Instructors
Founder & Chief Instructor
Gamal Castile
· Godan (5th Degree Black Belt), Renshi
· Shodan (1st Degree) Matsubayashi Ryu Karate
· Shodan (1st Degree) Shotokan Karate
Gamal Castile began his martial arts training in 1984, studying Shotokan karate under Sensei Jerry Vanover and Sensei Charlie King. He later trained under Sensei Jim Clark of the Missouri Karate Association before continuing his development and earning his shodan in 2001 under Sensei Randall Hassell, a direct student of Hidetaka Nishiyama, one of the most influential figures in modern karate.
Gamal has also trained extensively in Matsubayashi-ryu, earning a shodan through that lineage and teaching it for several years as lead instructor at Pine Forest Way dojo, in Columbia, MO, under the authority of Sensei Ray Walker, godan. He was subsequently promoted and recognized through Dai Nippon Seibukan Budō / Butokukai, where he was awarded the rank of Godan (5th Dan) and the honorary shogo teaching title Renshi, at the recommendation of Hanshi George Parulski (10th dan) of Seibukan USA.
His background also includes 13 years of experience as a law enforcement officer and he served as hand-to-hand combat instructor, where practical application, control, and real-world effectiveness were essential, and brought pressure-tested methodology to his teaching.
His approach to martial arts emphasizes structure, balance, mechanics, and efficiency, focusing on understanding how the body generates and transfers force rather than stylistic imitation. Senryoku Taijutsu represents the culmination of his decades of study, integrating classical martial principles with modern understanding of biomechanics and movement.
As the founder of Senryoku Taijutsu, his goal is to preserve traditional martial principles while presenting them through a modern understanding of biomechanics, physics, and functional movement. His instruction emphasizes adaptability, efficiency, and personal development over rank or competition.
Visiting / Affiliated Instructors
Sensei John Kraft
Rank & Credentials
• Sandan (3rd Dan), Matsubayashi-ryu Karate
• Shodan (1st Dan), Shotokan Karate
Sensei John Kraft began his martial arts training in 1986 in Pekin, Illinois, studying Shotokan Karate under Sensei Rick Brewer. He later earned his Shodan under Sensei Randall Hassell, continuing his development through disciplined and traditional practice.
After relocating to Columbia, Missouri, Sensei Kraft joined Pine Forest Way Dojo, where he trained in Matsubayashi-ryu Karate under Sensei Ray Walker. Over time, he became a central figure within the dojo, serving as Lead Instructor for thirteen years, guiding students through both foundational and advanced levels of training.
Sensei Kraft brings a depth of experience rooted in classical karate, emphasizing sound fundamentals, technical precision, and respect for tradition. As a visiting instructor, he contributes seasoned perspective, continuity, and instructional insight to the dojo community.
John Kuehner
Rank & Credentials
· Yondan (4th Dan), Matsubayashi-ryu Karate
· Nidan (2nd Dan), IssKeiSho Karate
· Shodan (1st Dan) Combat Jujutsu
John Kuehner began his martial arts training in 1992 and brings decades of experience across multiple traditional and modern combat disciplines.
He holds the rank of yondan (4th degree black belt) in Shorin-Ryu Karate under Mike Keyes, a nidan (2nd degree black belt) in IssKeiSho under B.J. Huffman, and a shodan (1st degree black belt) in Combat Jujitsu under the late Melvin Brown and Travis Day.
In addition to his formal rank training, John has studied Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, and Tai Chi, giving him a broad and functional understanding of striking, grappling, and internal body mechanics. His background reflects a balanced approach that blends traditional structure with practical application and adaptability.
John's experience across multiple systems contributes depth, perspective, and technical diversity to the instructional environment, reinforcing the school's emphasis on functional skill, disciplined training, and respect for martial tradition.
Gracie Castile
Rank & Credentials
• 3rd Kyu (Brown Belt), Matsubayashi-ryu Karate
• Assistant Instructor (Joshu / 助手)
Gracie Castile has been training in karate since the age of eleven under the direct instruction of her father, Sensei Gamal Castile, at Pine Forest Dojo. As the daughter of the head instructor, she has trained under especially close observation and high expectations, with an emphasis on technical precision, discipline, and responsibility.
Through consistent training and dedication, Gracie has developed a strong foundation in traditional karate fundamentals and has assisted in the instruction of several founding students. She currently supports classes as an Assistant Instructor, working closely with younger students and helping guide the 10–12 year old youth program.
Her role reflects both her growing technical ability and her developing leadership skills, as she continues her training within the traditional framework of Matsubayashi-ryu karate.
Founding Members
The following individuals are recognized as Founding Members of the dojo, having been part of the earliest group to train, build, and establish the culture, standards, and spirit of the school during its formative period.
- → Gracie Castile
- → Clayton Merritt
- → Eden Kappler
- → Alejandro Borrero
- → Danny Myers
These founding members represent the first generation of students to commit themselves to the dojo's principles, training ethos, and long-term vision. Their dedication and presence helped shape the foundation upon which future students will train.