Instructors
Featured
Beloved and dedicated Instructor whose knowledge, wisdom, and humor will be missed.
Rank: 4th dan (2004)
Alma Mater: University of Illinois
BA: English Literature (1969)
MA: Theoretical Linguistics (1974)
Military Service: U.S. Army (1965-1967)
Igor Miletic began his karate training in Chicago, Illinois in 1967, under Sugiyama Shojiro sensei. During his 10 years with Sugiyama sensei, Igor successfully competed in a number of Japan Karate Association (JKA) tournaments in the United States. He placed first in kumite in the 10th All-America Tournament in 1970, and third in the 11th All-America tournament in 1971. In addition, he won a number of regional tournaments in the Midwest in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He also assisted Sugiyama sensei in conducting karate classes and seminars.
After he moved to the Baltimore area in 1977, Igor started teaching karate on his own. Around 1980, he and Edward Davis reorganized the Baltimore Karate Club, and are still teaching there.
In addition to Sugiyama sensei, Igor has studied under Okazaki Teruyuki sensei, Nishiyama Hidetaka sensei, Mori Masataka sensei, Kisaka Katsuya sensei, and sensei Najib Amin.
Instructor
Rank: 3rd Dan
Edward Davis began his karate training in Baltimore, Maryland in the mid-1960s. While Bob McPherson headed the Baltimore Karate Club and was Sensei Davis’s first Instructor, much of Sensei Davis’s early training was under Okazaki Teruyuki sensei.
Around 1980, Edward Davis and Igor Miletic reorganized the Baltimore Karate Club, and became its primary Instructors.
Sensei Davis competed in numerous tournaments, and came in 2nd place in the Shotokan East Coast Tournament in the 1970s. Sensei Davis also had the opportunity to spar with members of the All Japan National Team at the first World Shotocup.
In addition to studying Shotokan Karate, Edward Davis has also studied Judo and in his youth was Maryland state champion in wrestling several years in a row.
Instructor
Rank: 4th Dan
Kenneth Stewart has been studying shotokan karate since 1979 under the tutelage of his mentor, Sensei Igor Miletic. Ken was introduced to the club by someone with whom he tried to have a friendly fight during a pickup soccer match. He was surprised to learn that the person was a karateka. Ken`s interest in karate was heightened through this interaction and was eager to start training. Today, he continues as an enthusiastic student of shotokan karate.
Treasurer
Rank: 5th Dan
Alma Mater: Syracuse University
B.ARCH: Architecture (1984)
Registered Scuba Diver since 2010
Robert Laschever began his karate training with the Baltimore Karate Club in 1989 under Sensei Igor Miletic and Sensei Edward Davis, and has also studied under sensei Najib Amin. Robert was tested by Okazaki Teruyuki sensei for his Shodan thru Yondan ranks. Robert has been the Treasurer of the Baltimore Karate Club since 1994.
Assistant Instructor
Rank: 3rd Dan
Cyrus began his martial arts journey in March of 1992, training in Shotokan Karate under the Japan Karate Association in Cebu, Philippines. He embraced the rigorous discipline and respect that characterize the art. For Cyrus, Budo Karate is not just a physical practice; it’s a holistic approach to self-improvement and personal development. He also holds a teaching license in Filipino Martial Arts and is passionate about exploring and sharing the rich traditions of his culture through this practice.