Sensei Patrick Fard was born in July 1968, and began his training in the art of Kyokushin Karate at the age of seven. Passionate to learn from the start, he trained religiously and achieved his black belt by the age of fourteen. He began competing in tournaments at just eight years old and throughout his life has traveled all over the globe winning many championships. Sensei Patrick is a 4th degree black belt and recently tested his spirit in a 40-man kumite (fighting) at IKO Kyokushinkaikan World Headquarters in Tokyo Japan. He’s the first black belt that has completed this in the history of Kyokushin Karate in North America.

Sensei Patrick continues to actively participate in the International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan as an official, every year judging major events all over the world. He also enjoys teaching and coaching a new generation of Kyokushin champions, as his own students currently compete in these major events. In 2001 and 2002, he hosted the first Karate championships in Los Angeles with more then 2,500 spectators.

In addition to his competitive career, Sensei Patrick has devoted his life to teaching the art and philosophies of karate through the only full-time Kyokushin Dojo (school) in California. His first dojo opened in 1987 in Beverly Hills. Power Karate now resides in Manhattan Beach where Sensei Patrick settled in 1997. He was captivated with the mentality, charm and lifestyle of the South Bay.

With Power Karate approaching its 21st Anniversary, Sensei Patrick continues to dedicate his life to sharing the lifelong benefits of karate with students of all ages and levels from pre-school to black belt. All of his current black belts began their training with Sensei Patrick, some as children, and have followed his guidance and inspiration to reach and challenge themselves in ways they never imagined possible.

Sensei Patrick’s teaching philosophy centers on developing the ‘mind, body, spirit’ connection in each student. His methods emphasize self-control and discipline, concentration and inner strength that will serve to guide and inspire his students to train their bodies and minds beyond the requirements of a typical ‘sport.’ Ultimately, they’ll not only learn the art of Kyokushin Karate, but more importantly they’ll gain self-confidence, respect and a deeper knowledge of themselves. In short, Sensei Patrick’s students develop a strong, positive spirit that will resonate not just in the dojo, but in every aspect of their daily lives. This is the spirit of “OSU!” … the essence of Kyokushin Karate.