Ted Tabura
Born and raised in Hawaii, Shihan Tabura began his martial arts training under his cousin's tutelage in a backyard dojo. Later, after moving to Southern California, Ted discovered the Okinawa-te dojo headed by another Hawaii-born instructor, Shihan Gordon Doversola. While training at the Okinawa-te dojo, Tabura met John Louis, who became his final instructor in Okinawa-te. Martial art has been a way of life for Master Tabura. There were many years of tournament competition in which Shihan Tabura won many trophies around the world. Tabura Sensei was dubbed “The Sickle Man” by Sijo Adriano Emperado, founder of Kajukenbo, for his mastery in the use of the Japanese kama (sickles). Shihan Tabura directs the annual Festival of the Kings Karate Championship in Maui, Hawaii, one of the greatest tournaments in the U.S.