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Who We Are
West Wind Schools has been the leader in Bay Area martial arts for over 50 years. We teach martial arts, fitness, self discipline, self defense, whole health, boxing, weight loss, karate, balance for all ages.
All Ages
We specialize in teaching self-defense to people of all ages.
Unique & Rewarding
We have a unique style of teaching using positive reinforcement allowing very fast results.
Multiple Disciplines
In addition to teaching both Karate and Kung-Fu style martial arts, we also specialize in American Boxing.
Our History
West Wind Schools was founded in 1969 by Master Ron Lee, making us the oldest Karate School in the East Bay. We are passionate about our art, and are committed to helping each student succeed beyond their expectations.
This is not a hobby for us; it is our live’s calling. Most of us started teaching at West Wind as teenagers, and this is the only career we’ve had for decades. We believe you will not find a better learning environment to achieve fitness, self-discipline, confidence and mastery of the martial arts than what we have upheld for 50 years at West Wind Schools.
We want you to become a part of our long and cherished legacy!
Why Our Schools Are Special
Instruction for all ages
We teach all types of students ages four to seventy-four, men and women. Our motto is ‘The Family That Kicks Together – Sticks Together’.
Self Improvement
Our goal is to develop a positive, healthy and disciplined individual who can handle any of life’s challenges.
Unique Style
We have a unique style of teaching using positive reinforcement allowing very fast results.
Multiple Disciplines
We also specialize in American Boxing which includes a full fitness training — you will get in shape fast in our private and group sessions.
Summer Camp
We also offer a fun summer camp for children ages 6-16. You can sign up for a week or two, or come all summer if you want to immerse your child in martial arts culture and training.
Dedicated Staff
Our top tier teachers have been teaching at West Wind for 20-30 years, grew up in the system, and chose it as a lifestyle.
Our Team
Mr. Flint
Senior Chief Instructor
Mr. Flint is a tenth-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, a seventh-generation kung-fu master registered with the World Kung-Fu Headquarters and a second-degree black belt in Iaido. His daughter Katrina and son Jared are both black belts. Mr. Flint started at West Wind in 1977 and has been teaching with us for over thirty-five years. He was our founder Master Lee’s top personal student, and Chief Instructor Mr. Thompson’s personal teacher.
Mr. Thompson
Senior Chief Instructor
Mr. Thompson is a tenth-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, a third-degree black belt in Iaido and a sixth-generation kung-fu master, the highest rank awarded by The World Kung-Fu Headquarters to any living martial artist outside of China. His wife, Mrs. Thompson, is a black belt and their triplet children are brown belts. Mr. Thompson earned his White Belt in 1986 and has spent the last three decades training and teaching at West Wind Schools.
Mr. Kohgadai
Chief Instructor
Mr. Kohgadai is a tenth-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate. He started at West Wind in 1993 and has been teaching for over twenty years. He tested for his Bok-Fu black belt in 1999 and broke all speed records, completing the three-hour long exam in only one hour and thirty-four minutes. Mr. Kohgadai became West Wind’s youngest head instructor ever when he took over the Alameda school at only 17 years old.
Ms. Delossantos
Assistant Chief Instructor
Ms. Delossantos is an ninth-degree Kenpo Karate Black Belt and West Wind’s first female Assistant Chief. She started at West Wind in 1994 with her dad and brother, and has been teaching for over fifteen years. During her Shodan test in December 2000, she broke both the age and speed records. She was the youngest person to test at 16 years and 2 months, and broke Mr. Kohgadai’s speed record by one minute, finishing the demanding three-hour format in only one hour thirty-three minutes. She is proud to be one of Mrs. Thompson’s students, and accredits many of her successes both on and off the mat to her teacher.
Mr. Shah
Senor Head Instructor
Mr. Shah is an eighth-degree Kenpo Karate Black Belt. One of the most enthusiastic and skilled instructors, he started in West Wind at six years old with Mr. Thompson and earned his black belt under Mr. Sheppard. Mr. Shah is currently one of two very proud students of Mrs. Thompson. He has been training in West Wind for three decades and teaching for two decades. Mr Shah is now Senior Head Instructor. He runs the entire instructor’s training program twice a year as well as oversees two schools and their success.
