Dr. G. Rod Erfani, Ph.D.
President & Chief Instructor
Yon-Dan (4th Degree Black Belt)
Certified Instructor, Japan Karate Association
Brief Biography of Club Instructor:
Sensei Erfani's martial arts journey began with freestyle Olympic
wrestling, which he practiced for several years as a young boy.
From wrestling, he then began his karate training in the early 1970s.
In the 1970s and 1980s, he practiced under Mr. Shigeru Takashina
(ISKF-South Atlantic Region) and Mr. Takayuki Mikami
(ISKF-Southern Region). In 1986, he started the karate club at
Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. Mr. Greer Golden,
chief instructor of the ISKF-Mid-America region, has served as the
technical director of the club since its inception. Sensei Erfani
trained at the JKA Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan in the winter of
2002. His hobbies include classical guitar, Flamenco music,
hunting, and foreign travel.
Dr. G. Rod Erfani is a professor of Economics and International Business
at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. Professor Erfani received
his Ph.D. in Economics from Florida State University, where he concentrated
in International Trade & Finance. He also holds a M.A. and a B.S. degree,
both in Economics. Prior to joining the economics faculty at Transylvania
University in 1986, he was a professor at Spring Hill College, Alabama and
Central College, Iowa. Dr Erfani has made professional presentations
throughout the United States and in many foreign countries including, Austria,
Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, Greece, and Italy. His current
research interests are in the fields of international economics, international
business, and economic development.
Sensei Erfani served as USA Junior Team Coach at the World Shoto Cup in Sydney, Australia, World Karate-do Championships sponsored by the Japan Karate Association in 2006.
Other instructors/black belts include:
Pete Erfani (4th degree black belt and a certified JKA Instructor, Judge, and Examiner)
Tatsuun ( Li) Ryu (3rd degree black belt, 2001 ISKF/US National Champion-Kumite)
Rachel Angers (Ryu) (2nd degree black belt)
Rod A. Erfani (2nd degree black belt), Former USA Junior Team Member, 2004 -2006
USA Junior Team, World Shoto Cup, Sydney, Australia, 2006
Sara Erfani (2nd degree black belt) Former USA Junior Team Member, 2004 -2006
USA Junior Team, World Shoto Cup, Sydney, Australia, 2006
Mike Butz (black belt)
Dr. David Adkins (black belt)
Blake Bennett (black belt)
Dr. Terri Samuel (black belt)
Leslie Erfani (black belt)
Sonia Erfani (black belt), Former USA Junior Team Member, 1996 and 1997
Anne DeBecker (black belt)
Jasmine Adkins (black belt)
James Miller (black belt)
Jack D McKinney (black belt)
Dr. Scott Morehead (black belt)
Karen Bennett (black belt)
Dawn DeBrocco (black belt)
Suzie Erfani (black belt), Former USA Junior Team Member, 2004 -2006
Sheila Erfani (black belt), Former USA Junior Team Member, 2004 -2006
Tony Sammons (black belt)
Dr. Annadora Bruce-Keller (black belt)
