SJ KARATE

OUR INSTRUCTORS

Kancho Masaya Kohama, 9th Degree Black Belt

Kancho Masaya Kohama is a 9th Degree Black Belt. He has studied under Master T. Tsushima for 40 years. Master Tsushima was a famous...

Japan Karate Association member and a student of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate. Therefore Kancho is a first-generation student to have studied under a master that received instructions from the founder of Shotokan Karate. Kancho Kohama founded the International Shotokan Shobukan Karate Association of Japan (ISSKA,) a non-political organization that strives to keep the integrity and goals of Sensei Funakoshi that were passed down to Master Tsushima, which includes following the principles set forth by the Dojo Kun. Kancho Masaya travels to all the continents, promoting traditional Karate-Do, coordinating tournaments, and offering world-class karate seminars and Dan’s certifications. Seleny Joanne (SJ) Karate is a proud member of the ISKKA.

Sensei David Crosby, Jr, 6th Degree Black Belt, RokuDan

Chief Instructor. Sensei David Crosby, Jr, RokuDan, was born and raised in Peru and immigrated to the United States in 1993. He became involved...

with Martial Arts about 42 years ago and earned his First Degree Black Belt in his native country. He competed successfully in South America and North America; however, for health reasons, he stopped competing in 2008 but still actively practiced with his students and friends.
Sensei Crosby has taught karate for over 30 years in Peru, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. His teams have achieved hundred of trophies and medals in official tournaments for the last fifteen years. Sensei David received his Sandan from Shihan Al Machail and the Associate Instructors of the Texas Olympic Karate Association and Olympic Karate Dojo (OKD). Sensei David Crosby was promoted to Yondan in August 2016, Godan in 2020, and Rokudan in 2023 by Kansho Masaya Kohama, President of the International Shotokan Shobukan Karate Association ISSKA)
Sensei David is a National Referee, an accredited coach and official of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), and a Wisconsin Licensed Martial Arts Instructor.
Sensei David is a Professional Counselor, a community activist, and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Sensei David earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling Psychology and Rehabilitation, and a Master’s Degree in Management, and currently working on a Doctoral Program. He is happily married to Sensei Seleny Crosby, who is a former Peruvian Karate Champion and a third-degree black belt. His youngest children: David Jr, Doris, and Danielle, are Karate practitioners.

Senseis David and his wife, Sensei Seleny, founded their first Karate Dojo in the year 2010 but changed the name to “Seleny Joanne Karate” (SJ Karate) in loving memory of their adorable daughter and former karate champion Seleny Joanne, who is now in Heaven.

David A Crosby and SJ Karate Dojo are also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Square, and Google Site.

Sensei Seleny Crosby, 3rd Degree Black Belt, Sandan

Head Instructor at the Riverton Dojo. Sensei Seleny, Sandan, was born and raised in Chiclayo, Peru, and has practiced karate since she was 13....

She competed nationally and internationally and achieved first and second place in the Peruvian Karate National Championships for two consecutive years.

She earned her 1st Degree, Black Belt, in Peru and moved to the United States in 2002. She achieved a 2nd Degree Black Belt in San Antonio, TX, in 2006 and her 3rd Degree Black Belt in December of 2012. Sensei Seleny has been teaching Shotokan Karate for no less than 25 years. Sensei Seleny is happily married to Sensei David Crosby and is the mother of Sensei David Jr (21,) Sensei Doris Marianne (20,) and Sensei Danielle Jennifer (17)

Sensei Seleny holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from a Peruvian University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Ottawa University of Kansas, and a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling from Fort Valley State University of Georgia. Sensei Seleny is a long-term religion education teacher, a dedicated mother, a lovely wife, and a fantastic runner.

Sensei Seleny Crosby is an Official of the American Athletic Union (AAU) United States National Karate Federation (USA-NKF), an Accredited Coach, a SAFE-Sport Nationally Certified, and a National Licensed Referee from the USA-NKF.

You may contact Sensei Seleny at SJKarate@Outlook.com

Sensei Jorge Chavarry Valverde, 5th Degree Black Belt, Godan

Sensei Jorge Chavarry Valverde is a karate instructor in Chiclayo, Peru. He has been practicing karate since 1976 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a first dan in 1990. He has competed nationally and internationally, winning several first places.

He has competed nationally and internationally, winning several first places. In the 1980s, Peru was experiencing a wave of terrorism. During one attack, Sensei Chavarry, a brave Police Officer, tried to protect some school children and was severely injured by a bomb. He lost one foot and several fingers and was in a coma for several months. Despite his injuries, Sensei Chavarry recovered and continued to practice karate while working for the Peruvian National Police. He was nominated as a Peruvian National Hero Police Officer for bravery during the terrorist attack. He teaches karate in northern Peru and has promoted several athletes to the Peruvian National Team. He is a 3rd-dan black belt with the Peruvian Karate Federation and a 5th-dan black belt with the International Seleny Joanne Karate Association. Sensei Chavarry is an inspiration for his actions during the terrorist attack. He risked his own life to protect school children; his injuries were a testament to his courage. He is also a role model for other karate practitioners, showing that it is possible to overcome adversity and continue to pursue your dreams.

Sensei Eudomar Rivera, 1st Degree Black Belt, Shodan

Head Instructor at the Tulsa Dojo. Sensei Eudomar Rivera is a native of Venezuela, and he has been involved in Martial Arts for about...

