HEAD INSTRUCTORS

Shotokan Karate Dojo

Head Instructors at Shotokan Karate Dojo

At Shotokan Karate Dojo, we are proud to have a team of highly experienced instructors dedicated to the traditional practice of Shotokan Karate. Our head instructors, Sensei David Gould and Sensei Justin Butler, bring decades of martial arts expertise to the dojo, providing students with the highest quality of training. Their combined knowledge of karate, self-defense, and martial arts philosophy ensures that our students receive comprehensive instruction in both technique and life skills.

Sensei David Gould

Head Instructor

Sensei David Gould is the Head Instructor of Shotokan Karate Dojo and the National Director of the American Shotokan Karate Federation (ASKF). A direct descendant of the renowned Sensei Richard C. Gould, founder of ASKF, Sensei David Gould has followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a leading figure in the world of Shotokan Karate.

David holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and has over 42 years of training and 20 years of teaching experience. His journey in karate-do began under the tutelage of his father, along with other notable Shotokan masters, including Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama, who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Shotokan Karate. David continues his training and teaching alongside senior senseis from around the globe, ensuring that he stays connected with the latest developments in both traditional and contemporary martial arts.

In addition to his karate training, Sensei Gould has a diverse educational background, holding several university degrees in fields such as Intellectual History, Geography, Geographical Information Science, and Cultural Sciences. He also tutors university-level students in government, sociology, Asian and European Intellectual History, and the contemporary development of Asian combative arts philosophy.

Sensei Gould has a deep understanding of martial arts, having trained in various disciplines, including full-contact arenas and self-defense applications. His extensive experience in the field of personal security has also led him to work with court process servers, bodyguards, and other security professionals across the United States. He has trained countless individuals in personal safety, with many of his students going on to build careers in the security industry.

David’s dedication to the art of Shotokan Karate goes beyond teaching. He has continued his father’s legacy as a senior instructor in the ASKF, holding the title of Renshi and Kyoshi (teacher of teachers). His role as Hanshi (master teacher) in the ASKF underscores his exceptional skill and leadership in Shotokan Karate.



Sensei David Gould continues to impart his vast knowledge and experience to students at Shotokan Karate Dojo, inspiring them to not only develop physical strength and technique but to embody the values of respect, discipline, and perseverance that are at the core of karate-do.

Sensei Justin Butler

Senior Instructor

Sensei Justin Butler is a Senior Instructor at Shotokan Karate Dojo, with over 55 years of martial arts experience. Holding an 8th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, along with a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Hakkoryu Jujitsu and a 7th Degree Black Belt in ISKA Jujitsu, Sensei Butler brings a wealth of knowledge to our dojo. His extensive training in multiple martial arts styles gives him a unique perspective on karate and combat tactics, enabling him to teach both traditional and functional aspects of Shotokan Karate.

Sensei Butler began his martial arts journey in 1965 and began studying Shotokan Karate in 1982. His training under respected senseis like Dennis Pulumbo and Vincent Cruz, along with guidance from Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama, has shaped him into a highly skilled instructor. Justin’s expertise extends beyond karate to include training in Gung Fu North and South Tiger, sword techniques (Iido), and shiatsu (acupressure), offering students a well-rounded martial arts education.

In addition to his martial arts background, Sensei Butler served in the U.S. Army as part of the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, where he learned valuable lessons in discipline, focus, and resilience—qualities that have greatly influenced his approach to teaching karate.

Sensei Butler specializes in the functional applications of kata (forms) and is a recognized expert in teaching self-defense techniques. His experience extends to working with physically disabled individuals, teaching them how to use karate as a means of self-defense and empowerment. Justin’s practical, real-world approach to karate makes him an invaluable resource for students of all skill levels.



As one of the Hanshi instructors for the International San Ten Karate Association (ISKA), Sensei Butler is committed to passing down his knowledge to the next generation of karate practitioners. His focus on real-world combat strategies, combined with his deep respect for traditional Shotokan techniques, makes him a key instructor at Shotokan Karate Dojo.

Why Choose Shotokan Karate Dojo’s Head Instructors?

At Shotokan Karate Dojo, we are proud to have Sensei David Gould and Sensei Justin Butler as our head instructors. Their combined experience of over 100 years of training and teaching ensures that our students receive the highest quality instruction in Shotokan Karate. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, their knowledge, dedication, and passion for karate-do will help you reach your martial arts goals while instilling important life skills, such as discipline, respect, and confidence.

Under their guidance, students will learn not just karate techniques but also the deep philosophy and cultural values that define Shotokan Karate. Their unique combination of experience in self-defense, security, and competitive karate ensures a comprehensive, world-class training experience for all students.



Join us at Shotokan Karate Dojo and learn from the best. Whether you're looking to improve your self-defense skills, compete at the highest level, or embark on a journey of personal growth and discipline, Sensei David Gould and Sensei Justin Butler will guide you every step of the way.