Sensei Brian Pena
Sensei Brian Pena has dedicated more than 40 years to the study and teaching of Martial Arts. He began training in Yoshitsune Jujutsu in New Jersey in the early 1980s under Michael DePasquale Sr. Since 1990, he has taught Zen Shotokai Karate & Kobudo full-time in South Carolina.
Sensei Pena holds the rank of Kudan (9th Degree Blackbelt) in Zen Shotokai Karate & Kobudo under O’Sensei Mike Hess and Judan (10th Degree Blackbelt) under Sensei Ricky Taylor. His achievements have been affirmed by senior Blackbelts and Law Enforcement professionals throughout South Carolina.
For Sensei Pena, his greatest measure of success is the growth of his students—in Martial Arts and in life. He has taught thousands of students and, as of January 2026, promoted 35 to Shodan (1st Degree Blackbelt) or higher.
In 2017, he established Legends of Carolina Martial Arts, a nonprofit venture honoring the legends, pioneers, and icons who have shaped Martial Arts in North and South Carolina. He was named Headmaster of Zen Shotokai Karate & Kobudo that same year, awarded the title of Shihan in 2018, and proclaimed the Ambassador of Martial Arts of the Carolinas in 2025. In 2022, he was also honored as an Honorary Trooper with the South Carolina Highway Patrol under SCHP Colonel Chris Williamson.
Sensei Pena and his wife, Allison, Rokudan (6th Degree Blackbelt), own and operate The Karate Dojo in West Columbia. Their daughters, Laney and Gabby, are both Nidan (2nd Degree Blackbelt). Together, the family shares a lifelong commitment to Karate and to helping students thrive.
“It’s not the rank or title that matters, but who signs your certificate—these are people that believe in you, and I feel honored that these incredible men and women believe in me.” — Sensei Brian Pena
Martial Arts Rank & Achievement
Sensei Brian Pena has spent much of his life trying to create special moments for others — in Karate and in Life. He finds great joy in recognizing those who have earned it, creating memories, and sometimes even pulling a few tears.
When those moments have been created for him, they have carried tremendous meaning.
White Brothers Legacy — 2026
In September 2026, Sensei Pena was honored to take part in the White Brothers Legacy Reunion, standing among generations of martial artists connected through a shared history in Carolina Karate.
The moment became especially personal when Sensei Pena’s place within that legacy was recognized by Mr. Ernest White and his Senior Blackbelt, Mr. Ricky Taylor — two men whose names and history carry tremendous meaning to him.
For Sensei Pena, it was never about claiming someone else’s legacy. It was about being welcomed into it, trusted with a small piece of it, and accepting the responsibility to help carry it forward.
Sealed in blood by both Mr. Ernest White and Mr. Ricky Taylor.
Ambassador of Martial Arts of the Carolinas — 2025
On July 27, 2025, during the Legends of Carolina Martial Arts Induction Ceremony, Sensei Pena was called forward by South Carolina’s senior Blackbelt, Mr. Sam Chapman, and presented a proclamation recognizing him as the “Ambassador of Martial Arts of the Carolinas.”
The proclamation carries the signatures and blessings of Mr. Chapman, Mr. Jerome “Magic” Johnson, Mr. Marty Knight, Mr. Danny McCall, and numerous senior Blackbelts throughout North and South Carolina.
Judan (10th Degree Blackbelt) — 2024
On July 20, 2024, Sensei Pena was privately called upstairs by Mr. Ricky Taylor, Judan (10th Degree Blackbelt), of USA Karate in Lancaster, South Carolina.
With Mr. Jimmy Moore, Mr. Clint Moore, Ms. Allison Pena, Ms. Carrissa Merchant, Anna Cavanagh, and Warren Cavanagh present, Sensei Pena felt the weight of Judan (10th Degree Blackbelt) come to rest on his shoulders.
Blood was spilled. Tears were shed. Truth was spoken.
Sensei Pena has never believed that rank or title alone defines a martial artist. But rank carries tremendous meaning when it comes from a Sensei who understands Budo, truth, loyalty, and responsibility. This promotion from Mr. Taylor remains deeply personal to him.
The promotion was later signed and acknowledged by numerous respected senior Blackbelts, including Mr. Sam Chapman, Mr. Ernest White, Mr. Vic Coffin, and Mr. Doug Perry, as well as respected South Carolina law-enforcement leaders RCSD Sheriff Leon Lott, SCHP Colonel Chris Williamson, SLED Chief Mark Keel, and Irmo Police Chief Jerry Cameron (Ret.).
Kudan (9th Degree Blackbelt), Recognition — 2022
On July 23, 2022, Mr. Jerome “Magic” Johnson and Mr. Marty Knight helped secure an extraordinary collection of signatures recognizing and blessing Sensei Pena’s Kudan (9th Degree Blackbelt) promotion.
Among those lending their names were Mr. Mike Hess, Mr. Doug Perry, Mr. Vic Coffin, Mr. Allen Steen, Mr. Joe Corley, Mr. Bill Wallace, Mr. Sam Chapman, Mr. Charles Burris, Mr. Ricky Taylor, Mr. Ernest White, Mr. John Chung, Mr. Bobby Tucker, RCSD Sheriff Leon Lott, SCHP Colonel Chris Williamson, and many other respected senior martial artists and community leaders from across the Carolinas and beyond.
