Budo Curriculum Vitae of Les Heri Sensei
1972-1976
Richard Chun Tae Kwon Do Center NYC -Achieved Brown belt
1976-1981
Tiger Dojo Institute of Goju Karate & Aiki-jitsu, NYC -Student
Achieved 1st Degree Black belt in Goju-ryu karate & Instructor Certification
Achieved 1st Degree Black belt in Aiki-jitsu (joint locks)
1982-1985
Tiger Dojo Institute of Goju Karate & Aiki-jitsu, NYC
Instructor Achieved 2nd Degree Black belt in Goju-ryu karate-do
Achieved 1st Degree Black belt in iaido (samurai sword, drawing and cutting)
1985-1990
Okinawa Goju-ryu Karate-do Preservation Society, NYC Instructor
Taught over 200 students at various locations throughout NYC
1990
Okinawa Goju-ryu Karate-do Preservation Society, NYC Instructor
Achieved 3rd Degree Black belt in Goju-ryu karate-do
1989-1993
American Indian Child & Family Services, Akron, NY
Karate program founder & Chief Instructor
Program was developed for Native American children and teens
1992-1993
Bally Matrix Health Spa -Williamsville, NY
Contracted Karate & Self Defense instructor
1994-2002
Tiger Dojo, NYC- Owner & Chief Instructor
Awarded the title "Renshi"
Opened independent (non-franchise) karate school
2003
Okinawa Karate-do Federation Goju-kai
Awarded 4th Degree Black belt
Awarded "Shihan" license
Received Kobudo Certification in ancient Okinawan weapons
7/19/03
Battle of L.A.-National Martial Arts Championship won 1st place Gold Medal
Men's Senior Black Belt Forms (see http://www.BattleofLA.com)
10/19/03
Hollywood Nationals-National Martial Arts Competition
1st place- Men's Advanced Black Belt Sparring
1st place- Advanced Black Belt Weapons Competition
3rd place- Men' s Advanced Black Belt Forms
2013
Awarded the Bushido Award by the Nikkei Games Karate Committee (see original text on the Martial Arts Awards page)
1976-2016
National & International coach, judge and referee
Current CPR and First Aid certificate issued by the American Red Cross
Currently teaching group classes in Gardena, CA and private classes by appointment.