Shihan Dennis Morales, Godan (5th Degree Black Belt)
Shihan Dennis Morales is the Founder and Chief Instructor of Southwest Academy of KyokushinKai Karate. With more than 25 years of martial arts experience, he has dedicated his life to the study, practice, and teaching of martial arts, with Kyokushin Karate serving as his primary passion and discipline.
Shihan Dennis trained for many years under the late Hanshi Gregory Johnson, whose teachings, leadership, and commitment to traditional Kyokushin continue to influence his approach to instruction today. He currently holds the rank of Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) in Kyokushin Karate and also earned a 1st Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo earlier in his martial arts journey. Committed to lifelong learning, he continues to train with senior Kyokushin instructors and masters to refine his skills and provide the highest quality instruction to his students.
As Chief Instructor, Shihan Dennis is dedicated to helping students of all ages develop confidence, discipline, respect, perseverance, and practical self-defense skills. His teaching philosophy emphasizes not only technical excellence but also personal growth, leadership, and character development.
Outside the dojo, Shihan Dennis brings extensive experience in security operations, having served in leadership roles as a Head of Security and worked in personal protection and executive protection assignments. This real-world experience enhances his instruction by providing practical insights into situational awareness, conflict management, personal safety, and effective self-defense strategies.
His commitment to service extends beyond the dojo walls. Shihan Dennis actively collaborates with local businesses and organizations to promote personal safety, self-defense education, and community engagement. He also volunteers his time teaching martial arts and self-defense to adults with intellectual disabilities. Recognizing the unique needs of these students, he developed an adaptive martial arts curriculum designed to make training accessible, meaningful, and empowering for individuals of all abilities. He firmly believes that martial arts should be available to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability.
In addition to his role as an instructor, Shihan Dennis serves on the Board of Directors for the National Kyokushin Academy of Martial Arts, helping support the growth, development, and preservation of traditional Kyokushin Karate throughout the martial arts community.
Today, Shihan Dennis continues to lead Southwest Academy of KyokushinKai Karate with the mission of preserving and carrying forward the legacy of Hanshi Gregory Johnson. The values instilled by his mentor remain a cornerstone of the dojo culture, particularly two principles that continue to inspire every student:
“Renshū, Renshū, Renshū” (Practice, Practice, Practice)
and
“Train more than you sleep” — a famous quote attributed to Sosai Mas Oyama.
These principles guide Shihan Dennis, his students, and the dojo community in their pursuit of continuous improvement, perseverance, and the true spirit of Kyokushin.
