Roberto Alvelais has been instructing Karate and Tai Chi Chuan to men, women, and children since 1975 and brings a broad, well-rounded perspective to his teaching of the martial arts. Rob’s Karate instructor is the Shito Ryu master and past member of the World Karate Federation Technical Committee,
Minobu Miki. Under Master Miki’s guidance, Rob has earned the rank of Fifth Degree Black Belt and the title of Shihan (Master Instructor) in Shito Ryu Karate-do. Rob’s karate rank and title were presented to him by Master Kenzo Mabuni at the 27th Annual National Shito Ryu Championships and Master’s Seminar in San Diego, Ca.

Rob has coached several athletes to national titles in Karate, and has competed successfully, himself, in international competition. He was a distinguished member of the USA Karate Team, winning medals in sparring at the North American Cup, Mexican Olympic Sports Festival and the Caribbean Games.

In 1971, he started training in an American eclectic style of karate, under the late John Doub. He has continued his training in karate, studying Shotokan, Shorin Ryu and Shito Ryu. He also has experience in Aikido and the Chinese systems, having studied Yang Style Tai Chiunder Choy Kam Man and Aikido under Jonathan Lewis. Rob is continuing his study of Tai Chi Chuan and Hsing I Chuan under Wong Jack Man. He has attained the rank of Second Dan in Yamane Chinen Ryu Bojutsu and Kobudo, under the tutelage of Mr. Toshihiro Oshiro.

From 1987 until he opened Pacific Martial Arts in1993, Rob was the Sensei and Dojo Director for the California Karate Academy.While there, he gave instruction in the Shotokan style of karate well as teaching traditional Okinawan weaponry, self-defense, and the awareness and prevention of child abduction.

Rob is a Master Instructor in Police Defensive Tactics and also taught courses in self-defense for women from 1985 to 1990.Rob has a degree in Biochemistry from the University of California at Riverside. He was a wrestling and track coach at American High School in Fremont and worked as a substitute teacher in the Fremont Unified and New Haven UnifiedSchool Districts. Rob is an ASEP certified coach. Rob continues to be involved in karate competition as a National-level referee with the USAKF and the AAU. In 1998, Rob was honored by being inducted into USA Karate Federation Hall of Fame.

Rob’s broad background, wide experience, congeniality, and his knack of being able to explain difficult concepts in simple, easy-to-understand terms makes him an outstanding and enjoyable instructor.