Mr. Baker
Head Instructor
Mr. Baker is an eighth-degree Kenpo Karate Black Belt and The World Kung-Fu Headquarters Model of the Martial Arts. He started at West Wind in 2003 and has been teaching for over ten years. He tested for his Bok-Fu Black Belt in 2011, breaking all speed records by finishing the three-hour long test in 1 hour 30 minutes. He is ecstatic to see the system flourish and continue to grow under his teacher Mr. Kohgadai’s leadership.
Mr. Leon
Head Instructor
Mr. Leon began training at West Wind Schools in 2011 and shot through the system to earn his red belt; teacher status, two years later. He worked hard with his Sifu, Mr. Shah, and got his Black Belt in August 2016. He is now an 8th-degree Black Belt and the Head Instructor of the powerful Berkeley dojo.
Mrs. Thompson
Executive Instructor
Mrs. Thompson broke the mold as West Wind’s first female Head Instructor in 1995. She started at West Wind in 1994, earned her black belt in less than 5 years under Mr. Sheppard, and has been teaching for over twenty years. She is married to Mr. Thompson and their triplets are currently brown belts. Mrs. Thompson is now an adviser at West Wind and works with instructors on how to teach and run a school. Ms. Delossantos and Mr. Shah are her personal students — she takes great pride in that! Mrs. Thompson is a Love Coach and her strength is teaching passion.
Mr. Morris
Senior West Wind Instructor
Mr. Morris is a Bok-Fu Black Belt, and a 5th degree in Chinese Kung Fu. His martial arts training began in 1963, during his youth in Itazuke, Japan. He studied various martial arts systems, and transitioned to West-Wind in 1981 to study under Mr Flint. Mr Morris is Mr. Flint’s first Black Belt student and remains one of his personal students today. A proud member of the first-place demonstration team at the World Kung Fu Championships in 1987, Mr. Morris has been fortunate to train, compete, teach, and demonstrate at domestic and international venues in support of West Wind Schools.
Mr. Sheppard
Senior West Wind Instructor
Mr. Sheppard started training at West Wind in 1992. After retiring as Assistant Chief Instructor to pursue a career in law enforcement, Mr. Sheppard can still be seen teaching during off-duty hours at the Berkeley Dojo. In over two decades of teaching he has developed over 30 personal Bok-Fu Black Belt students (including Mrs. Thompson!), far more than any other teacher in West Wind history.
Mr. Dahal
Assistant Head Instructor
Mr. Dahal is a seventh-degree Kenpo Karate Black Belt. He started his training in 2009 and seven years later, achieved his goals of obtaining his Black Belt. He is now a proud student of Mr. Shah, and is next in line to take over the Piedmont School.
Mr. Michel
Senior West Wind Instructor
Mr. Michel is a seventh-degree Kenpo Karate Black Belt. He earned his black belt in December 2016. He is a strong charismatic teacher; looking to be the future Assistant Head Instructor of the Alameda Dojo.
Mr. Wong
Senior West Wind Instructor
Mr. Wong started as a student in 2012 with one of West Wind’s lifelong teachers, Mr. Monroe. He began teaching in 2014, and tested for his Bok-Fu Black Belt 2017. Along with helping Mr. Leon run a powerful Berkeley Dojo, Mr. Wong assists the Assistant Chief Instructor Ms. Delossantos with all events and social media. Mr. Wong is very organized, loves trying new things and working on his car.
Mr. Kohgadai
Senior West Wind Instructor
Omar Kohgadai started martial arts at West Wind Academy in 2008. He is the second member of the Kohgadai family to earn the Bok-Fu Black Belt, and is proud to represent as Mr. Baker’s first-ever Black Belt student. His younger siblings are also students at West Wind.
Mr. Carter
Senior West Wind Instructor
Mr. Carter started at West Wind in 2005. After several injury setbacks, he finally achieved his first-degree black belt in 2016. In 2017 alone, Mr. Carter has brought 6 student to their black belts, 2 of which achieved the highly-esteemed “Best of Test”. A highly sought-after, skilled senior instructor, Mr. Carter has been teaching at the Alameda dojo since 2008.
Ms. Rachal
Senior West Wind Instructor
Ms. Rachal is a sixth-degree black belt who started her training in 2001. She tested with her older daughter for the Bok-Fu black belt in 2011, West Wind’s first-ever mother/daughter Black Belt team. Ms. Rachal has been teaching with us since 2011. Her commitment to the arts and to her students have earned a total of five “Best of Tests” during the August 2017-2018 testing. Ms. Rachal’s greatest achievement is seeing her students excel in their Bok-Fu craft—both physically and mentally–and learning how to successfully apply their new-found knowledge and skill to everyday life.
