instructors
Sensei Benita Dingman
Our chief instructor is Sensei Benita Dingman, who is a 6th Dan (degree) black belt. Sensei Dingman began her karate training in 1982 and has trained extensively with Sensei Yutaka Yaguchi, 9th Dan. She is certified by the ISKF (International Shotokan Karate Federation) as a judge.
Sensei Dingman has been practicing Shotokan Karate for nearly 40 years. She co-founded Voyageur Shotokan Karate in Bemidji more than 30 years ago with her late husband Sensei Scott Dingman.
In Memoriam:
Sensei Scott Dingman
1953-2021
Sensei Scott Dingman, 8th Dan (degree) black belt, was the chief instructor of Voyageur Shotokan Karate for more than 30 years. Sensei Dingman began his karate training in 1968. He received his training under Sensei Yutaka Yaguchi, 9th Dan. Sensei Dingman was the Technical Director for the North Central Region, which includes: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. Sensei Dingman was certified by the ISKF (International Shotokan Karate Federation) as an instructor, judge and examiner.