Des Chaskelson began his karate training in March of 1987 at the Midtown Karate Dojo in New York City. 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 from Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro, 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, 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 Shorin-Ryu black belts around the country. Sensei Chaskelson was promoted 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". 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 and in January of 2003, he founded the Cocoa Beach Shorin-Ryu Karate Dojo.
Sensei Des Chaskelson can be contacted by telephone at "321-693-7831" or via email at des_chas@scri.com.
Florida Today August 2009
Sensei Chaskelson demonstrating stomach conditioning body testing in Naihanchi Sho at Annual Black Belt Workout in NYC, NY Dec. 2009
Sensei Chaskelson delivering yoko geri (side kick) in Kumite in Feb. '09
Sensei Chaskelson perfoming Nunchaku Kata and Chinese Pushups
Sensei Chaskelson performing kata with Sensei Sal Scaglione and Kyoshi Mackay in Washington DC at the 45th Year Anniversary of Shorin-Ryu USA, August 2007
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