Johnny Martin, Nidan, Dojo Leader
Johnny started practicing with SKA in 1980 while studying at California State College, south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After completing a his Computer Science studies and then working for a few years in Singapore, Johnny relocated to Silicon Valley. Upon rediscovering SKA, Johnny resumed practice with the Saratoga Dojo in the 1990’s.
In 2012, Johnny’s seniors asked him to open the San Jose Dojo, which he continues to lead. Outside the dojo Johnny makes his living doing entrepreneurial adventures in software development and high-tech.
Solange Emsallem, Ikkyu
Solange has been training with SKA since San Jose Dojo opened. She teaches general music for grades 1st to 5th at the French American School in Sunnyvale, where she has been since 2005. She grew up in France where she graduated in Music Education and taught music to children ages 3 to 14 years old. She is also a certified kids yoga teacher and plays the bass with Redwood Symphony.