Hi, I’m Kyle Kamal Helou, the first (and so far only) non-Japanese graduate of the prestigious Japan Karate Shoto Federation (JKS) Instructor Course.

I’ve had the privilege of guiding over 5,000 students on their journey to develop confidence, perseverance, and martial arts mastery through Shotokan Karate.

I hold a 6th Dan black belt with over 25 years of training and teaching experience in Japan.

Beyond karate, I’m also a master instructor of Shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese flute. But more on that later.

Hi, I’m Kyle Kamal Helou, the first (and so far only) non-Japanese graduate of the prestigious Japan Karate Shoto Federation (JKS) Instructor Course.

I’ve had the privilege of guiding over 5,000 students on their journey to develop confidence, perseverance, and martial arts mastery through Shotokan Karate.

I hold a 6th Dan black belt with over 25 years of training and teaching experience in Japan.

Beyond karate, I’m also a master instructor of Shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese flute. But more on that later.

Why Shotokan Karate?

Growing up in war-torn Lebanon, I searched for a non-violent way to resolve conflict.

My older brother, a Shotokan Karate practitioner, introduced me to the art of self-defense.

It made a lasting impression on me that I could neutralize an opponent’s attack without causing harm.

I officially began my karate training at 20, and within six months, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. I was accepted into the JKS program and became the only non-Japanese graduate after three years.

Bringing Shotokan Karate Back to Lebanon

Returning to Lebanon, I was determined to share the value of Shotokan Karate. I started with a handful of students and grew to 400 within five years.

Physical strengthening, karate techniques, and breathing exercises formed the core of my training.

To this day, several parents talk about how my training deeply impacted their childrens’ lives.

Why Dubai?

A former student invited me to open an academy in Dubai, and I embraced the opportunity.

At HSKD Academy, we maintain the highest Japanese standards of Shotokan Karate.

Our dojo is a space where students leave behind life’s stresses and focus on their training.

Through repetition—sometimes as much as 100 times—students eventually perform techniques naturally, without conscious effort.

Core Principles at HSKD Academy

Our Shotokan Karate training follows the PHASTER principles: Perseverance, Humility, Agility, Self-Control, Tolerance, Empathy, and Respect.

These values shape not just skilled martial artists but individuals who can handle life’s challenges with strength and grace.

Perseverance is key. Without it, you can’t internalize techniques.

Keep going even when the tank is empty and you’ll eventually cross the finish line and rise to the next level. The more you persevere the faster you improve.

Seriously, I deeply value every relationship I’ve been lucky enough to build through my training sessions.

Like I said before, my strengths lie in teaching my students how to develop confidence, perseverance, and achieving martial arts excellence through Shotokan Karate.

So if you’re here for that either for yourself, or your children, don’t hesitate to email me [email protected] Or call on +97158 527 2831

If you want to hear from me, regularly (once a week or so) simply sign in to the email dialog box at the top of this page.

If you’ve made it this far… thank you.

If you’d like to see what we do, hop over to our YouTube page.

And lastly, if you’re into music, feel free to hit me up.

Why Shakuhachi?

The Shakuhachi is all about mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork. The connection between the Shakuhachi and karate lies in the breathwork—they both require the same breathing techniques.

I was drawn to it because of the exhilaration I felt when I played it.

Music is an integral part of my life and I cannot do without it. I am a trained Shakuhachi player and teacher (also a Shakuhachi maker), and compose music till today.

This happens because controlling your exhale to play specific notes triggers the release of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, which help relieve stress and prevent panic.