Sensei Sammy first started practicing karate in 1987, at the Arima Branch of the Young Men Christian Association.

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In 1991, Sensei Sammy was graded to first (1st) degree black belt by Sensei K. Dozono. In 2006, Sensei Ian Sammy travelled to Japan to participate in the 9th SKIF World Championship, while there he was graded to fourth (4th) degree black belt by Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa, who was the head of the SKIF organization. He was graded by Hanshi Hiroshi Ishikawa and Kyoshi Alejandro Castro and gained his 5th Degree Black Belt in 2018.

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Sensei Ian Sammy started teaching Karate in 1992 assisting Sensei Thomas Henry at the Dinsley Trincity branch. In 1997 Sensei Sammy opened his first dojo at the La Joya Sporting Complex, he conducts classes at three other locations, Arima Karate-do Dojo, Brazil Karate dojo and Maracas Bay Karate-do Dojo. Sensei Ian Sammy was appointed to position President/Chief Instructor on January 01st 2025.