Professor Tony Sotero
Professor Antonio "Tony" Sotero
Jr., was born in Hawaii and has been
practicing the art of Kenpo, Karate,
Jujitsu for over 40 years. Professor
Sotero holds ranks in Kenpo Karate,
Kajukenbo, Hawaiian Self Defense, American
Jujitsu Institute and Escrima.
Professor Tony Sotero started his martial arts training
with Kajukenbo in 1957 under Sijo Adriano
Emperado. After graduating from Waipahu
high school in 1962, he joined the U.S. Army in 1963. While he was
stationed in Korea, he had the opportunity to study the art of Tang
Soo Do. After he completed his tour in 1965, he worked overseas
at Enewetok Marshall Islands where he met senei Randy Pascua, a
student of Sijo Emperado. In 1968, he moved to Lompac, California
and joined the Santa Maria Kenpo Karate Club under sensei James
B. Lee, whose instructor was sensei Dan Guzman from the Cleveland
House Club, Monterey Park Kenpo Karate. After receiving his black
belt, he moved back to Hawaii.
When Professor Sotero moved back to
Hawaii in 1972 he joined the Hawaiian
Self Defense Association under Grandmaster
Abe "brother Abe" Kamahoahoa
and opened his own school on thw Waianae coast, where he was promoted ro Chief
Instructor under Grandmaster Abe Kamahoahoa. He also held the rank of 6th degree
under the American Jujitsu Institute.
Professor Sotero was one of the co-founders
of the Hawaii Martial Arts Society
and held the rank of 10th degree. He was awarded the Society's Legend
award for his contribution to the martial arts community and the
Society.
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