YOUR INSTRUCTORS

At The Martial Arts Academy, we teach Shōrinji Ryū Karate as a complete life skill. You will learn all aspects of the system, including tradition, health, fitness, realistic self-defense, meditation, and competition. Our expert instructors, each with over 20 years of experience, foster an open approach that combines traditional martial etiquette and discipline. This environment allows you or your child to thrive and express themselves by way of this incredible martial art.

Chief Instructor

Will Yturriaga

Will Yturriaga began his martial arts training in 1987 at Sensei Richard Kim's Dai Nippon Butoku Kai International Organization. There, he extensively trained in full-contact Shorinji-Ryu Karate, Bagua Zhang, and meditation. His studies eventually took him to Sifu John Kang’s East West Wing Chun Kung Fu school in San Francisco's Chinatown, where he later became the main instructor. Sensei Will taught the class for over six years, focusing on training a core group of instructors. In 2014, he founded The Martial Arts Academy of Marin, where he currently teaches Full Contact Shōrinji Ryū Karate. His teaching approach blends adaptability and modern innovation while maintaining a deep respect for tradition.

Instructor

JB diamond

JB has been training with Sensei Will Yturriaga at The Martial Arts Academy for over 10 years. He has also practiced other styles of martial arts, including Wing Chun and Shaolin Kempo Karate. However, his primary focus is Shorinji-Ryu Karate, in which he achieved his Shodan (Black Belt) in 2024. As a passionate MMA fan, JB watches events every week and has participated in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai boxing classes to further enhance his fighting skills and knowledge. In addition to his martial arts practice, he is a musician and a proud father of four. JB enjoys coaching local youth in baseball, soccer, and basketball, allowing him to spend more time with his children while also mentoring other kids in the community.