At the age of 8, karate became a part of my life, I am now 46. My first instructor was Clarence Johnson, student of Grand Master Henry Wilson. I trained and practiced a Japanese style of martial arts, Shorin-Ryu karate, for ten years before entering the military. While in the military I began to study under Master Hikeen where I study Muay Thay for four years. I continued to fight and kata in any and all martial arts tournaments that I could. I came back to Maryland and resumed training with S.K.A. (Shoguns Karate Association), upon my return I was informed that my first instructor Sensei Clarence Johnson was deceased, which led me to Sensei Roosevelt, whom today is Grand Master Roosevelt.

    I have three successful Dojos. The first Dojo I started is in Baltimore at the Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training, where I give Veterans the opportunity to learn the art of karate. The second Dojo is at Premiere Health and Fitness in Odenton, MD. At this establishment I teach an adult class and a kid’s class. The newest dojo addition is in Baltimore City. With this dojo I hope to encourage the youth in the area to participate in such an activity that will help better themselves rather than run the streets searching for trouble. I really hope to give these kids the opportunity that Clarence Johnson gave me 38 years ago.

    I also teach women self-defense training classes. My students fight and train under my first instructor’s name and karate club, Chikara Dojo.

    I pride myself in teaching others what I have been taught by my previous and present instructors.

Sensei Willie Baker