Michaela Bulkley
Staff Writer
Karate has been with Jahanvash since birth, as his parents own Red Dragon Karate Champions Training Center in Diamond Bar. He and his two siblings are all black belts in karate, with Shahin being a third degree.
“Most people think once you get your black belt in karate then it’s done, it’s over, but it’s pretty much where it starts,” Jahanvash said. “You can start teaching.”
Jahanvash travels nationally for tournaments and seminars. Disney also filmed him giving a virtual karate lesson in hundreds of Disney stores nationwide.
As vice president of Phi Delta Theta, Jahanvash has a support system of brothers. His strong involvement in the family business also results in close bonds with his family that keep him moving forward.
“So as long as you’re steady with your goal, as long as you’re not a wimp that’s going to give up as soon as things don’t go your way, you could be successful anywhere,” said Mohamad Jahanvash, Shahin’s father and owner of Red Dragon Karate Champion Training Center.
Jahanvash started competing when he was 3 and a half years old, and despite still using a pacifier, he took first place in the 7 years old and under category, even against competitors from China.
Jahanvash tested for his black belt at 8 years old. Now as a third degree black belt, he is growing as a teacher rather than a student.
His first grand champion title was in Quebec, Canada, his only international competition. This was his first competition in the 18 years and older category, despite enrolling when he was still 17.
As he grows up, Jahanvash competes and practices less but still works at the karate studio and teaches students across the country using Skype, charging students $125 an hour for his lessons.
Jahanvash still competes and travels 10 to 12 weekends out of the year, teaching seminars in different states.
Jahanvash currently enjoys teaching not only to his karate students, but also to his younger brother and fraternity brothers. He uses his experiences in life to help relate and guide others.
“Karate has not only taught him discipline and leadership, but how to be humble,” said Thomas Richetts, sophomore business major.
“You will never hear him brag about being a world champion or even mention it,” he said.
Jahanvash hopes one day to take over the karate studio and let his parents retire, eventually opening and managing more Red Dragon Karate Champion Training Centers and continuing the 28-year legacy.
Despite the typical comments he received in middle school making fun of karate, Jahanvash still plans to stay with the sport.
“People are going to say stuff about you no matter what, but if you really like what you’re doing then you should keep doing it,” Jahanvash said.
“I never did it because anyone told me too and I never stop because someone said I should,” he said.
Michaela Bulkley can be reached at michaela.bulkley@laverne.edu.
Michaela Bulkley
