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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SHIHAN BRIAN PENA OF LEXINGTON COUNTY, AND TO THANK HIM FOR HIS MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WEST COLUMBIA COMMUNITY.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to recognize Shihan Brian Pena for his many accomplishments and congratulate him for his successes in martial arts; and
Whereas, Shihan Pena began his career in martial arts studying Yoshitsune Jujitsu in New Jersey under Michael DePasquale, Sr., in the early 1980s. He began competing in tournaments and competitions, traveling internationally, and achieving the title of World Champion in the National Blackbelt League in 1994 and 1999; and
Whereas, Shihan Pena began teaching the art of Zen Shotokai Karate and Kobudo in South Carolina in 1990. During his teaching career, he has instructed thousands of men, women, and children in Zen Shotokai Karate and Kobudo, promoting many students to the rank of Shodan (first degree black belt) or higher with tests of their minds, bodies, and spirits; and
Whereas, in January 2020, having demonstrated his teaching abilities to his peers, Shihan Pena was awarded the coveted AKANA Pinnacle Tomoe award by Hanshi Jerry Piddington, Hanshi Danny McCall, and Kyoshi Ricky Smith. This award represents a small inner circle of Sensei who have obtained mastery teaching true Karatedo. This certification authenticates that Shihan Pena was awarded one of six Original Tomoe Pendants and will be recorded in the history of the American Karate Academies National Association; and
Whereas, Shihan Pena founded "The Competitor's Tour" (TCT), a sport martial arts tournament circuit, and with his hard work as the executive director, TCT has grown the circuit to regional and national recognition. The tour presents an opportunity for sport martial arts enthusiasts to grow in an environment conducive to structure and discipline; and
Whereas, working with others in the martial arts community throughout the Carolinas, Shihan Pena organized a nonprofit martial arts venture, "Legends of Carolina Martial Arts", to slowly recognize and honor the legends, pioneers, and icons of martial arts throughout North and South Carolina over the past sixty years. He also worked with leaders in law enforcement to record the history of police agencies and sheriff's departments in South Carolina and has constructed an exhibition that is displayed in his dojo; and
Whereas, Shihan Pena and his beloved wife, Allison, have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, Laney and Gabby. His entire family trains and has truly made karate a way of life; and
Whereas, Shihan Pena and his family have owned and operated The Karate Dojo in West Columbia, training hundreds of students each week, and together have created a full-time, thriving business and labor of love. Shihan Pena works hard to create special moments for others in karate and truly enjoys producing smiles and making memories; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the dedication and commitment that Shihan Pena has shown in serving the West Columbia community and the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Shihan Brian Pena of Lexington County and thank him for his many contributions of the West Columbia community.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Shihan Brian Pena.
This web page was last updated on February 1, 2022 at 2:12 PM