For Sensei Pena, the significance has never been the number alone. It is whose names stand beside it.
Kudan (9th Degree Blackbelt), Zen Shotokai — 2021
On August 1, 2021, Sensei Pena was quietly awarded Kudan (9th Degree Blackbelt) in Zen Shotokai Karate and Kobudo by Mr. Mike Hess, Judan (10th Degree Blackbelt), O’Sensei Virgil Kimmey’s senior student since 1967.
One day earlier, Mr. Ricky Taylor had created another unforgettable moment by removing the red rose from his own blazer, pinning it on Sensei Pena, and presenting him with Kudan (9th Degree Blackbelt) through USA Karate in front of Ms. Pena, Mr. Crawford, and several Blackbelts.
Two recognitions. Two men Sensei Pena deeply respects. One unforgettable weekend.
Godan (5th Degree Blackbelt), Kenpo Karate — 2020
On January 26, 2020, Sensei Pena was awarded the honorary rank of Godan (5th Degree Blackbelt) in Kenpo Karate through the Kenpo Karate Institute under Mr. Rick Sparks and confirmed by Mr. Bill Daniels.
AKANA Pinnacle Tomoe — 2020
On January 15, 2020, Sensei Pena received the AKANA Pinnacle Tomoe from Hanshi Jerry Piddington, Hanshi Danny McCall, and Kyoshi Ricky Smith.
The Pinnacle Tomoe recognizes a small inner circle of Sensei acknowledged for teaching true Karatedo — mind, body, and spirit. Sensei Pena received one of only six original Tomoe pendants, #03, recorded within the history of the American Karate Academies National Association.
Shihan — 2018
On July 28, 2018, Sensei Pena was awarded the master teaching credential and honorific title of Shihan of Zen Shotokai Karate and Kobudo by Ms. Maria Kimmey and Mr. Mike Hess.
The advancement was confirmed by an extraordinary group of senior martial artists, including Mr. Sam Chapman, Mr. Ricky Taylor, Mr. Jerome “Magic” Johnson, Mr. Danny McCall, Mr. Lawrence McSwain, and Mr. Corky Sikes, among others.
Headmaster of Zen Shotokai — 2017
On July 29, 2017, Sensei Pena was declared and confirmed Headmaster of Zen Shotokai Karate and Kobudo by Ms. Maria Kimmey, wife of the late O’Sensei Virgil Kimmey, Judan (10th Degree Blackbelt).
At that time, she also entrusted Sensei Pena with O’Sensei Kimmey’s gold ring, which had served as his personal seal on certificates and awards for more than 50 years.
The transfer was acknowledged and blessed by Mr. Mike Hess — O’Sensei Kimmey’s senior student since 1967 — Mr. Sam Chapman, Mr. Jerome “Magic” Johnson, Mr. Danny McCall, Mr. Ricky Smith, Mr. Ricky Taylor, and other respected senior Blackbelts.
Hachidan (8th Degree Blackbelt) — 2017
On May 6, 2017, Sensei Pena was awarded Hachidan (8th Degree Blackbelt) in Columbia, South Carolina.
The promotion was confirmed by numerous senior martial artists, including Mr. Mike Hess, Mr. Jerome “Magic” Johnson, Mr. Bill Daniels, Mr. Doug Perry, Mr. Ricky Taylor, and Ms. Maria Kimmey.
In February 2018, the promotion was also acknowledged in River Vale, New Jersey, by Mr. Michael DePasquale Jr., son of Sensei Pena’s original instructor, the late Mr. Michael DePasquale Sr.
“It’s not the rank or title that matters, but who signs your certificate. These are people who believe in you, and I feel honored that these incredible men and women believe in me. Thank you to everyone who pushes me every day to improve myself and my students.”
— Sensei Brian Pena, Shihan
Major Tournament Grand Championship Wins
- All Stars Championships (Acapulco, Mexico)
- AmeriKick Nationals (Atlantic City, NJ)
- Battle of Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)
- Battle of Canada (Ontario, Canada)
- Battle of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
- Great Southeast (Spartanburg, SC)
- Hurricane Nationals (Galveston, TX)
- Jhoon Rhee Internationals (Washington, DC)
- Side Kick Internationals (Washington, DC)
- The Rumble (Raleigh, NC)
- Upstate Open (Rochester, NY)
- Yellow Rose Nationals (San Antonio, TX)
- NBL Super Grands World Games
- 1994 NBL Traditional Forms World Champion (Hollywood, CA)
- 1999 NBL Traditional Weapons World Champion (Niagara Falls, Canada)
Other Martial Arts Accomplishments
- Member of John Chung’s “Side Kick International Competition Team” (1997-1999)
- Promoted the “Carolina Martial Arts Open” (2004 – present)
- 2008 NBL / SKI Tournament of the Year
- Founder of the “Legends of Carolina Martial Arts” (2017- present)
- www.LegendsOfCarolinaMartialArts.com
- Founder of “TCT Sport Martial Arts” with Sensei Corky Sikes (2008 – present)
- www.TCTsportmartialarts.com
