Sigthor Markusson is a dedicated and experienced Shotokan Karate practitioner with 40 years of commitment to traditional martial arts values. Originally from Iceland, he started training at the age of 18 and achieved Sho-Dan from Sensei Masao Kawasoe, the technical director for Shotokan in Iceland at the time, he currently holds the rank of Yondan (4 dan). Sigthor competed in both local and international tournaments and later moved to the United States where he continued his karate training with several clubs and organizations such as JKA and SKAI and became and instructor for many years at West LA Karate.
Now more than 40 years after starting karate training he is still committed to further his knowledge by attending seminars and competitions.
Sigthor has developed strong technical foundations, a deep understanding of kata, and a sharp, controlled approach to kumite, he continues to inspire students through both his skill and his adherence to the spirit of karate — respect, perseverance, and self-improvement.
Ferdie Diego began his karate journey in 1981 at the age of 12 under Mr. Jean Anilao in the Philippines. In 1987, during his college years, he continued training under Master Florentino Pecate in the Okinawan style at the YMCA Philippines. In 1999, he migrated to the United States and joined the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served until his honorable discharge in 2003. He resumed his martial arts training under Sensei Toti Santiago of Shotokan Karate Academy International and achieved Shodan (1st Dan) on August 18, 2008, Nidan (2nd Dan) on December 20, 2010, and Sandan (3rd Dan) in January 2014.
Ferdie Diego believes that karate is not only a martial art for self-defense, but also a lifelong practice for developing discipline, respect, and strong character.
