Shihan Dai (Assistant Chief Instructor)
Sensei Lew McFarland is a Third Degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate, and a First Degree Black Belt in Ryukyu Kobuo (Ancient Weaponry). He began his training with Shihan McCammon in 2012 and is currently the Shihan-Dai (Senior Instructor) of the NRK Karate Home Dojo in San Marcos, California. He decided to start training a year after watching his kids train with Shihan McCammon and thinking that karate training may be good exercise for him. He was right, karate is great exercise, but more importantly, he learned that karate is a lifestyle. Sensei McFarland found himself eating better, training harder, and getting into shape. He also found an extended family within the dojo that supports each other and encourages each other to be their best.
Sensei McFarland is dedicated to his training and being in the dojo. He is routinely in the dojo early training or helping other students train. He has a passion for teaching and helping others strive to reach their potential. When he is working with you, you can expect him to be tough and detail focused, while being supportive and encouraging.
Sensei McFarland’s long term goal is to one day open his own dojo. He has found so much value in his karate training that he wants to extend the lessons he has learned, and continues to learn, to others. He wants to ensure the tradition of Okinawan Karate lives on for generations to come. He is currently a US National Karate Certified Coach Level II, and a Regional Judge under the USA National Karate Federation, the governing body for Olympic Karate in the United States.
Sensei McFarland has a Bachelors Degree in Business Management and is a trained investigator and interrogator. He began his career with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department and then went into the retail sector in the loss prevention field. He is a member of the International Association of Interviewer’s and is a Certified Forensic Interviewer.
Sensei McFarland is a father of twins, Alexis and Louie, whom both train at NRK Karate. His wife Amy is a registered nurse and actively supports the family’s karate training.