FAMILY MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAMS FOR Southern California

RED DRAGON HQ 626-379-2920

ABOUT RDK

PROUDLY SERVING FAMILIES SINCE 1965

WHEN & HOW
WE STARTED

Shi-han Sensei Louis Casamassa, a 10th degree black belt is Grand Master of Red Dragon Karate and founder of the American Karate Kung Fu Federation (A.K.K.F.). He originated the American Form style. During the 60’s he traveled extensively throughout the Orient studying many different styles of martial arts. In keeping with yankee ingenuity and American tradition he took the best 7 major martial arts forms and combined them into one new powerful and effective style which is known as the Red Dragon style of martial arts.
Red Dragon is a true “American Original.” Founded in 1965 by former U.S. Marine Corp military police officer and 10th degree black belt, Louis D. Casamassa.  During the 1950’s, he traveled throughout the land studying with a wide variety of masters in many different styles of martial arts. He spent decades gaining knowledge, and wisdom along with a wealth of business information to enhance his ever expanding martial arts skill. In keeping with Yankee ingenuity and American tradition he used the 7 best major martial art styles and combined them into one new, very powerful and effective style which is now known as the Red Dragon style of Martial Arts.   Our brand and our system of martial arts was founded upon Grand Master Casamassa’s love of the Arts. We have flourished for over half a century because of his ingenuity. Shihan Sensei Casamassa is considered by many to be the “Michelangelo of Martial Arts” by taking and combining his knowledge, talent, ingenuity and wisdom, he created an entire system of self defense that is unrivaled and one that has stood the test of time and has provided generations of Americans with a great way of experiencing the Martial arts. The Red Dragon Karate program is unique because of our original approach at mixing the best martial arts styles. Today, we are widely considered the original “Mixed Martial Art,” Red Dragon Karate continues to grow because of our focus on developing the best trainers and instructors who instill character based “Life Skills” in our students. This teaching of self-discipline, self control, and self esteem when reinforced within the protocols of a Red Dragon studio, and empower our members to become responsible, productive leaders in our community.

MEET OUR MASTERS

Lou

Shihan Sensei Louis D. Casamassa

Grandmaster / Founder 10th Degree

He is the man responsible for all that is within Red Dragon. Without his vision and drive the organization we all know would not have come to be. Thousands of lives have been impacted as a result if his creativity and passion. I t all started in the early 1960’s when, as a young Marine stationed in Japan, he began training in karate. His early training was under the guidance of his military police partner at the time, Sensei Nagano. This training was an all-day event and was soon followed by his evening training in Judo under Sensei Yagome. As one of the early Americans exposed to martial arts training he found that learning multiple styles of martial arts complemented each other. He was one of the very first Americans promoted to black belt in Judo and that promotion came under the founder of Judo’s son. In those days training in multiple arts was all but unheard of making his journey a unique one. A pioneer of mixing martial arts he did not stop at karate and judo. He continued to train in many different styles earning black belts in multiple disciplines. So that others would not need to travel the same path he began to combine the styles forming American Karate, later to be called Red Dragon Karate. Today his pioneering journey has resulted in the most diverse and practical martial art systems in the world.

Red Dragon Masters

  • ALL STAFF

Red Dragon Karate, in Southern California is dedicated to serving the community by building tomorrow’s leaders today

Contact Details
Let's Connect

We love hearing from students, customers, and future members. Connect with us on social media or send us a message by clicking the button below.

© 2025 All Rights • Made with ❤ by CireMedia

Follow us on Social Media

Access Red Dragon exclusive web specials

Martial arts training benefits every age group

Younger kids will learn symmetrical movements that help build motor skills. They will also learn the importance of listening and following directions. As a result, younger kids will become more disciplined and better behaved.

Elementary and intermediate school students will learn build character, self-discipline, and good habits with martial arts training. Also, they will learn important anti-bullying techniques and stranger awareness. We also push academic accountability and physical fitness.

High school martial arts participants are taught the importance of leadership and good citizenship. Today’s teens are tomorrow’s leaders, and we want to make sure we do our part to help them prepare for the road ahead.

Adults will benefit from a great workout, a perfect way to relieve stress, and renewed physical and mental keenness. And with class times that are conveniently after work, adult martial arts trainees will be able to maximize the time they spend on the mat.

Access Red Dragon Karate exclusive web specials

Martial arts training benefits every age group

Younger kids will learn symmetrical movements that help build motor skills. They will also learn the importance of listening and following directions. As a result, younger kids will become more disciplined and better behaved.

Elementary and intermediate school students will learn build character, self-discipline, and good habits with martial arts training. Also, they will learn important anti-bullying techniques and stranger awareness. We also push academic accountability and physical fitness.

High school martial arts participants are taught the importance of leadership and good citizenship. Today’s teens are tomorrow’s leaders, and we want to make sure we do our part to help them prepare for the road ahead.

Adults will benefit from a great workout, a perfect way to relieve stress, and renewed physical and mental keenness. And with class times that are conveniently after work, adult martial arts trainees will be able to maximize the time they spend on the mat.