United Karate Associations International

Chief/Senior Instructor Jerry Lupkes has been studying Shotokan karate since 1988.  He received his black belt in April, 1995 and was promoted to his current rank of 4th degree in April, 2006.

Sensei Lupkes is a graduate of the ASKF’s Black Belt Academy and Renshi programs and is accredited as an Official Instructor with the ASKF.  He is the Chief Instructor in Balaton, MN, a club he founded in 2006.  Prior to that he spent more than a decade as the Chief Instructor of the Lakeville, MN karate club.  Additionally, he is a certified tournament official and ASKF class “A” rank examiner.

Notable achievements for Sensei Lupkes include being the first person below the rank of black belt chosen for the Minnesota State Karate Team, 2th place in kata and 3rd place in kumite in the 2000 Funakoshi World Championships, and the Gould Leadership Award in 2001.  Perfect season in 2008.  Won every kumite and kata competition entered including the Minnesota Shotokan Classic.  He was elected to ASKF’s Board of Directors in 2000 and elected as the ASKF Vice President in 2002.