Owner/Head Instructor (Karate, Kickboxing, and Yoga)
Sensei Doug Shaffer began studying Kenpo karate when he was nine years old with then sixth-degree black belt Dennis Tosten at American Karate Studios, AmeriKick’s predecessor, on Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia. After transferring to an American Karate Studios location that was closer to his home, Doug injured his back when he was 14 and was forced to put his training on hold. During this time, American Karate Studios became AmeriKick Karate. At age 20, Doug returned to AmeriKick’s Willow Grove studio to resume studies with Grandmaster Tosten. After six months of intense training, Doug received his black belt. Two years later, Doug became an instructor at AmeriKick’s Langhorne location and remained there for eight years. Doug has been the owner/head instructor of AmeriKick’s Lansdale location since July 2008.
Doug currently holds a third-degree black belt from the AmeriKick organization, a second-degree black belt in Filipino Arnis, and a blue belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu from Balance Studios in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Doug also studies Ashtanga Yoga with Phil Migliarese and Mary Flynn, protégés of the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
As the head instructor, Doug is responsible for teaching karate classes for all ages, fitness kickboxing, and yoga.
