Sandra has competed extensively at national and international tournaments, consistently achieving top placements. Notably, she competes in Japan every year, regularly placing in the top 3 in Kata and/or Kumite, and is currently the only American to compete in this prestigious event.
She was also one of the original owners of Ryukyu Japan Karate-Do and has since retired to Colorado with her husband.
Currently, Sandra continues to teach via online Zoom classes, sharing her expertise and passion for karate with students around the world.
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Chris Do began his karate journey in 1986 at the age of five. He started training at the City Heights Recreation Center under Arashiro Sensei and Kuniyoshi Sensei, two respected instructors who laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to martial arts.
Chris earned his black belt in 1995 and continued to grow in skill and knowledge, achieving the rank of 4th-degree black belt (Yondan) in Ryuei Ryu in 2024. Alongside his martial arts accomplishments, he is a certified AAU National Coach and USANKF Coach, with additional training from the U.S. Center for SafeSport and the Positive Coaching Alliance.
On the international stage, Gakuji has proudly represented Team USA at numerous World Championships and Karate1 Premier League events. In 2021, he made history by becoming the first-ever Kata Premier League Champion, and in 2022, he earned a World Games bronze medal—becoming the first U.S. male kata medalist in 32 years. That same year, he reached his career-high world ranking of No. 3, cementing his place among the top kata competitors in the world.
Today, Gakuji continues to inspire the next generation of athletes as he teaches the Competition Classes at Ryukyu Japan Karate-Do on Tuesdays and Saturdays, sharing his knowledge, experience, and passion for high-level karate.
Kota currently holds the rank of Nidan (2nd-degree black belt) in Ryuei Ryu Karate-Do. He is an instructor at Ryukyu Japan Karate-Do and a multiple-time medalist at both the AAU National Championships and USA Karate (USANKF) Nationals.
Kota has proudly represented Team USA in both the AAU and USANKF organizations — competing for AAU Team USA at the WUKF World Championships and for USANKF Team USA at the Pan American Championships.
He began his karate journey at the age of seven, inspired to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Yuto.
ryuei ryu poway head instructor
Currently, Kota leads the Kumite Classes on Fridays, sharing his experience and competitive insight with the next generation of athletes. His dedication, technical skill, and leadership continue to inspire those he trains alongside.
12245 Poway Road Unit B Poway CA 92064, USA | 1-858-883-4156 | contact@ryukyujapankarate.com
In addition to competing, Brandon has contributed as an instructor, assisting with the UC San Diego Collegiate Karate Team and leading Kumite (Sparring) classes. He was one of the original owners of Ryukyu Japan Karate-Do and currently serves as President of the San Diego Okinawa Kenji Kai Group.
Brandon also works with ORRKKO and serves as a national-level referee for AAU Karate, continuing to mentor and shape the next generation of karate athletes while maintaining a lifelong dedication to the martial arts community
Brahman brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his students. He has refined both his skills and teaching methodologies, ensuring that each student receives high-quality instruction tailored to their individual needs, whether they are beginners or advanced practitioners.
Currently, Brahman occasionally teaches the Adult and Kumite Classes, sharing his experience and insight with those seeking to develop both technical skill and personal growth.
Sandra Beutler has been training in karate since 1998. She earned her Shodan (1st-degree black belt) in Shito Ryu in 2000 and her Shodan in Ryuei Ryu in 2013. She currently holds the rank of Sandan (3rd-degree black belt) in Ryuei Ryu.
Brahman holds the rank of Sandan (3rd-degree black belt) in Ryuei Ryu Karate and is a certified USANKF Coach. He began his karate journey at UCSD under Shihan Alfonso Gomez, immersing himself not only in the physical techniques of the art but also in the philosophical and spiritual teachings that form the foundation of karate-do.
Throughout his competitive career, Alex has achieved outstanding success, earning multiple medals at the AAU National Championships in Kobudo, Kata, and Kumite. Most recently, he was selected to join the AAU National Team to compete at the WUKF World Championships 2025 in Malmö, Sweden, where he earned:
🥇 Gold – Long Weapon (Kobudo)
🥇 Gold – Short Weapon (Kobudo)
🥈 Silver – Kata
Alex continues to train with focus and passion, representing his dojo and his country with honor and pride. His dedication and spirit embody the true essence of karate-do.
Currently, Alex teaches the Beginner Classes, helping new students build a strong foundation in technique, respect, and perseverance.
Gakuji Tozaki is a Ryuei Ryu Black Belt, instructor at Ryukyu Japan Karate-Do, multiple-time USA National Team member, and AAU & usankf National Coach. He is currently competing in the karate-1 premier league series in kata.
He began his karate journey at the age of nine, entering the world of competitive karate by age eleven. Nationally, Gakuji has become a multiple-time AAU and USA National Karate Federation champion in both kata (forms) and kumite (sparring).
Taishi is a Ryuei Ryu Black Belt, instructor at Ryukyu Japan Karate-Do, and a multiple-time USA Karate national medalist and currently competes in karate-1 premier leagues series in kata.
He began his karate journey at the age of eight, inspired to follow in the footsteps of his older brother. With strong dedication and a deep passion for the art, Taishi continues to train with the goal of one day earning a place on the USA National Team, just like his brother.
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Alex began his karate journey in 2014 at the age of seven, following in his father’s footsteps. Through years of dedication, discipline, and perseverance, he earned his black belt in Ryuei Ryu Karate in 2024.
Alex’s goal has always been to represent the United States on the international stage. His dream is to compete at the highest level and reach the Premier leagues like his senpais. also aiming to keep qualifying to be the us team to represent at the Pan American Games and the World Championships.
Throughout his competitive career, Chris has represented his dojo and country at major tournaments across the United States and around the world, medaling in multiple categories — kata, kumite, kobudo, and team kata. His notable appearances include the Okinawan World Championships, AAU Nationals, USANKF Nationals, AAU Junior Olympics, and the Pan American Okinawan Championships.
From 1997 to 2007, Chris taught karate at UC San Diego, helping to build one of the region’s most respected collegiate martial arts programs. He later assisted in teaching at the Ryuei Ryu Poway Dojo, and in August 2022, he officially took over as head instructor.
Today, Sensei Chris Do continues to guide and mentor students of all ages, coaching numerous junior and adult athletes who have gone on to become champions at national and international levels. His passion for karate, commitment to excellence, and dedication to his students continue to inspire the next generation of martial artists.
Currently, Taishi assists Gakuji in the Competition Classes held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, helping students refine their technique and prepare for tournaments. His commitment, leadership, and enthusiasm make him a valued member of the dojo and a role model for younger athletes Classes on Tuesday / Saturday.
competition
SENIOR Instructor
RESPECT | DISCIPLINE | PHYSICAL FITNESS | TEAMWORK | LEADERSHIP
Brandon began his karate training at the age of five. He earned his Shodan (1st-degree black belt) in 2001 and currently holds the rank of Godan (5th-degree black belt).
He has been a member of both Junior and Senior National Teams and has competed internationally. Brandon represented Team USA in Male Team Kata at the 19th WKF Championships in Tokyo, Japan (2008) and placed third in Male Team Kata at the 2009 Pan-American Championships in Curaçao.