Karate of LA Presents K.I.C.K. Crew

Meet Our Instructors

Our instructors aren't just teachers; they are lifelong practitioners of Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai. Led by Shihan Vassie Naidoo (8th Dan), our leadership team brings decades of international experience and authentic Japanese martial arts heritage to the mat.

We believe that great karate starts with great mentorship. Whether working with our youngest K.I.C.K. Crew recruits or our most advanced adult students, our dojo offers a supportive environment that builds character, respect, and self-belief.

Shihan Vassie Naidoo, 8th Dan Black Belt, Chief Instructor and founder of Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Karate of LA.

Vassie Naidoo

8th Dan, Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai

Shihan / Founder
Chief Instructor and founder of Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Karate of LA. He holds the highest-ranked black belt in Seiwa-Kai and serves as Vice President of Seiwa-Kai International. With 50 years of experience, Shihan Vassie emphasizes technique, discipline, and making every movement count.
Sensei James Daly, 7th Dan Black Belt, senior martial arts instructor demonstrating traditional Goju-Ryu techniques.

James Daly

7th Dan, Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai

Sensei
One of the dojo’s most senior members with 30 years of training under Shihan Vassie. His style incorporates hardcore street-style defense from his early foundations in New York, offering a practical and robust approach to self-protection.
Sensei Edison Valente, 6th Dan Black Belt, self-defense teacher incorporating traditional weapons and martial arts forms.

Edison Valente

6th Dan, Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai

Sensei
Teaching for over 25 years, Sensei Edison integrates joint locks and throws from his Aikido background into technical kata and kumite training. He utilizes weapons training to help students maximize their self-defense development.
Sensei Krishan Narayan, 6th Dan Black Belt, kumite sparring coach and youth martial arts instructor.

Krishan Narayan

6th Dan, Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai

Sensei
Training since age 5, Sensei Krishan has a deep connection to the Japan headquarters. He has taught for 15 years with particular expertise in kumite (sparring) techniques for both children and adults.
Senpai John Dean, 5th Dan Black Belt, youth and kids karate instructor at Karate of LA.

John Dean

5th Dan, Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai

Senpai
A passionate instructor with 26 years of training. Senpai John excels at connecting with younger students and utilizes his personal experience managing ADHD to help children build focus through martial arts.
Senpai Matt Costello, 5th Dan Black Belt, traditional kata form and technical karate instructor.

Matt Costello

5th Dan, Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai

Senpai
Known for his detail-oriented approach to kata, Senpai Matt blends his Kyokushin karate background with Goju-Ryu to provide a dynamic approach to kumite and technical precision.
Senpai Crystal Villagran, 4th Dan Black Belt, women's self-defense and traditional kata instruction specialist.

Crystal Villagran

4th Dan, Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai

Senpai
Bringing expertise in kata and bunkai from her multi-style background, Senpai Crystal focuses on empowering students with realistic self-defense strategies and a foundation of mutual respect.
Senpai Mike Lavin, 4th Dan Black Belt, martial arts practitioner and situational awareness coach.

Mike Lavin

4th Dan, Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai

Senpai
Senpai Mike balances rigorous discipline with an approachable coaching style. His background in Isshin-Ryu brings fast, reflexive speed to his practice, with a focus on situational awareness and mental clarity.
Senpai Conrad Williams, 3rd Dan Black Belt, demonstrating precise movement and adult warm-ups for traditional Goju-Ryu karate classes.

Conrad Williams

3rd Dan, Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai

Senpai
A direct product of the K.I.C.K. Crew program, Senpai Conrad trained as a youth and has returned for nine consecutive years of adult mastery. He is known for his precise movement demonstrations, providing students with a clear mental image essential for mastering authentic Goju-Ryu techniques.