Kellen Grant 

In 2005, as a student at the University of Washington, Kellen signed up for the Shotokan Karate Sports and Fitness class through the intramural activities center. After completing the class, Kellen joined the Shotokan Karate Club at the University of Washington and served as both treasurer and president before graduating. He earned a black belt (shodan) in 2008 and has continued to practice with the club ever since. Kellen works in the Seattle area in the technology field and lives on the Eastside with his wife and three kids.  

Joel Blakely

Joel began practicing Shotokan Karate in early 1991, while still in highschool and trained for many years with the North Seattle Dojo, led by godan (5th degree blackbelt) Nihad Khalaf. Over the years, Joel has had the opportunity to live and practice with affiliated groups in Switzerland and Canada. Joel has had the opportunity to instruct at the North Seattle Dojo, Bainbridge Island Dojo (now closed) and UBC Dojo in Vancouver, in addition to the University of Washington Dojo, where he has been instructing since August, 2016. Joel was promoted to godan (5th degree blackbelt) by Ohshima Sensei in 2018. In addition to serious karate practice, Joel works as a 3D Artist and has a 6 year old son named Kai.