezuela, where I trained alongside my family, honed my skills as an athlete, and formed lifelong friendships.

With over 24 years of dedicated training, beginning as early as age 5 (or perhaps even from the womb), my Karate-Dō journey is deeply rooted in family tradition. However, what initially began as a practice passed down by my parents has since evolved into a personal passion and a profound source of growth. 

Karate-Dō has been much more than a sport to me—it has given me a powerful philosophy centered on continuous self-exploration and striving for excellence which has guided every step of my life. For me, Karate-Dō has truly put the “art” in martial arts, sharpening not only my skills on the tatami but also fostering an unyielding fighting spirit that has helped me navigate life's challenges and instilled the confidence to pursue and achieve even my most audacious dreams."

MARKETING DIRECTOR

“I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1998, to Sensei Rebeca Gomez and Hanshi Luis Ganhao, the founders of our organization. Naturally, I began my karate journey at an early age, starting at five. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I trained eventually achieving the rank of 2nd kyu blue belt. 

Around the age of 16, I decided to explore other sports and paused my karate practice. While I have wished to return to training, life has taken me in different directions, especially with the new chapter of becoming a mother in February 2024. Despite this, karate has always held a special place in my heart. It has never been just a sport to me but a philosophy that has shaped my outlook on life. For the time being I dedicate my talents how I can in the support of our organization Shōtōkan Karate-Dō Shōgen Kai (SKSK) to continue sharing karate with those who wish to learn and implement it in their lives. 

I firmly believe that those who have practiced traditional Shōtōkan Karate-Dō share a unique bond, as if we are all connected by the same thread."