Japan Karate Center

Frank Bouchonville is the Sensei (Head Instructor) at the Japan Karate Center.  His Martial Arts training spans nearly 40 years.  Sensei Bouchonville's experience includes Shito-Ryu Karate, Isshinryu Karate, Aikido, Okinawa Kobudo (weapons), Toyama-Ryu Batto-Do (Japanese Sword), Judo, Fencing, Wrestling, Hung Gar Kung Fu, Impact Personal Protection, and CDT Non-Deadly Force Training, among others.

Sensei Bouchonville is the founder of the Japan Karate Centers in Hillsborough and Somerset New Jersey, which opened in 1995.  In 1996, he was appointed New Jersey Director for Shito-Ryu Genbu-Kai, by Master Fumio Demura, 9th Dan.

Sensei Bouchonville began his martial arts training in 1973 with Isshinryu Karate.  At the age of 17 he received his Shodan (First Degree Black Belt).  At this time he also began studying Okinawa Kobudo (weapons).  In 1980, at the age of 20, he received his Ni Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt) in Isshinryu.

In 1982, Sensei Bouchonville began training in the Japanese style of Karate called Shito-Ryu.  At this time he also began seriously competing in karate tournaments throughout the U.S. and internationally.  For the next 10 years he would continue to win many championships in the U.S., Canada, South America and Europe.  In 1992, he was awarded San Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt) in Shito-Kai Karate.  In 1996 Sensei Bouchonville met Shihan Fumio Demura, founder and Chief Instructor of Shito-Ryu Genbu-kai.  He was accepted as a student by Master Demura, and appointed New Jersey Director.  In 2011, Master Demura awarded him Yon Dan (4th Degree Black Belt).  Under Master Demura, Sensei Bouchonville expanded and refined his knowledge of Karate-Do Kata and Kobudo.  It was at this time that he began training in Toyama-Ryu Batto-Do.  Sensei Bouchonville has been successfull in both Batto Kata and Tameshigiri competition.  In 2011, Master Demura awarded him Ni Dan in Batto-Do and appointed him to the Batto-Do Technical and Rank Evaluation Committees. 

Sensei Bouchonville has been studying Traditional Aikido since 1994.  He is currently ranked Shodan by the United States Aikido Federation and Aikido Hombu Dojo in Japan.