Support Peaceful Warrior Karate's JAPAN Journey

Dear Friends and Supporters,

My name is Jonathan Winstral, and I am the Chief Instructor, or Shihan, for Tenshin-Kan Karate in the United States. Over 30 years ago, when I first traveled to Japan, I had already achieved my black belt in Shotokan Karate and was invited to affiliate with the Tenshin-Kan Karate organization. After affiliating with Tenshin-Kan, I was appointed as the Shibucho, or Country Chief, making me the top instructor for the United States. In 2001, I returned to Japan with a team of competitors and became the World Karate Champion. This was the first time a gaijin, or foreigner, had ever won the World Championships in Japan.

This year, on October 1, 2025, we are thrilled to return to Japan with a new team of talented competitors, including Sensei Nicholas Scaffidi and Sensei Vincent Scaffidi; the two top instructors of the Tenshin-Kan Dojo located here in Red Hook, New York. Our mission is to further our knowledge, undergo testing and promotions, and compete once more in the Japanese Championships. To make this incredible journey possible, we need your help. We are aiming to raise $10,000 to cover our Team Tenshin-Kan travel expenses, including airfare, accommodations, and other costs during our trip. If we exceed our goal, the remaining funds raised will be split between saving for the next Japan trip, and purchasing equipment for our current and future students in Red Hook.

It is our mission to grow in knowledge as instructors so that we can offer the highest level of instruction to the karate students of our very own Red Hook community. From myself, the Sensei's mentioned, and the countless students who will benefit from the knowledge we bring back to America; we would like to send a huge thank you to everyone that can help us turn this great trip into reality!

OSSU!!

Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu! (Thank you very much!)