Our Team

Our paths to karate are different, but our foundation is shared: discipline, tradition, and the grind of getting better every day

Martial artist in a dojo performing a kata or stance, dressed in a white karate gi with red belt, standing on a wooden floor with red curtain backdrop.

Sensei Samuel Danh

Kyoshi Samuel Danh is the founder and head instructor of Danh’s Okami Dojo at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma. With over 30 years of experience, he began training in 1982 in Goju-Ryu and later expanded into Isshinryu, earning his 8th Degree Black Belt under Sensei A.J. Advincula, a direct student of founder Tatsuo Shimabuku. A decorated competitor, he was named the 2022 Can-Am Karate Champion and recognized as an Isshinryu Hall of Fame Champion in 2023. His mission is to preserve traditional Okinawan martial arts while building discipline, confidence, and strong character in students of all ages. Raised in Louisiana, he enjoys cooking Southern food, grilling, and spending time with his wife, Jenda—bringing that same warmth and dedication into his dojo.

Founder & Head Instructor Kyo-Shi

A man in a white martial arts uniform standing in a dojo holding a wooden board and a tattered post, surrounded by other martial artists in similar uniforms.

Sensei Peter Tanaka

I began training in karate at seven years old in Hayashi-ha Shito-ryu under Sensei Akio Minakami, building a strong foundation that continued through high school. After graduation, I stepped away to focus on work, marriage, and raising my son, though karate always remained close to my heart. Years later, I returned to training alongside my son at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center under Sensei Samuel Danh, studying Gōjū-ryū and Isshin-Ryu, and later continued my Isshin-Ryu training with Sensei Dale Heidal in Puyallup. Today, I hold the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt in both Gōjū-ryū and Isshin-Ryu and am dedicated to passing on the discipline, tradition, and spirit of Okinawan karate to the next generation. Outside the dojo, I enjoy bowling, basketball, watching football, and performing Okinawan taiko drumming with my son at APCC, staying connected to the cultural roots of our art.

Senior Assistant Instructor

Sensei Ty Huizong

Martial arts have been one of the most important parts of my life, shaping not only how I train, but how I lead, teach, and carry myself every day. With over 15 years of experience, I hold the rank of Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt) in Isshin-ryū and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga, giving me a foundation in both traditional Okinawan karate and practical self-defense. I am also a City of Destiny Classic 1st Place Kata and Kumite Champion, an achievement that reflects my dedication, discipline, and competitive experience. To me, martial arts are about far more than technique—they build confidence, resilience, humility, and respect, and those are the same values I work to pass on to every student I teach. I earned my degree in Political Science from the University of Washington with a focus on policy and law, which deepened my understanding of accountability, structure, and principled leadership, all of which influence the way I instruct and mentor others.

Assistant Instructor & Program Director