About Us « Mastin Karate

About Us

About Mastin’s School of Martial Arts

Our goal is to train champion individuals to excel in any situation through traditional study of Matsubayashi-Ryu karate. Mastin’s School of Martial Arts is a family-oriented environment and maintains small, intimate classes with top quality instruction to produce top quality students.

About Our Teachers

Sensei Scott Mastin
Sensei Scott Mastin, was recently promoted during his visit to Okinawa to the rank of Rokudan (6th degree black belt) with a teaching title of Renshi. He became the youngest American to ever be awarded this rank by Soke Nagamine. On the same trip in November 2010, he had the opportunity to teach at O’Sensei Shoshin Nagamine Dojo. This was a tremendous honor and a life changing experience.

He was introduced to karate and martial arts at age 4. Sensei Mastin became more serious about his study of Matsubayashi-Ryu during his teenage years, and began teaching at age 21. In addition to Matsubayashi-Ryu, Sensei Mastin is trained in Yamani Chinen-Ryu (Okinawan weapon arts) and Matsu Tai Chi. Sensei Mastin is a first generation student of Soke Takayoshi Nagamine, and is licensed to teach by the World Matsubayashi-Ryu (Shorin-Ryu) Karate-Do Association . Sensei Mastin began teaching in the early 90’s and took over the Silverton dojo in 1996. Sensei Mastin founded Mastin’s School of Martial Arts in 1999.

Even though Sensei Mastin still works during the day with his outside career. He still teaches more than 800 classes per year. “Teaching and helping others is my passion” - “You must lead by example” – “Never ask your students to do something that you can not do yourself” are all statements that he tries to instill in all of his black-belts and instructors.

Sensei John Mitchell

Sensei John Mitchell passed away in September of 2011. He is forever in our hearts.

Sensei John Mitchell, was promoted to the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt) during his visit to Okinawa in November of 2010. He began his martial arts career at age 13 with the study of Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo. He began practicing Matsubayashi-Ryu karate-do over 25 years ago, and also trained in Aikido and Matsu Tai Chi.

Sensei Mitchell had over 15 years of experience teaching Mastsubayashi-Ryu, and had been a part of the dojo since 1996.

Notes for Curtis Mitchell about his late brother, Sensei John Mitchell

Scott,

On behalf of my family, I would like to thank you so very much for your remarks at the service for John. You helped us get through what was undoubtedly the most darkest day in our lives. As you console us, allow me to console you for the loss of your best friend. Your friendship meant the world to Johnny. He cherished every moment of it. When Johnny mentioned your name, it was always “My friend Scott” or ”Me and my friend Scott.” And believe me he spoke of you often! The immeasurable time he spent with you, your family and the students at the dojo was so gratifying to him. Your final tribute to John was sending your black belt into eternity with him. It was the ultimate final honor by a truly loyal friend and Sensei. We should all have a friend like my brother John had in you!

Again, Thank you so very much.

Curtis Mitchell

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“For the past 51 years we have had the blessing and pleasure of being related to Johnny. He was and will remain a very special part of our family. His passing has left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. We are forever grateful to each and every one of you for the outpouring of love, respect, kind words and honor expressed at his memorial service. You gently confirmed what we knew for the past half century…that he was indeed a special man, son, brother, uncle, friend and Sensei. His smile touched many people. May the memory of John bring you back a smile.”

~The Family of Sensei John Mitchell~

Curtis Mitchell