OKINAWAN KARATE DOJO, INC.
MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA

Forged. Focused. Ready. When you choose the Okinawan Karate Dojo, you are making a statement. We stand humbly behind our belief that the environment we provide keeps students involved, committed, inspired, and prepared. Come and reach your goals with the Okinawan Karate Dojo. As you approach the Okinawan Karate Dojo, you may be impressed by the safe neighborhood and surrounding community. Or maybe it is the bamboo floors of our intimate, clean and contemporary facility that catch your eye. No matter the reason, we are comforted by the fact that our students walk away from every experience with the Okinawan Karate Dojo stronger, leaner, energized, and confident. “We are extremely thankful to have found this Dojo. The Senseis/instructors have the perfect combination of a serious and fun teaching method. This is important especially when you want to keep your kids engaged in martial arts and yet learn how to focus and work hard! The skills they teach are skills that a child will be able to use throughout their life….self defense, confidence, focus and determination. I highly recommend the Okinawan Karate Dojo!” Stanley Crump began studying Uechi-ryu (a style of Okinawan Karate) in 1994. In 2017, he earned his Rokudan (6th degree black belt), and in 2011 – a Shihan certification (Master Level Instructor) under his teacher, Grand Master Kiyohide Shinjo. Stanley has traveled extensively to enjoy personal, advanced training from some of the world’s foremost masters of karate, including Grand Master Kiyohide Shinjo (Sensei Stanley’s direct teacher), Narahiro Shinjo, James Thompson, Seiko Toyama, Kanmei Uechi, Shinyu Gushi, and Bill Hayes. In 1996, he began teaching karate throughout Howard and Montgomery Counties. In 2006, he opened the Okinawan Karate Dojo (formerly known as Ellicott City Fitness and Karate). Sensei Stanley has competed in international tournaments all over the world (Japan, Canada, United States, Argentina, and more) and has won 1st place in the Heavy Weight division of kumite (sparring) multiple times. His attention to detail and application can also be found in his study of kata, as he has been a top-finisher in this event in several all-style, international/invitational tournaments. Having completed certified courses in Reiki (the ancient art of healing and therapeutic touch) under Dr. Rik Lostritto, Ph.D, Sensei Stanley works to strike a balance in his understanding, training, and instruction of the hard and soft aspects of karate. On a personal note, Stanley has certifications in CPR and First Aid, worked for 22 years in the healthcare industry, is a fitness/bootcamp instructor, and a Spartan Racer! Since 1996, he has facilitated Bridges and Helping Hands mentorship programs, in-school karate/leadership training, and has been an active/involved HCPSS business partner and PTA member with more than 10 schools in Howard County and 2 schools in Baltimore City. Stanley is married with three kids. Mark Gaspar began studying Uechi-ryu in 1981 under Sensei Bob Galeone in Annapolis, Maryland, and continued his training under Marty Dow in Takoma Park, Maryland. After suspending his formal training for several years, Mark returned to his training and joined the Okinawan Karate Dojo in Ellicott City in 2006. Mark currently holds the rank of Godan, 5th degree black belt. Over the years, Mark has attended numerous training sessions where he has received advanced training from several of the world’s most respected Uechi-ryu masters, including Kiyohide Shinjo, Narahiro Shinjo, James Thompson, Kanmei Uechi, and Shinyu Gushi. Mark is a partner in a Baltimore law firm and is also an owner/operator of the Okinawan Karate Dojo. He is married with 3 kids. Robert Wilkie graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2014 with a Bachelors of Science studying Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics. He began training in martial arts his senior year (Fall 2013) and began studying Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He has trained in a mix of other styles including Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, Boxing, and Judo/Jujutsu at the UMD Black Belt Club before joining the Okinawan Karate Club where he was first introduced to Uechi-ryu. Both clubs helped Robert discover his passion for the martial arts. After graduating, he joined the Okinawan Karate Dojo in August 2014. He left the scientific industry to become the full-time head instructor in September 2016. He earned his Shodan (1st degree black belt) in July 2017. He also trains in Okinawan Kobudo (traditional weapons) on his own time and is the instructor for our Kobudo classes. Tara was first introduced to Uechi-ryu in Largo, Florida, under Sensei Ric Martin in January of 1997. She was in search of a traditional style of martial arts that encompassed both hard and soft techniques, which she found in Uechi-ryu. She trained under Ric through Yonkyu before relocating north. Now settled in Maryland, Tara trains and teaches at the Okinawan Karate Dojo. She earned her Shodan in December 2011, her Nidan in March of 2013 and her Sandan in July of 2015 under Sensei Stanley Crump. Tara has also trained with some of the world’s most respected Uechi-ryu masters, including Kiyohide Shinjo, Narahiro Shinjo, James Thompson, and Shinyu Gushi. She feels fortunate to be able to share her passion for Uechi-ryu in teaching at OKD. Seth began studying Uechi-Ryu in 2013 under Sensei Stanley Crump and is currently a Shodan, 1st degree black belt. Before Uechi-ryu, he trained in Tae Kwon Do and Jiu-jitsu for three years. Gaining experience in multiple styles has provided him with principles that allows him to balance all aspects of life. Balancing a busy school schedule while continuing to train has conditioned Seth for the world beyond high school. The discipline that he has gained from martial arts has positively impacted his academic, social, and work life. Stanley Crump began studying Uechi-ryu (a style of Okinawan Karate) in 1994. In 2017, he earned his Rokudan (6th degree black belt), and in 2011 – a Shihan certification (Master Level Instructor) under his teacher, Grand Master Kiyohide Shinjo. Stanley has traveled extensively to enjoy personal, advanced training from some of the world’s foremost masters of karate, including Grand Master Kiyohide Shinjo (Sensei Stanley’s direct teacher), Narahiro Shinjo, James Thompson, Seiko Toyama, Kanmei Uechi, Shinyu Gushi, and Bill Hayes. In 1996, he began teaching karate throughout Howard and Montgomery Counties. In 2006, he opened the Okinawan Karate Dojo (formerly known as Ellicott City Fitness and Karate). Sensei Stanley has competed in international tournaments all over the world (Japan, Canada, United States, Argentina, and more) and has won 1st place in the Heavy Weight division of kumite (sparring) multiple times. His attention to detail and application can also be found in his study of kata, as he has been a top-finisher in this event in several all-style, international/invitational tournaments. Having completed certified courses in Reiki (the ancient art of healing and therapeutic touch) under Dr. Rik Lostritto, Ph.D, Sensei Stanley works to strike a balance in his understanding, training, and instruction of the hard and soft aspects of karate. On a personal note, Stanley has certifications in CPR and First Aid, worked for 22 years in the healthcare industry, is a fitness/bootcamp instructor, and a Spartan Racer! Since 1996, he has facilitated Bridges and Helping Hands mentorship programs, in-school karate/leadership training, and has been an active/involved HCPSS business partner and PTA member with more than 10 schools in Howard County and 2 schools in Baltimore City. Stanley is married with three kids.