Darnell Yoshioka ‘95 Mini-Bio

After graduating from four glorious years at the Lab school,  I went on to help instruct at the UH Center for Hawaiian Studies for Na Pua No‘eau.  I became very engaged in the Hawaiian community and also continued my dedication as a hula dancer and instructor (Alaka‘i) for Halau Na Mamo O Pu’uanahulu.   I was so blessed to be able to travel around the world, performing at various competitions, the Statutory Hall Capital & DEA in Washington, DC, and the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York.  I also had the opportunity to record my chanting/singing with other artists.

During that time, I also began working my first job at Tony Roma’s in Kāhala as a bartender for eleven years.  I was so blessed to work with such amazing people whom I still keep in contact with.  I then went on to work as an accountant for my cousin, Jake Shimabukuro, who is such an amazing and humble human being.

In November of 2010, my wife and I decided to move to Las Vegas and enjoy our time with three beautiful grandchildren.  I worked as an Executive Assistant/Manager for a CPA firm and was the Finance Coordinator for MGM, but was forced to shut down due to the pandemic.

Living here also sparked up my childhood passion in martial arts and ended up finding Jeff Speakman’s Kenpo 5.0. where I received my first degree black belt in 2018.  I have a passion for teaching and am trusted upon to share my knowledge as one of his top instructors.

In that same year, I was forced to focus on my health and had to make some changes in my life.   My health journey allowed me to focus on myself, my health, my mindset and overall well-being.  This opened so many doors which gave me the opportunity to become a Certified Health Coach.  What an amazing gift to be able to pay it forward and assist others on their journey.

It’s been a great ride so far and I am always eager to experience more!  I am so grateful, blessed, and choose to value all of life’s lessons.  Remember that our story is still being written . . . (01.21)