Karate Instructors at US Shidokan

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Meet the Founder: Yasunori Matsumoto

Founder | Visionary Leader | Honorary Chairman of US Shidokan Matsumoto Dojo

Yasunori Matsumoto is Founder and Honorary Chairman of the of US Shidokan Matsumoto Dojo, and a highly respected figure in full-contact martial arts with more than 50 years of experience emphasizing safety-first instruction.

He holds the rank of 7th Dan in Shidokan Karate, 3rd Dan in Kyokushin Karate, 3rd Dan in Judo, and 1st Dan in Kendo. After graduating from university, he became a live-in disciple (uchi-deshi) at the Shidokan Headquarters Dojo, dedicating himself fully to rigorous training and competition.

Matsumoto achieved exceptional success as a competitor, winning the All-Japan Championship Four consecutive times. He later made history by becoming the first Japanese MMA champion at the All-Japan Mixed Martial Arts Championship. Following his domestic success, he moved to the United States, where he competed internationally and won four MMA tournament titles.

Throughout his career, Matsumoto has pursued a form of martial arts that transcends styles, rules, and organizational boundaries, focusing on realistic, comprehensive combat skills. Even today, he continues to train daily, sweating alongside younger students and passing on both technical mastery and the spirit of lifelong discipline.

  With the appointment of a new sensei, a former Japan–US champion and lifelong martial artist, Yasunori Matsumoto, continues to serve as Supervisor of the US Shidokan Dojo, dedicated to the development of safe, effective, and authentic martial arts practice. 

Meet the Honorary Director: Etsuko Matsumoto

Honorary Director | 1st Degree Black Belt Karate | Mentor

Etsuko Sensei, as the honorary director, has not only supported Shihan Matsumoto as his wife but also successfully raised two children. She has significantly contributed for over 30 years by nurturing children’s classes, kata classes, and preschool programs, showcasing her expertise. She instills in children the values of etiquette, proper conduct, and strong critical thinking, teaching them how to respond correctly, communicate with their parents, maintain good posture, and embody a strong spirit—all rooted in traditional Japanese karate. As a result, countless children are now thriving around the world.

Meet the Instructor: Nori Oshiro

2nd Degree Black Belt Karate | 2nd Degree Black Belt Judo | Community Leader | Mentor 

With over 14 years of dedicated training under the legendary Shihan Matsumoto at US Shidokan, Nori Oshiro brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our dojo. From Shihan Matsumoto, Nori learned Kyokushin/Shidokan style karate, kickboxing, Muay Thai, grappling, and MMA. His martial arts journey includes extensive practice in both Shitoryu and Kyokushin karate, during which he participated in several tournaments while living in Japan. In addition to karate, Nori trained Judo for 6 years at Shudokan in Osaka Castle, achieving higher rankings in the Osaka Prefectural Judo Tournament. His passion for martial arts extends beyond personal achievement; he is committed to sharing his knowledge and skills with students of all ages, from preschoolers to teens and adults.

Outside the dojo, Nori serves as the Director of the Japan Chicago Chamber of Commerce, where he actively supports the Japanese community. As a proud father of three, he loves working with kids and fostering a positive environment for learning and growth.

Meet the Chief Instructor: Agnes Chua,

2nd Degree Black Belt | Muay Thai Champion | Lifelong Practitioner.

Agnes Chua brings over 20 years of martial arts expertise to our program, offering a unique bridge between traditional discipline and modern combat success. Her journey began in Matsumoto Dojo, where she earned her 2nd Degree Black Belt in Shidokan Karate under none other than Shihan Matsumoto.

In 2018, seeking to further evolve as a striker, Agnes transitioned into the "Art of Eight Limbs." Her dedication to Muay Thai was immediate and impactful; after making her debut at the 2019 TBA Muay Thai Expo, she spent the following years honing her craft. This journey culminated in 2022, when she secured the Championship Title at the prestigious TBA Muay Thai tournament.