Mr. Monroe
Senior West Wind Instructor
I started West Wind when I was 8 years old, and I’ve been teaching since I was 15. I achieved the Bok Fu black belt at age 19. Along with teaching martial arts, I also earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering at San Francisco State University. I grew up in West Wind and it is a major part if my life. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the person I am today with out it.
Mr. Dalli
West Wind Instructor
“To keep our faces free of change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeated.” – Helen Keller Hello, my name is Mr. Dalli and I have been training with West Wind since 2012. I first started my training up at Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind in Napa, where Senior Chief Instructor Mr. Thompson volunteers every summer. I became the first and only West Wind student ever to earn my orange belt after only four weeks of training. I earned my Red Belt in December 2016 after 5 months of training and I hope to create the most confident students. I will continue fighting towards earning my own Bok-Fu Black Belt. I am a long way from that goal, however, I get closer every day and with the help of a strong teacher and a powerful team to both help and inspire me, I know I will get there soon. Outside of the dojo, my hobbies include hanging out with friends, staying in shape and seeing new places. “Wherever you go, seek out experiences that truly challenge you, force yourself to grow, never be satisfied. Let every success sharpen your body and mind.”
Mr. Cano
West Wind Instructor
Mr. Cano began training at West Wind Schools in 2009. In 2015, he and his oldest son were the first ever father-son team to test for their black belts together. Mr. Cano earned his red belt in 2009 and is a USA Boxing certified coach; he oversees the boxing program at the Berkeley school.
Mr. Carriere
West Wind Instructor
Mr. Carriere started at West Wind all the way back in 1993 and was even a red belt in the late 90’s. He had to leave because of family obligations but was always attached to the West Wind family and always wanted to come back to complete his training. After a 13 year hiatus, having a daughter (that’s now working on her brown belt), and building a career of teaching at college level for almost 20 years, he came back and earned his Black Belt! This is a great example of finish what you started!
Mr. Diec
West Wind Instructor
February 2008, Mr. Diec joined West Wind Karate School to help himself with asthma. Nine years later he received his Bok Fu Black Belt. Mr. Diec could not have reached his dream of Black Belt status without the support of his mother and the confidence built in by his instructor Mr. Carter. Now he is one of the most powerful and confident martial artists in the Alameda dojo. Mr. Diec spends his off time with his family, playing basketball with friends, and working on cars with his father.
Mr. Parks
West Wind Instructor
Mr. Parks started at West Wind as a teenager back in 1997. Starting out as a reserved individual, his time at Bok-Fu helped him gain self-confidence and become more open with others. Over the years as he grew, he always took a break from his academics to return and advance to the next level of training. Since 2014, he has come back to reach his black belt and achieved his red belt in 2017. He is eager to help others within the system reach their potential.
Mr. Langer
West Wind Instructor
Mr. Langer started at West Wind in 2013, and began teaching in 2017. He is currently striving to earn the coveted Bok Fu Black Belt and become Mr. Dahal’s first black belt student! Mr. Langer took a gap year from college to teach and train at West Wind. He is planning to attend the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Beyond the doors of West Wind he can most often be found spending time with his close friends or looking for his next favorite band.
Mr. Simpson
West Wind Instructor
Mr. Simpson joined West Wind in 2014 following his eldest son who started a year earlier. He has collected two best of tests and the student of the year awards. Mr. Simpson finds the balance and focus of practicing martial arts beneficial physically, mentally and emotionally. When he is not teaching he works for a major IT company and has enjoyed a career in this field for over 20 years. Mr. Simpson has visited 13 countries, over half of the U.S. and has published a fictional novel.
Ms. Amaden
West Wind Instructor
Ms. Amaden joined West Wind in 2017. She spends her time outside the dojo focusing on her schoolwork, musical prowess, and sleep. While at West Wind, she is working towards her goal to achieve the black belt in under 3 years, breaking the current record from white to black. She loves to teach the art and philosophy of West Wind Bok Fu and encourage her students to truly embrace change.
Mr. Cadden
West Wind Instructor
Mr. Cadden started his training during the fall of 2015 and has been teaching since 2017. Starting off as a quiet, reserved individual, Mr. Cadden has definitely found his strength through West Wind. He works hard in his academics earning a GPA of 4.0. Aside from earning good grades he enjoys swimming and white water rafting. Mr. Cadden received the coveted Best of Test patch as an orange belt student, and is continuing to work towards a strong Black Belt exam. He aims to set up his students for success, never failure.
