Black Belt Instructor
Summary of Qualifications
- Nidan (Second Degree Blackbelt)
Karate Biography
Stephan took an interest in Martial Arts with the age of 8 when he took up judo in Germany. He developed an interest in self-defense which exposed him to strikes and kicks which is not commonly part of judo practice. By the age of 19 he switched to practicing karate. The instructor in his karate group worked with Axel Dziersk who was one of first people to teach karate in (East) Germany. After moving from Germany to the US, Stephan continued to practice karate under the instruction of Sensei Mary Crawford at the Okaigan Dojo where he received his Black Belt. To learn about different aspects of Martial Arts, he also participated in Tae kwon-Do for one year, as well as in kickboxing for one year. Outside karate, Stephan is actively scuba diving and enjoys both mountain and road biking.
Stephan has a degree in Electrical Engineering and works in the Semiconductor Field in Engineering Management.