More Than Martial Arts. A Lineage. A Family.
Sensei Luis Aponte | Yon-Dan (4th Degree Black Belt)
Sensei Luis Aponte began his martial arts journey in 1997 in Guayama, Puerto Rico, joining the Order of Isshinryu under the guidance of Hanshi Jesus Jimenez. Through dedicated training five nights a week, he earned his Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) in 1999. Shaped into the martial artist, father, and leader he is today by Hall of Famers Hanshi Jesus Jimenez and Hanshi Ronnie Cimorosi, Sensei Aponte carries forward a rich legacy of discipline and mentorship.
An Army Ranger veteran with multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Sensei Aponte received permission from Grandmaster Walter “Toby” Cooling in 2014 to establish his first dojo in Kabul, Afghanistan. Throughout his overseas deployments until 2021, he dedicated his free time to teaching Isshinryu to service members, contractors, and vetted local nationals.
In September 2026, Sensei Aponte opened the Ushi Dojo, honoring the teachings of Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuku and Grandmaster Cooling. Embodying the principle that a true martial artist never stops learning, he simultaneously expanded his study into Matayoshi Kobudo under Hanshi Jimenez and Sensei Luis Cuadrado, achieving his Sho-Dan in the discipline that same year.
Today, as an active member of Isshinryu Kazoku, Sensei Aponte remains committed to passing on the wisdom entrusted to him. He conducts seminars, visits regional dojos, and opens the doors of the Ushi Dojo to all who are ready to accept the challenge.
Train hard, train often