Meet the Chief Instructor Instructor: Mark Lucchese,

2nd Degree Black Belt Shidokan | 3rd Degree Black Belt Shotokan | Kickboxer | Combat Sports Veteran.

Sensei Mark brings over 20 years of martial arts expertise to the mat, offering a high-level blend of traditional karate precision and modern full-contact experience. Like the most elite practitioners, his foundation was built under the guidance of Shihan Matsumoto, with whom he trained for four years to sharpen his technical mastery. With over a decade of teaching experience, Mark’s background is as diverse as it is deep. He holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Shidokan Karate, complemented by 10 years of kickboxing and extensive training in wrestling and grappling. This multidisciplinary approach allows him to coach students in everything from traditional forms to practical ground defense.

Mark’s instruction is backed by a formidable competitive resume. A veteran of over 30 combat sports competitions, he has tested his skills on the world stage—including a bare-knuckle karate fight in Japan and a professional 4-1 record in Muay Thai. His classes focus on the same grit and technical excellence that led him to success in the ring.

Meet the Instructor: Laura Valiukenas

1st Degree Black Belt | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Lifelong Practitioner

Laura’s martial arts journey began in the second grade under the mentorship of Shihan Yasunori Matsumoto and Etsuko Sensei. While she initially stepped onto the mat with dreams of being a Power Ranger, she quickly discovered a lifelong passion and a second home within the Shidokan family. Her dedication led her to earn her 1st Degree Black Belt at the age of 14, marking the beginning of a multi-faceted martial arts career.

Seeking to become a well-rounded practitioner, Laura has explored various disciplines over the years—including Shotokan, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and boxing—though she has always remained rooted in the Shidokan tradition. She is a firm believer in the discipline, respect, and resilience that training cultivates, valuing the deep sense of community that martial arts builds both on and off the mat.

Outside the dojo, Laura is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma-informed care for children, teens, and adults. She seamlessly integrates her professional expertise into her instruction, bringing a unique level of patience, empathy, and encouragement to her students. Her mission is to help every practitioner grow stronger and more confident, empowering them to succeed in every area of life.

Meet the Instructor: Seiji Oyasu

Black Belt | Kata Specialist | Youth Mentor

Black Belt | Lifelong Practitioner | Discipline & Fellowship

Seiji Oyasu embodies the philosophy that martial arts is a lifelong journey, proving that neither age nor starting point defines one's potential. His journey began in 2006 at the age of 42; what started as a way to bond with his 7-year-old son and improve his physical fitness evolved into a dedicated, decades-long pursuit of mastery.

For nearly 20 years, Seiji has practiced Shidokan Karate under the guidance of Shihan Matsumoto and Etsuko-Sensei. His perseverance and consistency culminated in 2018 when, at the age of 53, he earned his Black Belt—a testament to his belief that hard work and dedication know no age limits.

A true product of the Matsumoto Dojo’s 30-year legacy, Seiji teaches with the same discipline, love, and respect he received from his mentors. He is a firm believer that karate is an art for everyone, focusing on the powerful fellowship of dojo-mates and the idea that anyone, regardless of ability, can find success through training hard and staying committed to the craft.

Meet the Instructor: Ken Snow

Black Belt | Kata Specialist | Youth Mentor

Ken Snow brings a fresh and dedicated perspective to the Matsumoto Dojo, having earned his Black Belt at just 12 years old. His journey is rooted in a deep respect for tradition, having spent six formative years training directly under Shihan Matsumoto to achieve his rank. Now, with five years of experience as a Black Belt, Ken has transitioned from dedicated student to an integral part of the teaching staff.

Specializing in the technical precision of Kata, Ken is passionate about preserving the lineage of the dojo. He focuses on passing down the exact techniques and philosophies he mastered under Shihan Matsumoto and Sensei Etsuko to the next generation of martial artists.

Ken’s role in the dojo goes beyond just teaching movements; he serves as a bridge for younger students, demonstrating that discipline and mastery can begin at any age. He is committed to ensuring that the standards of excellence set by his mentors continue to thrive in every student he coaches.