Who We Are
West Wind Schools has been the leader in Bay Area martial arts for over 48 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 45 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
Our goal is to develop a positive, healthy and disciplined individual who can handle any of life’s challenges.
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. 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. 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.
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
Assitant Chief Instructor
Ms. Delossantos is an ninth-degree Kenpo Karate Black Belt and West Wind’s first female chief instructor. 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.
Ms. Delossantos is an ninth-degree Kenpo Karate Black Belt and West Wind’s first female chief instructor. 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
Head Instructor
Mr. Shah is an eighth-degree Kenpo Karate Black Belt. He started at West Wind in 1990 at six years old, and has been teaching for over fifteen years. He brought our West Wind families closer together when he wed Chief Instructor Mr. Kohgadai’s sister, Wana, in 2013.
Mr. Shah is an eighth-degree Kenpo Karate Black Belt. He started at West Wind in 1990 at six years old, and has been teaching for over fifteen years. He brought our West Wind families closer together when he wed Chief Instructor Mr. Kohgadai’s sister, Wana, in 2013.
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. 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 two years later. He worked hard with the guidance of his sensei Mr. Shah to earn his Black Belt on August 19, 2016. He is now a 3rd-degree Black Belt and next in line to take over the Berkeley school.
Mr. Leon began training at West Wind Schools in 2011 and shot through the system to earn his red belt two years later. He worked hard with the guidance of his sensei Mr. Shah to earn his Black Belt on August 19, 2016. He is now a 3rd-degree Black Belt and next in line to take over the Berkeley school.
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 has been married to Mr. Thompson for over fifteen years and their triplets are brown belts. Mrs. Thompson is now an advisor 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! She offers specialized classes and workshops about martial arts and topics related to health and energy. Mrs. Thompson is a Certified Life Coach, Yoga Instructor and Aqua Aerobic Instructor. Using these means she gets to share her passion: teaching and coaching about joy and living the best life.
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 has been married to Mr. Thompson for over fifteen years and their triplets are brown belts. Mrs. Thompson is now an advisor 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! She offers specialized classes and workshops about martial arts and topics related to health and energy. Mrs. Thompson is a Certified Life Coach, Yoga Instructor and Aqua Aerobic Instructor. Using these means she gets to share her passion: teaching and coaching about joy and living the best life.
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. 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. 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. Michel
Senior West Wind Instructor
I have been training martial arts since I was 12 years old and earned my black belt at 18, thanks to my teachers Mr. Baker and Mr. Carter. West Wind has taught me how to be confident and never be afraid to take action. I am currently training to become the next head instructor. When I’m not in the school teaching my great students, I’m either out with my friends taking pictures of all my adventures or spoiling my family. I also enjoy playing my guitar.
I have been training martial arts since I was 12 years old and earned my black belt at 18, thanks to my teachers Mr. Baker and Mr. Carter. West Wind has taught me how to be confident and never be afraid to take action. I am currently training to become the next head instructor. When I’m not in the school teaching my great students, I’m either out with my friends taking pictures of all my adventures or spoiling my family. I also enjoy playing my guitar.
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.
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. Dahal
Senior West Wind Instructor
I am currently a 2nd degree Bok-Fu Black Belt looking to obtain my 3rd degree in December 2017. I started my training on September 26, 2009 and earned my red belt on March 25, 2014. I tested for my black belt on December 2, 2016. I am very passionate about what I teach and tell all my students that martial arts is not a hobby, but a way of life.
I am currently a 2nd degree Bok-Fu Black Belt looking to obtain my 3rd degree in December 2017. I started my training on September 26, 2009 and earned my red belt on March 25, 2014. I tested for my black belt on December 2, 2016. I am very passionate about what I teach and tell all my students that martial arts is not a hobby, but a way of life.
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.
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
West Wind Instructor
Ms. Rachal is a fourth-degree black belt who started her training in 2001. She tested with her daughter for black belt in 2011, our 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 two of her students “Best of Tests” during the August 2017 Black Belt Board.
Ms. Rachal is a fourth-degree black belt who started her training in 2001. She tested with her daughter for black belt in 2011, our 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 two of her students “Best of Tests” during the August 2017 Black Belt Board.
Mr. Wong
West Wind Instructor
I started at West Wind in 2012. I was always the shy, indifferent kid that never really cared for anything, but with the help of Mr. Monroe and Mr. Shah, I took my Bok-Fu Black Belt test on August 12, 2017. Becoming an instructor at West Wind has become one of the greatest experiences of my life. I learned how to believe in myself because of this school. West Wind isn't just some gym like I once thought. West Wind is family.
I started at West Wind in 2012. I was always the shy, indifferent kid that never really cared for anything, but with the help of Mr. Monroe and Mr. Shah, I took my Bok-Fu Black Belt test on August 12, 2017. Becoming an instructor at West Wind has become one of the greatest experiences of my life. I learned how to believe in myself because of this school. West Wind isn't just some gym like I once thought. West Wind is family.
Mr. Kohgadai
Assistant 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.
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. 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. 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. Dalli
Assistant 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.”
“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. Carriere
Assistant 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. 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. Parks
Assistant 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. 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.
Ms. Tallman
Assistant Instructor
Ms. Tallman has been training at West Wind Schools since November 2016. She earned both her purple and red belt in just nine months, and has been teaching since August 2017.
Ms. Tallman has been training at West Wind Schools since November 2016. She earned both her purple and red belt in just nine months, and has been teaching since August 2017.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
OUR LOCATIONS
ALAMEDA DOJO
BERKELEY DOJO
CONTACT US
BERKELEY DOJO
2154 San Pablo Ave. Berkeley CA 94702
ALAMEDA DOJO
1429 Park Street Alameda CA 94501
BERKELEY DOJO
(510) 841-1426
ALAMEDA DOJO
(510) 523-2000
M-F 9am - 9pm
Sat 9am - 6pm
Sun Closed
westwindschools@icloud.com
Kohkoro LLC
West Wind Schools