Instructors

Sensei Sanford

Sensei Rod Sanford, owner and Chief instructor, has been studying Traditional Japanese Karate since 1964. In 1967 he joined the Butoku-Kai and began to study Shorinji-ryu Karate under Master Richard Kim. Under Master Kim he has studied Aiki-Jujutsu, Okinawan and Japanese Weaponry, Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing Yi, and P’a Kua. He studies martial arts history, tradition and philosophy and has successfully completed the International Coaches and Judges courses through the I.T.K.F.

In addition to studying Shorinji-ryu, Sensei Sanford has studied Goju-Ryu Karate, Shito-Ryu Karate and Shotokan Karate under some of the greatest Masters in their respective fields. Sensei Sanford has also trained in Aikido and Ju-Jutsu, and has taught martial arts on behalf of Master Richard Kim in France and Great Britain.

Sensei Sanford studied engineering and law enforcement in college. Later he studied Vocational Education and Adult Learning at the University of California. He holds a Community College Instructor’s credential. Besides teaching here he has been an instructor and consultant in police tactics at a number of California community colleges and police academies. He is the president of the Pacific Institute of Defensive Tactics and through his institute teaches instructor level courses for law enforcement agencies and through community colleges. In 1994 he was nominated for the Governor’s Award for his contributions to law enforcement training in California.

Sensei Sean Sanford

Sensei Sean Sanford is the head instructor and manager of our school. He began studying the martial arts in 1989. He has studied Shorinji-Ryu Karate, Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu, Japanese and Okinawan weaponry, T’ai Chi Chuan and P’a Kua under Sensei Sanford and Master Richard Kim. He has also studied Goju-Ryu Karate, Shito-Ryu Karate and Shotokan Karate under famous masters such Masters Kisaki, Mabuni and Nishiyama. Sean’s martial arts studies have taken him across the United States, into Canada and over to France, Germany and Spain. Sean currently holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in Shorinji-Ryu Karate.

Malcolm Crocker

Malcolm Crocker has been training at Sanford’s Dojo since 2001 and has taught here for over 10 years, focusing primarily on our respected Youth programs. Malcolm currently holds a Nidan Black Belt in Shorinji-Ryu Karate, and his other studies include Aiki-Jujutsu, and Japanese and Okinawan weaponry.