John Porta Sensei began his training in the martial arts in 1954. From 1959 to 1966 he served as martial arts and weapons instructor for the United States Treasury Department. In 1966 Porta Sensei founded Porta's Karate-Do & Kobudo Academy. Porta Sensei received a Bachelor's Degree in Bible Philosophy in 1974, a Ministerial Studies degree from Berean University, Springfield, Missouri, in 1996 and an Honorary Doctorate degree in 2000. He is an ordained minister and holds the position of Chaplain with the Christian Black Belt Association.

Porta Sensei:
• was the leader in developing Adult Education and Children's Karate Community Programs.
• developed and taught martial arts programs as an Adjunct Professor at William Paterson College.
• is a leading martial arts historian and author, writing many articles for leading publication including:
• Asian Journal of Martial Arts
• Black Belt Magazine
• Karate International
• Budo Dojo Magazine
• Bugeisha
• Secrets of the Masters
• Karate Profiles
• Inside Kung Fu
• Masters and Styles
• World of Martial Arts

Over the years Porta Sensei has made numerous trips to Okinawa and has traveled throughout Japan. On several occasions Sensei Porta was responsible for organizing and leading demonstration groups, including delegations for Japanese National Television, the 30th anniversary of the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Goju-Kai, the 30th anniversary of the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Shobukan Organization, and the Okinawan Uchinanchu Festivals.

Porta Sensei was a senior student of Shinjo Masanobu Sensei. Over the years Porta Sensei developed a close personal relationship with Shinjo Sensei. In 1993, when Shinjo Sensei was ill, he requested that Porta Sensei come to Okinawa to stay with him at his home prior to his death.

In 1990, Porta Sensei was awarded the 7th dan black belt and the title "Kyoshi" by Shinjo Masanobu Sensei. At the same time he was appointed the United States Representative for the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Shobukan Organization. As U.S. Representative he was the only person authorized by Shinjo Sensei to write articles regarding him and the Shobukan.

In 1994, Porta Sensei's responsibilities were expanded significantly when he was appointed the International Representative for the Shobukan Organization. Porta Sensei is the senior American student of the late Master Shinjo Masanobu. In 1998, Porta Sensei was awarded the teaching grade of "Kyoshi" by the Okinawa-Ken Karate-Do Rengo-Kai.The certification was awarded by: Taba Norimasa, organization Chairman, Yagi Meitoku, Naha-Te and Itosu Moriyoshi, Uechi-Ryu.

Sensei Porta received the rank of 9th degree black belt with teaching grade of Hanshi awarded by the Okinawa Goju-Kai and Okinawa Goju-Ryu Shobukan Association, Okinawa, Japan, Masashi Shinjo Kancho on June 30, 2006.

In addition to his role in the karate world, Porta Sensei also studied kobudo under Matayoshi Shinpo who awarded him the rank of 6th degree black belt and the title of "Renshi" in the Zen Okinawa Kobudo Renmei (All Okinawa Kobudo Federation, for which he is a Branch Representative).

This page last updated July 23, 2006.