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About Sensei
Lee Donohue is the Hanshi of American Karate Kai, founded in 1969. In addition, Shihan Donohue has worked with thousands of at-risk youths through Kick Start Karate, an organization that he co-founded to teach martial arts and life skills.
Sensei's Martial Arts History
And the founding of American Karate Kai
Lee Donohue was born and raised in Hawaii. He began his martial arts training in 1957 learning Judo and Jujitsu at Okazaki's Kodenkan dojo.
In 1964, Sensei joined the Honolulu Police Department and became a member of Honolulu Police Judo team.
In 1966, Sensei joined Te Ken Jutsu Kai in Honolulu to study karate from Sensei Takamasa Bingo.
In 1969, Sensei joined American Karate Kai which was founded by Sensei's Kenneth Nakamura, John Gerard and William Ozaki.
In 1972 Sensei was awarded his Shodan (Black Belt 1st Degree) from American Karate Kai.
In 1975, Sensei began his study of Okinawan Shorin Ryu and Kobudo under Hanshi Clarence Lee.
On February 16, 1999, Sensei was awarded his Seventh Degree Black Belt by Hanshi Lee.
On October 22, 2005, Sensei was awarded his Seventh Degree Black Belt and title of Kiyoshi by the Hawaii Karate Kodansha Kai, headed by Shihan Bobby Lowe and Shihan James Miyaji.
On January 16, 2011, Kiyoshi Donohue was promoted by the Hawaii Karate Koadnsha Kai to 8th Dan .
Hanshi Clarence Lee also awarded Kiyoshi Donohue his 8th Degree Black Belt on February 1, 2011.
On August 11, 2011, Kiyoshi Donohue was inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame and Awarded the Platinum Life Achievement Award in Orange County, California On September 22. 2012.
https://www.mastershalloffame.org/2012-Inductees
Kiyoshi Donohue was awarded his title of Hanshi by the Hawaii Karate Kodansha Kai. Hanshi has also practiced Tai Chi Chuan from Sifu Andrew Lum and Hanshi Clarence Lee.
