meet our instructors

 Kyoshi Bennati began his karate journey in November 1992. Just six months into his training, while at the orange belt rank, he began assisting with classes, sparking his passion for teaching. On January 13, 1996, he achieved the rank of Sho Dan Black Belt. By 2000, Derek had turned his passion for martial arts into a full-time career, and in 2002, he earned the title of Sensei. On July 15, 2013, he received his Master's Certificate after testing before a national board of the highest-ranking masters in IsshinRyu Karate. On August 3 of the same year, he proudly opened his own school in Auburn, California, Bennati’s Martial Arts. Master Bennati currently holds the rank of Kyoshi, having attained his 7th-degree black belt. 

  Sensei Shawl has been a student of Master Bennati since 2003. Kathy embarked on her karate journey just two weeks after her daughters, Mavis and Vivian, at the age of 39, refusing to let her age become an obstacle. Despite never previously contemplating learning a Martial Art, Kathy was drawn in by the enthusiasm and expertise she witnessed. Overcoming coordination difficulties and self-doubt from childhood, she discovered a sense of belonging in Isshin-ryū Karate. Kathy's passion for teaching and sharing the confidence she found in this art motivates her to continue moving forward. 

 Sensei Mavis Greenhalgh started her training with Sensei Bennati in 2003 after winning free classes in a Grand Prize Drawing, a stroke of luck that turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Her involvement inspired her mom and sister to join the dojo as well, turning it into a family affair. The dojo evolved into a second home for Mavis, and she became a dedicated participant in every karate event, be it a tournament, ceremony, family picnic, or parade. A longstanding member of the Demonstration Team, she proudly represented her dojo. At the age of 12, Mavis began assisting in children's classes, and in 2010, she took on her first job as a teacher. A lifetime of Martial Arts has molded her into a confident and strong individual. Her passion for teaching propels her to contribute to an even better next generation of martial artists. 

Sensei Higley began his Karate Journey fifteen years ago as an incredibly shy and timid person. Over time, as he progressed through the ranks, he transformed into a funny and outgoing individual. Sensei Higley finds joy in sparring and assisting and instructing students of all age levels in the Dojo. The journey through karate has equipped him with major attributes, notably confidence and the leadership skills essential for instructing classes. These valuable skills extend beyond the Dojo, as Sensei Higley applies them to group projects and college classes outside of his martial arts training. 

 Sensei Fieber initiated his training in 2012, only a month after his son Dean. Having previously dabbled in Martial Arts 17 years earlier, he recognized the quality and expertise that Isshin-ryū Karate had to offer and couldn't resist joining. Discovering a passion for teaching, Sensei Fieber takes pleasure in witnessing others achieve their goals. In 2020, under Master Bennati's guidance, he earned the title of Sensei and a 3rd Degree Black Belt. 

Sadie began her martial arts journey in 2012 at just 5 ½ years old in the Tiny Tiger program. What started as an extracurricular activity quickly turned into a passion for her. Inspired by the black belts around her and encouraged by her instructors who recognized her potential early on, Sadie set her sights on becoming an instructor. She earned her junior black belt at 12, her teen black belt at 14, and achieved her Sho Dan rank at 16. At 14, Sensei Bennati offered Sadie her first job teaching at the dojo. Today, what Sadie enjoys most about being an instructor is meeting new people and sharing her passion for martial arts with them.