our instructors

Fernando Duran is a world-renowned traditional Shotokan Karate Instructor with over 50 years of dedicated training, recognized internationally for technical mastery, leadership, and lifelong commitment to authentic Karate.

He began his martial arts journey in Venezuela and later served as Vice Chief Instructor of JKA Venezuela, contributing to the growth of Karate nationwide.

He currently serves as Chief Instructor of Green Mountain Shotokan Karate Club in Rutland, teaching students of all ages and levels while maintaining the highest standards of traditional Karate.

Sensei Duran collaborates with Sensei Jose Ferrand, 7th Dan – Miami Shotokan Karate Club, under the official JKA/AF (American Federation)membership network.

Training Under Legendary Masters

Sensei Duran trained directly under some of the most influential JKA masters, including:

• Masatoshi Nakayama

• Teruyuki Okazaki

• Yutaka Yaguchi

• Shigeru Takashina

• Shojiro Koyama

• Takayuki Mikami

• Yoshiharu Osaka

• Masahiko Tanaka

• Masaaki Ueki

Dan Promotions – Japan, Okinawa & Venezuela

• 6th Dan — Japan, 2014 (JKA)

• 7th Dan — Okinawa, 2024 (JKA)

• 5th Dan — Federación Venezolana de Karate

Law Enforcement and Tactical Instruction

Sensei Duran has trained law enforcement and security professionals in advanced martial arts and tactical operations, including:

• Police Defensive Tactics & Karate Instructor– Control, restraint, and situational awareness

• Dignitary and Witness Protection Instructor– Tactical security operations

• Tactical Explosive Entry School (T.E.E.S.), 2000 – Advanced breaching and tactical response

International Experience

• Annual participation in JKA International Training Camps in Philadelphia, USA, since 1990

• Specialized training and seminars in Japan and Okinawa

• Collaboration with Sensei Jose Ferrand, 7th Dan – Miami Shotokan Karate Club, through JKA/AF

Current Teaching Programs

Sensei Duran teaches at Green Mountain Shotokan Karate Club in Rutland, Vermont:

• Adult Karate & Advanced Training

• Children’s Karate Programs

• Private Lessons & Executive Coaching

• Law Enforcement & Security Training

Competitive & Coaching Highlights

• National Karate Tournaments – Venezuela – Competitor and organizer

• World Karate Championships – Japan & International – Coach of Venezuelan National Team

• Pan American Karate Championships – Coach in Philadelphia (USA), Barbados, Jamaica

• Mentored athletes internationally in kata and kumite, ensuring adherence to JKA standards

Credentials Summary

• 7th Dan – Japan Karate Association (JKA)

• 5th Dan – Federación Venezolana de Karate

• International Judge – JKA

• Vice Chief Instructor – JKA Venezuela

• Chief Instructor – Green Mountain Shotokan Karate Club, Vermont

• Member – JKA/AF

• 50+ years training experience

• Police and Tactical Instructor

• Dignitary & Witness Protection Instructor

• Tactical Explosive Entry School (2000)

• Direct student of senior JKA Masters

• Promoted in Japan, Okinawa, and Venezuela

Teaching Philosophy

Sensei Duran emphasizes:

• Discipline

• Respect

• Mental Strength

• Technical Excellence

• Character Development

He preserves the true spirit of Budo while applying Karate in real-world contexts.

Official Dojo

Green Mountain Shotokan Karate Club
Rutland, Vermont, USA