Shotokan Karate Academy Head Instructor

Ricardo E. Llewelyn

Sensei Ricardo Llewelyn has been practicing Shotokan Karate since 1970. He holds a Kyu-Dan (9th Degree Black Belt) in Shotokan Karate and has been granted titles of Hanshi, Kyoshi, and Shihan with the International San Ten Karate Association (ISKA). Hanshi Llewelyn is the President of the ISKA, founded by Sensei Vincent Cruz in 1979. Sensei Llewelyn is also ranked with the Dai-Ichi Shotokan Karate Association (DSKA), headed by Sensei Ricardo Johns and the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF), headed by the late great Master Hidetaka Nishiyama.

Originally from Panama, Sensei Llewelyn began his karate studies in his native country in 1970 under Sensei Ricardo Johns, a student of Sensei Vincent Cruz. When Sensei Johns departed Panama in 1971, Sensei Llewelyn continued training under Sensei Enrique Kelly and Sensei Percival (PJ) Jordan, under whom he achieved his Shodan in 1973. Upon Sensei Johns return to Panama in 1973, Sensei Llewelyn resumed his training under him. In 1974 Sensei Llewelyn migrated to the U.S., where he continued training independently, with regular visits to Panama for training with Sensei Johns.

Sensei Llewelyn joined the US Navy, where he also taught Karate classes from 1975 to 1981. In 1985 he joined the Shotokan Karate Institute in Oakland, California, headed by Sensei Sharifi, 9th Dan, who was affiliated with the AAKF and ITKF, under Sensei Nishiyama.  Sensei Llewelyn became affiliated himself with the AAKF and ITKF during this period.  In this same time frame, Sensei Llewelyn re-established connections with his roots through the DSKA and became affiliated with the ISKA, headed by Sensei Vincent Cruz, headquartered in Madera, California.

Sensei Llewelyn taught Karate at the Mariners Square Athletic Club, Alameda, CA from 1986 to 1993 and in 1992, inspired by his daughter LeDonna, founded the Shotokan Karate Academy (SKA), fulfilling a life-long dream of owning his own dojo. LeDonna was his first SKA student and progressed to a high kyu level. LeDonna is now living and working in Sacramento and has 8 year old twins, a boy and a girl, who train when they come to visit. 

Since the SKA opened in 1992, Sensei Llewelyn has promoted over twenty Black Belts. Each of his students receive the same instruction passed on to him from Sensei Johns, Sensei Cruz, and Sensei Obata (Sensei Obata, was a student of Sensei Gichin Funakoshi). Two of Sensei Llewelyn’s prominent students from Panama, Armando Jemmott and Ivan Haywood, are now both full Sensei in their own right and have sister dojos in Southern California and New Jersey, respectively.

As Sensei Llewelyn continues to train and further develop his karate, he shares his knowledge freely with his students. Sensei Llewelyn was deeply influenced by some of the best Karate practitioners, including Sensei Nishiyama, Sensei Hiroshi Shirai, Sensei Oichi, Sensei Kawazoe, Sensei Robert Stevenson, Sesei Gary Ellis, Sensei Kenneth Funakoshi, Sensei Okazaki, Sensei Yaguchi and Sensei Kanazawa, to mention only a few. Sensei Llewelyn was also influenced by Sensei Lionel Worrell, who recently departed us. The late Sensei Nishiyama and Sensei Vincent Cruz (RIP), continue to be the most influential forces in his continued growth.

The underlying principle of the SKA is to "seek perfection of character through the perfection of technique." Sensei Llewelyn is known among his peers for being meticulous about technique and form. He is often sought to teach the intricacies and details of kata. Emphasis on this principle, and drawing references to the application of kata in self defense and kumite (sparring), has helped his students to develop courage and a positive demeanor in karate, which transcends into their daily lives.

Since the passing of his teacher, Master Vincent Cruz, on December 24, 2015, Sensei Llewelyn has assumed the role of President of the International San Ten Karate Association alongside ISKA Technical Director, Sensei Robert Stevenson. 

Shotokan Karate Academy Instructors

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Sensei Mark G. Perkins

Sensei Mark's Karate journey began on the sunny island paradise of Barbados, where he first stepped into the dojo in 1990. It was a day he never thought would happen, as his mother always worried he would hurt himself, but his father was all for it. Mark enjoyed watching old martial arts films and was influenced by icons like Jean Claude Van Damme in "Kickboxer" (1989), Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, and more. He knew it was something he was eager to learn. From that moment, he was captivated by the arts and dedicated himself wholeheartedly to its pursuit for the next 34+ years.

Mark joined the Barbados Shotokan Karate Club, opened by the late Master Masatoshi Nakayama in 1982, and from the start, he knew he would never regret it. Under the watchful guidance of revered masters, his journey through the ranks was swift. At the age of 14, he proudly earned his Shodan rank (first-degree black belt) under JKA Master Shojiro Koyama. With each passing milestone, he attained his Nidan under Master Shigeru Takashina, Sandan with Master Yutaka Yaguchi, and Yondan under Master Teruyuki Okazaki. Embracing the challenges and growth they offered, he achieved his Godan in 2009, testing in front of the ISKF technical committee at the annual ISKF Master Camp at Camp Green Lane in Pennsylvania. At present, Mark holds the rank of Rokudan (6th Dan) which he attained in 2018 under the watchful eye of Master Frank Woon A Tai (ex ISKF Technical Committee and now Chief Instructor of the International Karate Daigaku). Mark owes his early karate teachings and career to his early Sensei's, Shihan Alice Bernstein (8th Dan), Shihan Paul Bernstein (8th Dan), and Shihan Peter Warren (8th Dan). Their guidance and mentorship laid the foundation for his growth and success in karate.

