About the New Orleans Shotokan Academy
Martial Arts in New Orleans
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About the Owner
Dimitri Papadopoulos began martial arts at the age of five in and after-school program in Milan, Italy. When his family moved back to New Orleans, he continued judo at the Sensei Nobuo Hayashi at the Hayashi Judo School. A few years later, he began practicing karate under his father at the Tulane Karate Club, and eventually also became a member of the Louisiana Karate Association, under the instruction of Sensei Takayuki Mikami. Abroad, the individuals he considers to be his most influential karate instructors are: Carlo Fugazza in Milan, Italy and Tetsuo Otake in Athens, Greece.
After achieving a great deal of success in karate competition, Dimitri changed his focus to spreading the martial arts he had learned to his community. By establishing programs at different campuses throughout the city, NOSA has been able to reach individuals of all ages. Because martial arts are for everyone, it is important to have kids programs, college programs, and regular adult programs. The style of martial art one trains in is secondary in importance to the dedication and attitude of the participants.