Sensei Luis Morales
Sensei Luis Morales was born in 1958 in the Bronx, NYC, at the old Lincoln Hospital. From a young age, he was captivated by Martial Arts, spending countless hours reading publications like Black Belt Magazine and Karate Illustrated. His journey began at the age of 8 or 9 when a family friend introduced him to Miyama-Ryu Jiu-Jutsu, unknowingly setting him on a lifelong path. At 12, he began training under the legendary S. Henry Cho in Manhattan in Tae Kwon Do, which eventually led him to study Shotokan Karate with Phillip McRae and Errol Razor in the Bronx. He earned his first black belt from Errol Razor Sensei and later met Steven Hernandez Sensei, who introduced him to the foundational principles of Goju-Ryu Karate.
From NYC Streets to Okinawan Dojos
Luis's love for Goju-Ryu soon surpassed his interest in Shotokan. The footwork, angles, and particularly the Sanchin Kata inspired him deeply. Karate training in 1970s NYC mirrored the tough, no-holds-barred attitude of the time. He trained alongside talented fighters and had the honor of studying with Gosei Yamaguchi in San Francisco and at the Goju-Kai HQ in Tokyo. After Sensei Raymond Duran’s retirement, Luis continued his journey and met Chinen Teruo Sensei, a top student of Eiichi Miyazato Sensei. Under Chinen Sensei, he trained at the Jundokan New York Dojo, which led him to Okinawa. There, he trained directly with Miyazato Sensei, a student of Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju-Ryu. A pivotal meeting with Tetsuhiro Hokama Sensei in 1999 further solidified his belief that karate is far more than just striking. Hokama Sensei’s profound martial knowledge continues to inspire Luis, and his passion for Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Jutsu remains as strong as ever.
Sensei Luis Morales Credentials
Sensei Morales has done seminars along side with many of Martial Art’s biggest names such as Soke Lil John Davis of Kumite-ryu Jiu-jutsu, Professor James Muro of Hawaiian Kenpo and Danzan-ryu jiujutsu, Guru Doug Pierre, Grandmaster Bill McCloud of Urban contemporary jiujutsu, and Senior Master Rudy Tuiolosega of Lima-lama. His hands on approach make his seminars very popular and sought after.
• North America Chief Instructor for Kenshi-kai Goju-Ryu.
• Hanshi (master) grade in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate and Kobu-Jutsu.
• The highest Ranking Torite Jutsu Instructor in the Northeastern United States.
• Certified Grand Master rank in Torite-Jutsu 7th Dan under Grandmaster Tom Muncy 10th Dan a founder of the Dragon Society International.
• Kaicho of The Kokusai Bugaku Renmei (International Martial Science Federation).
• Author of The Sub-Arts Guidebook.
• Karate Advisor to usadojo.com.
Sensei is always living by his motto: “Always a Student” or shoshin in Japanese. Sensei Morales believes that every person and situation is a learning experience. He continues to learn and research the Martial Ways.
Sensei Luis Morales Has Trained With the World’s Leading Goju-Ryu Masters
Goshi Yamaguchi Sensei
Chief Instructor of the United States Goju-Kai in San Francisco.
Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Jutsu: Concepts and Philosophy
Discover the traditions, wisdom, and martial spirit of Kenshikai Goju-Ryu Karate. Guided by Sensei Luis Morales and Stefano Cianelli, this book explores the philosophy, techniques, and mindset that shape true martial artists—empowering discipline, strength, and personal growth.
Begin your journey into the heart of authentic Karate—order your copy today and train your body, mind, and spirit with timeless wisdom.