Sensei Des Chaskelson, Shihan / Director

Des Chaskelson began his karate training in March of 1987 under Hanshi Robert Scaglione, at the Midtown Karate Dojo in New York City, just prior to Hanshi Scaglione's move to Merrit Island, Florida. Chaskelson has been teaching Shorin-Ryu karate since he was awarded his Ni-kyu (brown belt) in 1990. He received his Sho-Dan (first degree black belt) in Shorin-Ryu Karate in 1993 and in 1997 he was awarded his Ni-Dan (second degree black belt). In 2002, at the fortieth anniversary celebration of Grand Master Ueshiro's arrival in the USA, held at the Bushi Dojo in Los Angeles, Chaskelson was promoted to the rank of Sensei and awarded his San-Dan (third degree black belt). In February 2004, Cocoa Beach Dojo hosted a special dan level review attended by over forty black belts from SRKUSA around the country. Sensei Chaskelson was promoted by Hanshi Scaglione at this event to the rank of Yon-Dan (fourth degree black belt).

Sensei Chaskelson enjoys bunkai (kata applications) as well as yakusoku kumite (pre-arranged sparring), and koteki tae (arm conditioning practice). He is also known for his ability to perform "Chinese Pushups" (as described in Hanshi Scaglione's "Building Warrior Spirit"). His weapon of choice is the Nunchaku (wooden flail) which he has been training with since obtaining his ik-kyu rank in 1991.

In December of 2002, Sensei Chaskelson moved to Cocoa Beach to train karate directly under Hanshi Robert Scaglione. In March of 2003, he helped found the Cocoa Beach Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Dojo at it's new location at the Cocoa Beach Health and Fitness Club and currently serves as the Shihan (Director) of the school.

Des Chaskelson has a Bachelors degree in Commerce (BComm.) and a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA). Chaskelson emigrated from South Africa to the United States in 1978, arriving in New York City where he worked in marketing and advertising for Young and Rubicam's Research Division. In 1984, he co-founded SCRI Research International ,an international market research firm specializing in the broadcast and video production sectors. He currently serves as the President of SCRI.

Sensei Des Chaskelson can be contacted by telephone at 321.693.7831 or via email at des_chas@scri.com.