Spotlight: Shihan John Lehner,6th DAN, World Oyama Karate

Shihan Lehner was awarded his roku-dan (6th degree black belt) by Soshu Shigeru Oyama in 1998. Born in Manhattan (Hell's Kitchen), Shihan had relocated to the Binghamton area by 1968, where he began his study of Kyokushin karate under Sensei Robert Downey and became his top instructor. Being close to U.S. headquarters, he took every opportunity to study directly under Soshu Oyama at his clinics, and to compete in his tournaments, where he faced many world class competitors. His most memorable bout, against Willie Williams, brought the crowd to its feet.