Our Dojo
On August 11, 2008 a small group of senior black belts opened Japan Ways Traditional Karate, here in Fresno, CA, for the purpose of continuing their training in traditional Shotokan Karate-Do as taught to them by the late Shihan Robert Halliburton. Led by Sensei Steven Wong and Sensei Cleo Martin, the aim of Japan Ways is to provide a family atmosphere where students can continue to practice and grow as karateka. We work hard, train hard and expect the best from ourselves and our students.
Our Instructors
Japan Ways' instructors all have extensive experience and are all internationally certified with Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation. Our Chief Instructor is Sensei Steven Wong, Nana dan (7th degree black belt), and our Senior Instructor is Sensei Cleo Martin, Rokudan (6th black belt). Both have been training since 1973 and 1972 respectively. All of the remaining instructors and assistant instructors have over thirty years of experience each, ensuring the highest quality instruction. Read more...
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News and Announcements
Rank Test Results
The following students were promoted on January 17, 2026 after successfully passing their examinations:
Fatima Gonzalez 10th Kyu Yellow Belt
Brielle Davis 9th Kyu Orange Belt
Meredith Martinez 8th Kyu Blue Belt
Eric Martinez 8th Kyu Blue Belt
Angelo Zanoni 6th Kyu Green Belt
Jose Zamora 6th Kyu Green Belt
Abigail Gonzalez 4th Kyu Purple Belt
Fernando Romero 3rd Kyu Brown Belt
Jerald Downs 2nd Kyu Brown Belt
Congratulations! OSS!
Manabu Murakami, Shuseki Shihan Seminar
Manabu Murakami Shuseki Shihan, 8th Dan Seminar: Murakami Sensei, is the Chief Instructor for SKIF and a world renowned karate instructor. He will be teaching in Fresno on February 28th, Saturday. Open training class starts at 1:30 pm and advanced training starts at 3:20 pm. Murakami Sensei is a fantastic instructor and is sure to conduct a stellar class! Space is limited, signups are in process so it is recommended that you register immediately.
2026 Annual SKIF International Seminar
The 2026 SKIF International Seminar will be held in Japan March 27-29, 2026. Registration has now opened. This seminar is open to brown and black belts only. If you are interested in attending this year's seminar, contact Sensei Wong for more info.
Rank Test
The next rank test is tentatively scheduled on April 11th, Saturday.
Now is the time to prepare for the next test.
Fumitoshi Kanazawa Sensei Seminar
Fumitoshi Sensei will be teaching in Fresno on September 12, 2026 on his US Tour. Mark your calendar for this special event.
The following students were promoted on January 17, 2026 after successfully passing their examinations:
Fatima Gonzalez 10th Kyu Yellow Belt
Brielle Davis 9th Kyu Orange Belt
Meredith Martinez 8th Kyu Blue Belt
Eric Martinez 8th Kyu Blue Belt
Angelo Zanoni 6th Kyu Green Belt
Jose Zamora 6th Kyu Green Belt
Abigail Gonzalez 4th Kyu Purple Belt
Fernando Romero 3rd Kyu Brown Belt
Jerald Downs 2nd Kyu Brown Belt
Congratulations! OSS!
Manabu Murakami, Shuseki Shihan Seminar
Manabu Murakami Shuseki Shihan, 8th Dan Seminar: Murakami Sensei, is the Chief Instructor for SKIF and a world renowned karate instructor. He will be teaching in Fresno on February 28th, Saturday. Open training class starts at 1:30 pm and advanced training starts at 3:20 pm. Murakami Sensei is a fantastic instructor and is sure to conduct a stellar class! Space is limited, signups are in process so it is recommended that you register immediately.
2026 Annual SKIF International Seminar
The 2026 SKIF International Seminar will be held in Japan March 27-29, 2026. Registration has now opened. This seminar is open to brown and black belts only. If you are interested in attending this year's seminar, contact Sensei Wong for more info.
Rank Test
The next rank test is tentatively scheduled on April 11th, Saturday.
Now is the time to prepare for the next test.
Fumitoshi Kanazawa Sensei Seminar
Fumitoshi Sensei will be teaching in Fresno on September 12, 2026 on his US Tour. Mark your calendar for this special event.
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Notices
SKI-USF Custom Belts and Gis
SKI-USF will be putting together an order to Japan for SKIF for custom gi/belt orders. Contact Sensei Wong for more info or pricing sheets.
Required Safety Gear
All students must bring mouth guards and kumite hand guards to each class. All males must wear athletic cups. If you do not have the safety gear, you will be asked to sit during kumite drill and training.
Saturday Morning Training
Regular classes on Saturdays continue at 10:00am and 11:00am.
Dues
Membership fees are due and collectable the first week of the month. Please bring past dues current!
Required for Rank Tests
Passbooks and uniform patches are required for all students testing for rank. Both may be purchased at the front desk in the dojo.
SKI-USF will be putting together an order to Japan for SKIF for custom gi/belt orders. Contact Sensei Wong for more info or pricing sheets.
Required Safety Gear
All students must bring mouth guards and kumite hand guards to each class. All males must wear athletic cups. If you do not have the safety gear, you will be asked to sit during kumite drill and training.
Saturday Morning Training
Regular classes on Saturdays continue at 10:00am and 11:00am.
Dues
Membership fees are due and collectable the first week of the month. Please bring past dues current!
Required for Rank Tests
Passbooks and uniform patches are required for all students testing for rank. Both may be purchased at the front desk in the dojo.
Why Japan Ways?
There are many dojos in the Fresno area. Why should you choose Japan Ways?
Our Instructors!
All of the Japan Ways instructors are internationally accredited black belts, each with more than 30 years of experience; our Chief Instructor and Senior Instructor have more than 40 years each! Sensei Wong holds the rank
of 6th degree black belt (Rokudan) and Sensei Martin holds the rank of 6th degree black belt (Rokudan).
Having a current teaching staff with more than 260 years of combined karate experience in one location is unique, and possibly the highest of any karate dojo in the United States! All of our instructors are dedicated to continuing the legacy of our beloved late Sensei, Robert Halliburton.
of 6th degree black belt (Rokudan) and Sensei Martin holds the rank of 6th degree black belt (Rokudan).
Having a current teaching staff with more than 260 years of combined karate experience in one location is unique, and possibly the highest of any karate dojo in the United States! All of our instructors are dedicated to continuing the legacy of our beloved late Sensei, Robert Halliburton.
Our Tradition!
Japan Ways is one of the few traditional Shotokan karate schools in Fresno, and the only dojo (school) in Fresno, under legendary Master Hirokazu Kanazawa, 10thDan. Japan Ways is a member of Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (SKIF) headquartered in Japan, as well as the Shotokan Karate-Do International-United States Federation which is the national organization for our USA affiliation. These memberships provide us with access to many world renowned instructors who we are privileged to bring to Fresno several times a year, as well as allowing our dojo
members to attend national and international events and seminars.
members to attend national and international events and seminars.
Unlimited Training!
At Japan Ways, whether you choose an individual or a family membership plan, you have unlimited class availability. Train one day a week or six days a week to meet your desired training schedule. Students are welcome (even encouraged) to attend as many classes as they wish. The dojo is open for training six days a week.
No Contracts!
Membership fees are month to month. There are no contracts to sign!
Family Training!
We’ve structured our classes so that entire families can train together in the same class, if they choose. In addition, we have a very competitive family rate, probably the best in Fresno!