Instructors

Diego Beltrán, Shihan

With over 20 years of experience instructing and competing in international tournaments, Shihan Diego Beltran is an experienced veteran in Kyokushin Karate, Kickboxing and Self Defense.

At a very early age, he had demonstrated an interest in full-contact sports, which soon became his way of life. He joined the International Kyokushin Karate Organization, studying under Shihan Oscar Lobayza (who eventually joined the International Wakkarukai Organization) and later under Intercontinental KickBoxing Champion Sensei John Anderson. In 1992, Beltran competed in the 1st International Wakkarukai Tournament, finishing 4th.

In 1994, at the age of 22, he had become the Bolivian Full-Contact Champion, gaining his rank of 1st Degree Black belt in KickBoxing. By the time he was 23; he had achieved his 2nd Degree Black Belt in KickBoxing as well as his Ni-Dan in Wakkarukai Karate.

After completing his studies and graduating in Journalism and Social Work, Beltran moved to Canada where, in 1997, he participated in a SanShou (Chinese KickBoxing) National Tournament held in Edmonton, Alberta. He emerged victorious, becoming the Canadian KickBoxing Champion in his category (70-75 kg.). After winning an extra fight against the next category champion, he qualified for the World Championships in Italy. It was also in that year where Beltran got his San-Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt) in Karate.

In March 2000, Beltran joined the International Kyokushin Organization (Matsushima Group) and in November of the same year he participated in the 6th Kyokushin World Open Tournament in Japan, finishing in 6th place and placing Canada amongst the Top 8 in the world.

Two years later he once again represented Canada in the 1st World Cup Tournament by Weight Division held in Lewiston, Maine USA in 2002. Beltran became the Vice-Champion of the World in the Light-Weight division (up to 70kg).

In March 2004, Beltran successfully completed his test for Yon-Dan (4th Degree Black Belt). Two years later a decision was made to resign from the IKO Matsushima organization.

In December 2006, Diego Beltran and the Guardian Dojo Schools were accepted into the KYOKUSHIN-KAN International Karate Organization under the leadership of Kancho Hatsuo Royama becoming proud members of this organization. A year later, he took part in the Renshi-Shihan test at the international Training Camp held annually in Japan.

At the age of 36, after over 22 years of practice and dedication to the art of Kyokushin karate, Beltran successfully completed his Renshi-Shihan certification and also successfully passed the test for Go-Dan (5th Degree Black Belt) during the same International Training Camp in February 2009.

Currently, Shihan Diego Beltran resides in Winnipeg, MB Canada. He works as a full-time Principal Consultant for a Top Canadian Business and IT Solution Provider in addition to owning and operating Guardian Dojo schools. Due to a severe injury, he was forced to retire from full-contact fighting competitions. However he is still actively involved in coaching his Guardian Dojo athletes, serving as a Canadian Coach as well as a main referee (Su-shin) or corner judge (Fuku-shin) in national and international events. Shihan Beltran also works closely with Canada, Argentina and Bolivia as he strives to reinforce the high standards and principles of Kyokushin Karate.