On August 24, 2022 Jon Beltram wrote to SKA Shihan John Teramoto:

It’s been several years since I’ve led practices in Kansas City due to medical problems and it looks like it may be quite some time before I’m able to be active again. Mike Lyon has been the active leader during this period and I want to make it official. Please give the transition your approval and notify SKA administration that Mike has become leader of the KC dojo. Hope all is well with you and family.

On August 25, 2022 John Teramoto replied:

Thank you for your message. I approve of the transition of leadership to Mike and I’ll let HQs know. I hope to see you active again. All the best to you and Bobbi, and please take care.

“The mission of Shotokan Karate of America, as established by its founder, Tsutomu Ohshima, is “To preserve, perpetuate, and advance the legacy of Shotokan Karate for the betterment of the lives of those who train, and to contribute positively to human history.”

Dr. Jon Beltram founded our dojo in 1966 and led it continuously for more than fifty years. I am so lucky to have been his junior for nearly 38 years. Although I am no longer young myself, I promise to do my best to look after our dojo, our members, to faithfully stick to the incredibly high standards Jon set, and to keep the traditions of our practice in preparing members to become stronger and to improve themselves. Very soon the time will come for another generation to take over, so it is urgent that we do our best to face ourselves strictly and honestly and aspire, as Ohshima Sensei wrote, “To one day ask my mind and find no shame.”

— Mike Lyon, godan