40 years. He holds a 3rd Black Belt in Judo, he also practiced and competed in Kung Fu (Tiger Claw) and earned several medals and trophies in national and international competitions. He also holds a 1st Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. Sensei Rivera is a Clinical Psychologist with a License from Venezuela and a former Psychologist of the Venezuelan Karate Team. He is the Head Instructor for the SJ Karate Dojo in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sensei Rivera’s Team competed in Local, State, Regional, and National Tournaments, earning hundred of medals in only a few years of training and operations in Tulsa. He has a passion for Karate-Do, and together with his son Senpai Gabriel Rivera, and his wife, the Dojo Manager, work hard to develop their students to their full potential. Sensei Rivera is also an accredited coach and referee.

Sensei David Crosby, III, 2nd Black Belt, Nidan

Assistant Instructor at the Riverton Dojo. Sensei David Crosby, Jr, Junior Black Belt, is a 21-year talented and bright kid who completed High School...

at 16. He has achieved an Associate’s Degree in Science and is working on his Bachelor’s at the Stout University of Wisconsin. Sensei David Jr was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised in Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. At the age of 6 years, he started practicing Karate in San Antonio, Texas, and since then, he has been practicing this discipline. Sensei David Jr successfully competed in Texas, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Washington, Oklahoma, and Washington, Michigan. Wisconsin and Nevada, obtaining several medals in Kumite and Kata. In 2022, Sensei David Jr joined the US Army and proudly serves his country as an Infantryman. He loves sports, is a great runner, and practices wrestling and swimming. He has a passion for sports and loves math, computer, and science. Sensei David Crosby, Jr, is also on Facebook
sj.karatedojo@hotmail.com

Sensei Doris M Crosby, 2nd Degree Black Belt, Nidan

Assistant Instructor at the Riverton Dojo. Doris M Crosby is a 19-year-old girl who attends Utah Valley University (UVU). Her major is Criminal Justice,

and she is currently achieving excellent grades.

Doris has great fighting techniques and has earned over two hundred medals, trophies, and awards in several tournaments around the States. She has been practicing Karate since she was six years old, and although her family moved to different states, she tries to find the time, to train, compete and excel. She is currently a proudly active member of the Utah National Guard.

Doris is the type of warrior that doesn’t give up and works hard to achieve her goals.

sj.karatedojo@hotmail.com

Senpai Tucker Lee, 1st Kyu

Assistant Instructor at the Riverton Dojo. Senpai Tucker Lee, a vital member of our teaching team at SJ Karate. With a rich background in traditional Shotokan karate.

Senpai Lee has devoted himself to the art with unwavering commitment and passion. Originally from Tennessee and raised in Utah, Senpai Lee hails from a Military family, where he learned the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance—principles he carries into every aspect of his life. Beyond the dojo, he is a proud Dad of Titus, a smart karate child. Senpai tucker actively volunteers as a leader for the primary boys at his church, showcasing his dedication to mentorship and community service.

Senpai Lee has spent the last three years training under the expert guidance of Sensei David and Seleny Crosby, as well as Kansho Masaya Kohama. Currently ranked 1st kyu, he is on the path to earning his black belt ShoDan, a testament to his dedication and skill. His accomplishments extend beyond the dojo: he is a US Open International silver medalist, a certified judge with USA-NKF and WUKF, and holds licenses with both USA NKF and AAU Karate. Additionally, Senpai Lee is SafeSports Certified, underscoring his commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students.

Senpai Lee’s love for karate is evident in every aspect of his journey—from competing and officiating to teaching and inspiring others. His approach to instruction is infused with enthusiasm and a deep understanding of the art, making him an invaluable asset to our dojo. Whether he’s preparing students for their next belt test or guiding them through the fundamentals of Shotokan karate, Senpai Lee’s passion for teaching shines through.

We are happy to have Senpai Tucker Lee as part of our team at SJ Karate, where his expertise and energy continue to uplift and inspire our community of martial artists.

Sensei Gabriel Rivera, 1st Black Belt, Shodan

Instructor at the Tulsa Dojo. Sensei Gabriel is a talented 20 years old athlete and has been practicing Karate-Do since the age of 6...

under Sensei Marvin Silva. He has participated and medaled in many tournaments in Venezuela and thereafter became a member of the Venezuelan Karate Team. He competed internationally in South America; in 2017, he and his family moved to the United States. Sensei Gabriel and his father, Sensei Eudomar, joined SJ Karate in 2017 and started training under Sensei David Crosby and the SJ Karate Leadership Team. Sensei Gabriel competed in several tournaments, earning many medals and trophies in Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin. In 2019, Gabriel achieved first place at the United States National Championship in Chicago. Currently, Sensei Gabriel is teaching children in adults at the SJ Karate Dojo in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Sensei Danielle Crosby, 1st Junior Black Belt

Sensei Assistant Instructor, she is a smart 17 years old karate champion, currently attending 12th grade; she started practicing karate at the age of

five and currently holds a 1st Dan, Junior Black Belt. Danielle competed for the first time in San Antonio, TX, when she was five years old and had only two months of training, and she achieved first place in Kumite and second place in Kata. She also achieved 1st and 2nd place at the Junior International Championship and Las Vegas International Open in Las Vegas, Nevada. Danielle works hard to achieve her goals. She has been assisting as Senior Student since SJ Karate reopened in Riverton, UT. She loves helping to teach the little ones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 years old.
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