Our Sensei and founder of International Budo Academy, Stephen Curley, was a student of Shugoro Nakazato, founder of the Shorin Ryu - ShorinKan system and recognized as an intangible cultural asset in Okinawa. After the passing of our Sensei, the school was renamed Santa Rosa Budo Academy and was turned into a non-profit, ensuring our sensei’s legacy continues forever.

Sensei Curley's martial arts accomplishments were extensive. He earned the rank of Kyoshi (7th-degree black belt) in Shorin-Ryu Shorin-kan Karate and 4th Dan in Shorin-kan kobudo under Kyoshi Sam Ahtye. He also achieved a 5th Dan in Shurite Ju Jutsu/Bujutsu through the Shuri-Te Jujutsu-Kai under Kyoshi Troy Price, where he served as Chief Instuctor. He was recognized as an Escrima Master under Grand Master Rene Latosa and continued his training under Grand Master Cedric Concon. Continuing his life-long pursuit of learning, Sensei Curley earned his Shodan in Matayoshi Kobudo under Hanshi Neil Stolsmark and was actively studying Tai Chi under Sensei Dan Cuthbertson.