Pacific Coast Karate Do
Shotokan Karate Training
About Us
We are a group of dedicated karatekas ranging in age from 15 years and up. We have a strong tradition; some of us have been training together for over 40 years. We usually meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays online on Zoom. During the summer months, we train two Fridays per month outside in Jollyman Park in Cupertino. We welcome Shotokan karatekas of all ages at or above blue belt to train with us. If you are new to karate, please join us first as an observer. One of our instructors will be happy to speak with you about how you might begin your martial arts studies. We regularly train kihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (fighting stances & self-defense techniques).
Sensei Rick Roberts
Rick started training in Karate in 1979 at De Anza College. In 1984 he was awarded his first black belt (Shodan). He has held the rank of Yondan (4th level black belt) since March of 2002. Rick was awarded his Karate Black Belts from Irv Ploke sensei of Pacific Coast Karate Do. Rick also has held the rank of Yondan (4th level black belt) in Aikido since September of 2021. He was awarded his Aikido black belts from Toshiharu Sawada Shihan of Kimori Dojo in Nagoya Japan. Rick still enjoys training as well as teaching. He believes that proper body mechanics increase power and speed of movement and that anyone willing to train can improve.
Sensei Mark Bailey
Mark started training in Shotokan karate after finishing his college football career at Princeton in 1981. Later that year, he continued his Shotokan karate training at De Anza College. Mark earned his black belts training under Irv Ploke Sensei of Pacific Coast Karate Do and has held the rank of Yondan (4th level black belt) since 2010. Mark, who is also an avid cyclist, mountain biker and skier, enjoys both teaching and training with an emphasis on improving technique fundamentals, body mechanics and core stability.
Visiting Sensei Mark Wright
Mark started training in the late 1970's at De Anza College. Mark earned his black belts training under Irv Ploke Sensei of Pacific Coast Karate Do and has held the rank of Yondan (4th level black belt) for several decades. Mark, who is also an avid cyclist, enjoys teaching youth. For many years, Mark ran his own club in Cupertino teaching youth karate to a great number of young students.