Ms. Amato
West Wind Instructor
Ms. Amato is a 3rd Degree Black Belt. She studied under Ms. Delossantos, Assistant Chief of West Wind, who got Ms. Amato all the way to her black belt. She completed two Black Belt degrees in less than a year, an act that usually takes 2-3 years earning herself a triple crown. When Ms. Amato is not in the dojo she loves traveling, spending time with family and hiking.
Ms. Lam
West Wind Instructor
Ms. Lam joined West Wind in July 2014, and began teaching in 2018 while still in high school. In her free time she enjoys being with her friends and family, traveling, and trying new food. She is currently dedicated to earning her Bok Fu Black Belt by August 2019. Ms. Lam has learned many life skills and lessons under the guidance of her Sensei Mr. Michel.
Ms. Ramirez
Assistant Instructor
Ms. Ramirez started her training on January 2018. Within that year she moved up four belt ranks; White to Purple. She earned her red belt, for teaching, one year later. Outside of the dojo Ms. Ramirez’s priority is academics, she also enjoys drawing and studying criminal justice.
Mr. Campbell
Assistant Instructor
Mr. Campbell began training at West Wind in January 2018 while on academic hiatus from U.C. Berkeley, where he majors in molecular and cell biology. Mr. Campbell earned his green belt and red belt in 16 months! He is a delight to have as a teacher.
What People Say
“Amazing experience. Our son started here when he was 3 and he is going strong! Thanks to the wonderful and truly amazing teachers!”
Rohini K.
“West Wind is really great. The instructors are all really dedicated to helping their students. This place is truly the best martial arts school you could learn from.”
Mathew V.
“West Wind is awesome! Mr.Shah has a magical gift of combining firmness with humor to get the best possible work out of both of my kids. His energy is amazing and he imparts that energy to all the other teachers.”
Mrs. Morrison
“West Wind is one of the best schools in the nation. The teachers are really energetic and supportive. They have helped me become more energetic and confident. Mentally and physically I have learned to defend my self on the way to my black belt.”
Christian C.
“West Wind has been an integral part of my life since the age of 5. It has taught me self-discipline and a great deal of athleticism. Without West Wind I would not be who I am today.”
Jared F.
“As a corporate professional, my West Wind training not only offers me a balance to the business lifestyle-with its exercise regimen and concentration, but it has also given me more confidence and poise in my professional interaction. This coupled with the real life skill to better protect myself and my family makes West Wind an indispensable part of my life.”
Mr. Cruz
“West Wind Schools is more than just learning Karate. The attitude of the instructors and the challenging spirit of the school has helped me strengthen physically and mentally and overall become a better me.”
Vince V.
“West Wind Schools has been such a great place for our son to learn Kung Fu. The positive, upbeat, knowledgeable teachers are awesome. We are lucky to have found this great community and school.”
Mrs. Lazarus
“Learning martial arts at West Wind Schools is an ideal way to develop yourself in a variety of important ways, including self-defense capabilities, physical fitness, and mental discipline. West Wind martial arts school also offers a great community and support for growth, for all ages and walks of life.”
Ms. Forrest
“West Wind has been incredible to my daughter and myself. I’m in the best physical and mental condition I’ve ever been in and my daughter has become a confident incredible young lady. Thank you West Wind.”
Ty C.
“My son has been with the Berkeley West Wind Karate School for almost a year and he loves it. West Wind Karate School has taught my child a lot, he’s now more disciplined and focused than ever!”
Ms. Armstrong
“This is the greatest place ever I love coming here everyday I love learning new things always everyone is family to me and every since I have joined west wind I am more outgoing I’m not shy no more and I feel way more stronger and confident always. It feels PERFECT coming here I love doing what I do here and I will continue to always.”
Saida M.
Our Locations
Berkeley Dojo
Alameda Dojo
Piedmont Dojo
Contact Us
Berkeley Dojo
2154 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley CA 94702
Alameda Dojo
1429 Park Street Alameda CA 94501
Piedmont Dojo
4319 Piedmont Ave. Oakland CA 94611
Berkeley Dojo
(510) 841-1426
Alameda Dojo
(510) 523-2000
Piedmont Dojo
(510) 601-1661
M-F 9am – 9pm
Sat 9am – 6pm
Sun Closed
westwindschools@icloud.com