About Kevin Roberts
Martial Arts
In 1981 Kevin Roberts was very fortunate to meet Major Doug Perry as they were both leaving military service and settling in Hendersonville, NC. From that time Hanshi Perry has been his primary teacher in Okinawan Karate. That relationship has given Roberts many great training opportunities including multiple trips to Okinawa to study w
In 1981 Kevin Roberts was very fortunate to meet Major Doug Perry as they were both leaving military service and settling in Hendersonville, NC. From that time Hanshi Perry has been his primary teacher in Okinawan Karate. That relationship has given Roberts many great training opportunities including multiple trips to Okinawa to study with Hanshi Shugoro Nakazato. Hanshi Nakazato promoted Roberts to Godan in 1989 and Rokudan in 1992. In 1998 Hanshi Nakazato promoted Roberts to Kyoshi Nanadan. Hanshi Perry promoted Roberts to Kyoshi Hachidan in 2010. In early 2022 Roberts was promoted to Hanshi Kyudan by Hanshi Perry.
Another fortunate meeting for Hanshi Roberts was with Hanshi Jim Logue in 1981. From that time until his passing in 2011 they remained close friends. Hanshi Logue and his teacher Taika Seiyu Oyata freely shared their great wealth of knowledge in Okinawan martial arts with Roberts for over 30 years. Taika Oyata passed in 2012 and the Karate world has deeply felt the loss of both these great teachers.
Other highly influential figures in Hanshi Roberts' martial education are Bill Hayes, Kimo Wall, Larry Jordan, Robert Smith, Tim Geohegen and Liu Chang I. Each of these teachers have contributed to his knowledge, experience and understanding in very important ways.
Hanshi Roberts opened his Renbukan Dojo in Arden, NC in 1993 and continues to operate it to this day.