Martial Arts in Issaquah
The Heart Behind the Dojo
Since 1989, Karate West has been the Issaquah community’s home for traditional karate classes and character-driven training.
How Karate West Began
Two Founders, One Mission
Shihan Randy Holeman and Sensei Jan Stockton founded Karate West with a clear belief: martial arts should do more than teach physical technique.
Rooted in the tradition of Shudokan Karate, their goal was to build a dojo where personal growth and physical mastery were equally valued.
Over 37 years, that vision has taken root here. Thousands of students have found their footing at Karate West, from four-year-olds taking their first karate class to adults discovering the mental clarity that comes with consistent training. Today, our classes serve families across Issaquah, Bellevue, Redmond, and the broader Eastside Seattle region.
Shihan Randy Holeman
Co-founder
7th Degree Black Belt • Shudokan Karate
Certified by the American Shudokan Association
Shihan Randy Holeman is the co-founder of Karate West and a lifelong martial artist with more than 40 years of teaching and leadership experience. A 7th degree black belt in Shudokan Karate through the American Shudokan Association, he holds the respected title of Shihan, recognizing both his technical expertise and leadership within the martial arts community.
During his competitive years, Shihan Holeman was a multi–grand champion fighter. While he achieved significant success in competition, his priority has always been teaching and developing students. He trained under Sensei Morris L. Mack, a pioneer of Shudokan Karate in the United States, and later became one of Sensei Mack’s first instructors within the organization.
He also serves as trustee of the ASA Scholarship Fund, which has awarded more than $447,000 in college scholarships to graduating black belt seniors.
Sensei Jan Stockton
Co-founder
3rd Degree Black Belt • Shudokan Karate
Certified by the American Shudokan Association
Sensei Jan Stockton is the co-founder of Karate West and a 3rd degree black belt in Shudokan Karate through the American Shudokan Association. She has played a central role in shaping the character-centered approach Karate West is known for today, emphasizing confidence, discipline, and steady personal growth alongside strong martial arts training.
Throughout her career, Jan has focused on developing programs that help kids build focus, resilience, and self-discipline both on and off the mat. Her leadership helped establish Karate West’s Life Skills program, reinforcing the school’s emphasis on character development and long-term personal growth.
She is also the founder of Great Start Karate, an online karate program serving families across the United States, Canada, and internationally, and the author of PE With a Purpose, a book exploring how structured physical education supports children’s growth in focus, perseverance, and confidence.
Character First
What We Teach Beyond the Technique
Physical training is central to every class we teach. But the more important lessons, in our view, are what a student takes home. Four core values shape every class at Karate West.
- Respect: Honoring oneself, training partners, and instructors through the discipline of traditional karate etiquette and mutual regard.
- Discipline: Developing the patience and mental focus required to master complex techniques and see challenges through to completion.
- Responsibility: Taking ownership of one’s actions and progress, both on the mat and in school, work, and daily life.
- Effort: Embracing the drive to keep going, even when progress is slow, because persistence is the path to real mastery.
The Karate West Difference
Every aspect of Karate West is designed to serve students with expert instruction, personal attention, and an atmosphere where every person belongs.
Over 37 Years of Expertise
Every instructor is background-checked and brings the technical knowledge needed to guide students safely through each stage of their training.
Built for Every Age
From four-year-olds discovering coordination to adults training for fitness and self-defense, every program is designed to meet students where they are. No prior experience is needed.
Where Diversity Thrives
Our student base reflects the rich diversity of the Eastside Seattle area. Students from many backgrounds train side by side, building friendships alongside their martial arts skills.
Beyond the Dojo
The focus and responsibility students build on the mat follow them home. Our values-based approach helps students perform better at school, work, and in their relationships.
Supporting Education Beyond the Dojo
The American Shudokan Scholarship Fund
From the beginning, the founders of Karate West believed that earning a black belt represents years of discipline, perseverance, and commitment that deserve recognition beyond training.
That belief led to the creation of the American Shudokan Scholarship Fund, a merit-based award available to every Karate West black belt graduate who earns a 3.5 GPA or higher. The scholarship supports students as they continue their education and honors the dedication required to achieve this milestone.
To date, the fund has awarded more than $447,000 in college scholarships to graduating black belt seniors, helping students move forward with confidence, pride, and purpose.