"We wear our belts in our hearts,
not just around our waists"
Bushido Karate Dojo was founded on the belief that martial arts should develop the whole person — mind, body, and character.
Our instruction is rooted in traditional karate values such as respect, self‑control, discipline, and humility, while remaining accessible and encouraging for students of all ages and experience levels. We believe every student has potential, and it is our responsibility to help bring out the best in each individual.
At Bushido, students are not just members — they are family. We take pride in creating a safe, positive environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow on and off the mat.
What is Tai Kempo?
Tai Kempo is a combination of five cultures: Japanese, Okinawa, Chinese, Korean and American.
Through the blending of these cultures, martial art students will develop better stamina, speed, balance and hand to eye coordination.
Students that train at Bushido Karate Dojo will develop muscle tone, quick reflexes, breathing control, and agility skills. A student will learn to have the following: self control, self awareness, and self confidence. All of these components combined will give a student what they need to be a well rounded individual, and be able to protect themselves in today's society.
"Each of us is the author of our own story, and there's a new page to be written every single day."
Whether it's karate or any of our other programs, you have already taken the first big step to become informed. Now all it will take, is deciding on which program you like, then let us evaluate and design a course that will be the most beneficial for you.
What is IAIDO?
IAIDO – The way of the sword.
The term "Iaido" approximately translates into English as "the way of mental presence and immediate reaction."
Iaidō, abbreviated iai, is a Japanese Martial Art that emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the Japanese sword and responding to sudden attacks.
Iaido consists of four main components: the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent, shaking blood from the blade, and replacing the sword in the scabbard.
Practitioners of of Iaido (IAIDOKA), will start learning with a wooden sword (bokken), and then advancing to using a blunt-edged sword called an and iaito.
Iaido is a reflection of the morals of the classical warrior and to build a spiritually harmonious person possessed of high intellect, sensitivity, and resolute will.
Iaido instruction is under the guidance Sensei Karl Groeger the head instructor of the Kenzenkai Dojo. Available within the Bushido Karate Dojo walls.
Our Instructor's
Our instructor's pledge to train and teach with pride, respect and honor. As teachers of martial arts they will show respect for all of the students, no matter the rank.
Kyoshi George Santiago
Owner and Head Master
George Santiago, Kyoshi, has been training in martial arts since 1982 and has been instructing students since 1998.
Kyoshi Santiago is a 7th Degree Black Belt in Tai Kempo and a 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Known for his discipline, knowledge, and dedication, he continues to train daily and compete both locally and internationally, believing that martial arts is a lifelong journey of growth and learning.
He firmly believes that no matter your rank, there is always more to learn.
In order to continually bring the highest level of instruction to his students, Kyoshi regularly trains with martial artists from across the United States and around the world. This commitment allows him to introduce new skills, techniques, and perspectives while staying rooted in traditional martial arts values.
Kyoshi Santiago takes great pride in his school and the community it serves.
As he often says:
“It is a privilege and an honor to be Kyoshi and Sensei to all of my students—both past and present.”
Sensei Kayla Lebeau
4th degree blackbelt
Sensei Kayla’s journey in martial arts began at just three years old.
As one of the youngest students on the floor—and the only girl in her class at the time—she learned early the value of perseverance, confidence, and determination. Those challenges never stopped her; instead, they fueled her passion for martial arts.
From the beginning, she was inspired by instructors who were deeply committed to training the next generation, an experience that left a lasting impression and continues to guide her today. While the journey was not always easy, Sensei Kayla believes every challenge was worth it.
Now, with nearly 20 years of training, Sensei Kayla is skilled in all aspects of martial arts and is proud to be among the few in the school trained in open weapons.
She has been teaching martial arts for over 11 years and finds it incredibly rewarding to mentor and inspire students—just as her instructors once did for her.
As Sensei Kayla says, “Being able to train the next generation is the most amazing experience.”
Sensei Izeyah Ralph
4th degree blackbelt
Sensei Izeyah began training at Bushido Karate Dojo at the age of seven. From the moment his feet touched the mat, he knew he had found a place where discipline, purpose, and growth were expected. He quickly developed a deep respect for the intensity required to achieve excellence, as well as the compassion shown by the instructors toward the next generation of students.
Bushido’s commitment to preserving tradition while continuing to evolve left a lasting impact on him. The values and foundations passed down through the years continue to anchor students to the past while preparing them for the future.
As an instructor, Sensei Izeyah is dedicated to ensuring his students understand the core values of martial arts. His goal is to equip them not only with the skills to protect themselves, but also with the confidence, discipline, and responsibility to protect what matters most.
Sensei Ricardo Bermudez
2nd degree blackbelt
Sensei Ricardo Bermudez began training in the Tai Kempo system at the age of seven after being diagnosed with borderline ADHD. From the very beginning, martial arts became a positive outlet that helped shape his focus, confidence, and discipline.
Through his training at Bushido Karate Dojo, Sensei Ricardo developed values that continue to guide him today, including honor, discipline, self-control, respect, modesty, focus, and self-confidence. His martial arts journey has not only taught him how to defend himself and others, but has also had a profound impact on his everyday life—particularly in school, where his focus and performance improved significantly.
What Sensei Ricardo values most about Bushido is the strong family atmosphere. Every student is welcomed with open arms, and there is a genuine sense of camaraderie and support throughout the dojo.
As an instructor, his goal is to ensure that every student is learning, growing, and developing both skill and character. He takes great pride in the belt he wears, but even greater pride in being part of the Bushido family and having the honor of teaching the next generation the art of Tai Kempo.
Sensei Suzanne Farrell
4th degree blackbelt and our fitness instructor
Sensei Suzanne Farrel began training at Bushido Karate Dojo in 2005, driven by a lifelong interest in martial arts. Starting her journey as an adult presented challenges, but it also proved to be deeply rewarding. Through her training, she discovered that with dedication and effort, anything is achievable.
She values Bushido’s commitment to traditional martial arts instruction, believing it to be far more than a place to learn techniques. For Sensei Suzanne, the dojo is a place of self-discovery—where students learn what they are capable of both mentally and physically.
As an instructor, she finds great joy in watching students progress, build self-confidence, and grow not only as martial artists, but as individuals. Helping students realize their potential is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role at Bushido.
Sensei Andy Henriksen
5th degree blackbelt
Sensei Andy Henriksen began his martial arts training in 1997. With a background in science, he quickly recognized how traditional martial arts training strengthens both the mind and the body. Being challenged physically and mentally through his training has helped him develop confidence, discipline, and skill.
As an instructor at Bushido Karate Dojo, Sensei Andy teaches using traditional methods while recognizing that every student learns differently. He believes in treating each student as an individual and creating an environment where everyone feels supported, challenged, and capable of success.
Sensei Karl Groeger
Our Iaido instruction is under the guidance Sensei Karl Groeger,
the head instructor of the Kenzenkai Dojo.
Karl Groeger has over 30 years of martial arts training and brings a deep level of knowledge and experience to his instruction. He holds multiple black belts in Karate, Ju Jitsu, and Iaido, and currently holds the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt.
Sensei Karl has received two 5th Degree Black Belt certifications in Iaido, both awarded in Japan by his instructor, Soke Shimojo. Soke Shimojo is the head of the international Dai Nippon Iaido Kyokai, further reflecting the authenticity and lineage of Sensei Karl’s training.
An active martial artist, Sensei Karl continues to compete in martial arts competitions multiple times each year. He teaches both private and group lessons and instructs multiple schools, or ryu, of Iaido, with a primary focus on Muso Shinden Ryu.