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Head Instructor

Sensei Steve Duz

Classes are taught and supervised by Sensei Steve Duz.

He is now a 5th degree Goju Ryu black belt under Morio Higaonna.

His training began in 1980 while he was a student at Michigan State University.

Relocating to San Diego in 1991 his training continued under the USA Chief Instructor Sensei Miko Peled.

 Apart from Karate, Sensei Steve has a passion for animals .

He spends his free time at his house in Fallbrook with his 3 dogs, 4 cats, and many birds.

In Sensei's Steve's words:

       Over the past 30 years, I have had the opportunity to train with many world famous instructors from different martial art styles.

I have taken classes in Aikido, Jui Jitsu, Shotokan, Kung Fu, Wushu, Judo and Okinawan weapons.

I have chosen to keep my core training in Goju Ryu because it is truly a very versatile style that already 

integrates elements of all of the above styles.

The concept of"Jack of all trades and master of none" is very relevant when instructors choose to mix their martial art styles.

I truly believe Goju Ryu, and the IOGKF in particular, encompass so many aspects of martial arts,

my time is best spent studying only the one style.

I have many friends that are ranked in Judo, Jui Jitsu and Aikido.  I love training with them,

and it helps me to better understand Goju Ryu. 

I have competed in tournaments in Canada, Mexico, China, Okinawa and many, many all over the USA.

In 1993 I was able to travel to China with Sensei Higaonna, his family and 13 others, for three weeks.

We participated in a tournament and demonstrations at the tenth annual Wushu convention in Fouchow,

travelled the country, visiting many temples including the Shoalin temple.  We were treated to

many fantastic Shoalin and Wushu demonstrations

In 1995 I was one of seven participants, invited by Sensei Higaonna,

to be part of the USA team at the world tournament in Okinawa.

I grew up in the then small town of Rochester, Michigan.  Martial arts training was not available until

I went to college at Michigan State University.I enjoyed a fantastic youth.  I have nine brothers and sisters.

We spent most of our play time outdoors.  We were adventuresome and maybe a little wild.

My parents were nurturing and held us to high expectations.

I began working at twelve, doing farm work and odd jobs.

By fifteen I was balancing a full time job, good grades and rigorous workouts with

the Rochester High School Marine Fitness Team, coached by ex Green Beret, Max Hasse.

The workouts took place before school and in fourth period.  At year-end the final 6 man team was chosen.

The pay off was the national finals held in Washington DC. That was my first airplane trip,

leading me to a life with adventure.  The summer after high school I visited California and hitch hiked back home.

After supporting myself since 18, and putting myself through 6 years of college, I finally had a chance for more travel.

At 28 I borrowed my sisters mountain bike, complete with camping gear,

and rode the coast from Bellingham, Washington to San Francisco (1200 miles and 3 weeks later).

At 30 I moved to San Diego and began my Goju Ryu training with Sensei Miko Peled.

The workouts were 2-3 hours, 4-5 days a week.  We had a great core of very dedicated students.

I had many great role models and was beaten daily by both men and woman.  I knew this was my path.

It was so great to be with so many others that strive to perfect their karate and their personal character.

Over the years I have watched karate transform peoples lives, both adults and children.

 This is a subject I will cover in the future...

I have many passions beyond karate.  I love old cars of the sixties.

I presently own a 1960 Buick Lesabre convertible that I have been working on since1984.

I also have a 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix that promises to take up my future free time.  

I have had 9 old Pontiac's, six Grand Prix's, since 1978.

I have been passionate about music and live concerts since growing up near Detroit.

Melissa Etheridge has been my favorite since 1989.

As a child I wanted to be a veterinarian. I later pursued my college degree

in business and international economics.

Raising parrots, German Shepherds and many fowl, are fulfilling my passion for animals and nature

I love education and constantly read to keep myself updated on teaching method

training and world consciousness.

My favorite book today is "Play:  How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination,

and Invigorates the Soul" by Dr. Stuart Brown.

He delves into the scientific aspects and benefits of play, the brain and development.

It is an incredible book.  It clarifies all of the development aspects (benefits) that I have observed over the decades.

It is a scientific explanation of the importance of play.  It is directly in line with the style

of my teaching and kids classes.