Shihan Lemuel Muhammad

Inspired by the many lives impacted by his 25+ years of teaching martial arts, Shihan Lemuel Muhammad wanted to use his skills and expertise to give back to his community in a more meaningful way by working with the most vulnerable. As a 38-year veteran of the martial arts, Shihan believes that martial arts training is one of the most comprehensive forms of exercise because it encompasses the conditioning of the mind, body and spirit. After teaching martial arts to students from age four to eighty, Shihan has observed the benefits to every age. He has witnessed, for himself, and others how this approach to wellness has positively changed lives – from improving grades to reducing anxiety and depression to losing weight to reducing aggressiveness to gaining self esteem, focus and confidence.

Equally inspired by his mother’s inability to afford martial arts lessons, Shihan co-founded KATA because he believes that martial arts is transformational and everyone, especially the most vulnerable, should have the opportunity to experience the many benefits that transform physical health and mental clarity.  Today’s youth, young adults and veterans face many obstacles. Poverty, trauma, family instability and community violence can create environments where making positive life choices may feel impossible.  Shihan’s vision for KATA is simple – to give as many vulnerable, underprivileged a positive direction in a system that teaches them self-esteem, self-disciple, humility and respect. His hope is to improve and change the trajectory of the lives of many, empowering individuals to reach their full potential, make positive life choices and be productive members of their communities. 

Shihan Lemuel Muhammad is the founder of the VSK Jiujitsu Institute of Self Defense and defending 10-time Black Belt Grand Champion in Self Defense. In 2011 he was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame. Since beginning his training with Grandmaster Abdul Azizz Muhammad (formerly Anthony Muhammad) over 25 years ago, Shihan Muhammad has trained hundreds of students, founded a school, written two books and produced more than 10 outstanding training DVDs.