Mark's quest for excellence extended far beyond the dojo walls. He competed in numerous tournaments, from local and regional events in the Caribbean to amazing Pan-American and World competitions. Mark has earned numerous medals and trophies in both individual and team kata and kumite events, a testament to his dedication and skill. In addition to his journey through the ranks, Mark also delved deep into the instructional aspects of Karate. He underwent rigorous training in the ISKF Instructor program, honing his skills and knowledge under the guidance of seasoned mentors. This dedication culminated in his accreditation with international certification as an Instructor, Judge, Referee, and Examiner. These certifications not only bolstered his understanding and proficiency in Karate but also empowered him to contribute actively to the growth and development of the global Karate community. Whether in the role of a teacher guiding eager students, a judge ensuring fair competition, or an examiner evaluating the proficiency of aspiring practitioners, Mark embraces each responsibility with unwavering commitment and dedication.

When the ISKF (International Shotokan Karate Federation) parted ways from the JKA (Japanese Karate Association) in 2007, Mark remained true to the principles that had shaped him. He stayed with the ISKF until 2011, when one of his key mentors, Master Frank Woon A Tai, formed the IKD (International Karate Daigaku). Originally from the Caribbean/Guyana (South America), Master Frank Woon A Tai created the IKD with a primary emphasis on creating the vision of “Karate within the 21st century.” It was a natural transition for Mark, as a continuation of his journey within a community that shared his values and vision for the martial art.

Currently Sensei Mark resides in the East Bay of the SF Bay Area and found a dojo close to home, where he is teaching and training at Benicia Shotokan Karate Academy. For Sensei Mark, Karate is more than just a physical discipline, it's a way of life. It's about embodying the principles of respect, discipline, and humility both inside and outside the dojo. As he continues to walk this path, it is his solemn duty to pass on these teachings to future generations, ensuring that the spirit of Shotokan Karate Do lives on. 

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Sensei Cindy Hellman-Wylie

Sensei Cindy was interested in martial arts since childhood but never had the opportunity to train until middle age. Family and career obligations took precedence. She worked night shifts as a registered nurse until July 2001, when she secured her first job as a nurse practitioner, providing her with newfound free time in the evenings. A friend, also a registered nurse, organized group sessions for Tai Chi on Wednesday evenings, which Cindy and her daughter joined. However, after about three months, her daughter expressed a desire for more active engagement, leading them to explore other options. Eventually, they settled at Benicia Shotokan Karate Academy. While her daughter's interest waned after three months, Cindy remained committed and has continued training there ever since.

Throughout her journey, Cindy has prioritized training, with promotions being incidental, rather than the primary objective. Cindy is currently a Yodan (4th degree black belt). She considers it an honor to have co-managed the dojo alongside Sensei Dan Duran for 22 months, during a period when Hanshi Llewelyn was working in North Carolina. Cindy instructs the youth class and assists in the adult and advanced classes.

As Sensei Funakoshi said in his 20 Precepts – It will take your lifetime to learn karate; there is no limit.

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Sensei Liz Nicolaou

Sensei Liz got interested in karate after observing her young son in a youth karate class in Pennsylvania. Shotokan Karate offered a new challenge and soon became a way of life for her. She was a 4th kyu (purple belt) when she moved to California with her family. As she began searching for a new dojo in the Bay Area, Liz jumped into a trial class at Benicia Shotokan Karate Academy and appreciated the family-friendly community Hanshi Llewelyn fostered. She quickly began training at BSKA and earned her Shodan (black belt) under Hanshi Llewelyn. Liz is currently a Sandan (3rd degree black belt). 
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Liz instructs the youth class and assists in the adult class when needed. Since she began Karate as an adult, she enjoys supporting the new adults beginning their Karate journey. Liz is often endearingly referred to as the “Dojo Mom,” as she is quick to support the Benicia Shotokan Karate Academy community. She is married with three children. Liz lives in Napa with her husband and dog, Luna. Liz is enjoying her retirement and is staying busy with Karate, volunteering to save local birds, and traveling.

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Senpai Keila Kaci

Senpai Keila grew up just a few towns over, in Fairfield, with her three siblings who are all also members of the Benicia Shotokan Academy. With older siblings, all born in the 80s, her interest in martial arts began during countless viewings of the Karate Kid and 3 Ninjas. She began her martial arts journey in 2021 at the urging of her older brothers, who started studying under Hanshi Llewelyn four years earlier. Keila earned her Shodan (black belt) in 2024.
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Keila has a background as a children’s entertainer for storybook memories, a children’s author, and a substitute teacher for K-12 schools. Now, Keila enjoys volunteering to teach the kids class at Benicia Shotokan Karate Academy, where four of her nieces and nephews study.