David Schmitt, Shodan (1^st degree) black belt senior instructor, for  the Minneapolis Shotokan Karate Dojo has been a student of karate-do since 1978 when he began his training in Shotokan Karate of America under senior black belts Byron Crookston, Tom and Fred House students of Ohshima Sensei.  David received his black belt in June of 2009.

Peter Mikhail, Shodan (1^st degree) black belt, senior instructor, for the Twin Cities Shotokan Karate Club  has been a student of karate-do since 1988 when he began his training in Shotokan Karate of America .  Peter received his black belt in June of 2010.