Hanshi Lester A. Whinna is a Senior Master Instructor in Slo Ryu Karate Do as a 7th degree black belt which is comprised of three traditional "old" style, Goju Ryu, Chito Ryu, and Kempo/Kenpo karate.  He has been involved in the martial arts for over 40 years. Hanshi Whinna has held his Instructor’s Certification since  July 1977, when he was tested and awarded his 1st degree black belt. This style adheres to the traditional rules set forth by the Japanese Federation many years ago.  Slo Ryu Karate Do, conforms to the teachings of old school traditional style marital arts, it is not the sport of karate. His certifications, title, and authority come under Grand Master/Soke John B. Burkhardt -Red Belt. 

He holds the honorific title in the martial arts of Hanshi, "han" meaning model or example, and "shi" meaning man or warrior.   Grand Master Burkhardt has bestowed the  title of Hanshi only once in his 45+ years of teaching the martial arts. Whinna is also the designated Heir Apparent of the lineage of Henry Slomanski and Soke John B. Burkhardt.  Along with Whinna’s rank and title, Soke Burkhardt has given him all the authority to test and promote all belts in this style.  Whinna was the youngest and last male student to ever receive his black belt from Soke Burkhardt. Burkhardt, was the last and youngest person under Commissioner Henry Slomanski to receive his Black Belt. Hanshi Whinna is proud of this fact and it is a common bond he shares with his instructor. As the Master Instructor, Burkhardt has only awarded seven individuals a black belt in his years of teaching; this is out of the several  hundreds who ever started to train under him. 

Slo Ryu Karate Do was and is still taught the hard way, full power, full breathing, and full contact. Success is based not only on the ability to master the katas but also on their toughness and ability to deal with the pain and/or injuries sustained in training. There are no pads used in this training.