​Aoinagi Karate Koshokan Dojo
Aoinagi Karate Koshokan Dojo is dedicated to the preservation and continuance of the teachings of Sensei Raymond Castilonia and the traditional art of Shito Ryu Karate. Shito Ryu is one of the four major Japanese styles of karate.
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The goal of training at Aoinagi Karate is to achieve self development of body, mind, and spirit. The lessons learned in training apply in our everyday lives and prepare our students to live their best lives.
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​Tradition
Aoinagi Karate started originally as Aoinagi Karate-do founded in 1972 by the late Sensei Raymond Castilonia.

The organization was established to promote traditional karate-do emphasizing the practice of Shito-ryu Karate. Sensei Castilonia trained under noted karate masters including Sensei James Miyaji and Sensei Richard Kim.
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Physician by profession, Sensei Castilonia dedicated his life to the teaching of karate as a means of character development. His martial arts philosophy was based on Bushido, the Warriors Code. Hence the motto, "Self Development through Self Defense". Over the years, many like-hearted individuals came under his tutelage. In 1999, Sensei Castilonia passed away leaving behind many senior members to continue the martial path.
Perserverance
Our school of karate is known as Aoinagi (pronounced ah-oh-ee-nah-gee). Aoinagi means 'the green willow tree'.

A remarkable quality of willow trees is their ability to survive where little else can. In the Sierras of California there are hundreds of lakes above the timberline. Most, if not all of these lakes have willow trees growing on their shores. Ravaged by heavy snows, violent winds and arid summers these trees have flourished for countless years. They continue to survive even now in the face of growing pollution, smog and encroachment by man.

For the willow tree's persistence to life it's name, Aoinagi, was chosen for the martial arts school. Persistence in the face of overwhelming odds...
Training
Martial art training not only is good for the body and fitness, it's main purpose is that of cultivating the spirit and character.
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Techniques that are taught here at Aoinagi Karate are not purely for self defense. Our martial art training helps develop confidence, discipline, respect and (most of all) good character. Marital arts are widely recognized not only for the physical aspects of training but of the psychological and emotional development of a practitioner.

It is because of this that Aoinagi school is ideal for children. It helps develop children's ability inside and outside the dojo training hall. Self-confidence, focus, perseverance, self control and cooperation are many aspects that children learn when they train with Aoinagi Karate Koshokan Dojo.
Instructors
Sensei Karen Levine is the founder of the Koshokan Dojo. She began her martial arts training in 1994, and has continually trained in Shito-Ryu Karate as well as in the internal arts of Tai Chi. She earned her Sandan (3rd degree black belt) under the late Sensei Raymond Castilonia, founder of Aoinagi Ha Shito Ryu, and student of the late
O-Sensei Richard Kim of the Zen Bei Butoku Kai. She currently holds her Godan (5th degree black belt)
Sensei Karen opened the Koshokan Dojo in Redlands, CA in 2003 where she initially taught Women’s Self Defense. Shortly thereafter, the curriculum expanded to include all aspects of karate training.
Sensei Karen lives in Palm Springs, CA. She is an avid cyclist and is fond of backpacking and mountain climbing, having been trained in Winter Mountaineering by Sensei Castilonia. She has retired from her work as a Healthcare Consultant and has spent most of her career in developing cancer treatment facilities.
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Sensei Ron Gullon is the current lead instructor at the Koshokan Dojo. He begin his martial arts training in 1995, and has trained in Shito-Ryu Karate, as well as some work in other martial arts. He earned his Shodan (1st degree black belt) under the late Sensei Raymond Castilonia, founder of Aoinagi Ha Shito Ryu, and currently holds his Nidan (2nd degree black belt).
Sensei Ron first co-taught at the Koshokan Dojo, and in 2024 took over as the primary instructor.
Sensei Ron lives in Redlands, CA. He is recently retired from 30 years managing teams in the software industry.