Sensei Dean Lillie celebrated his 80th birthday on 2/3/2016 by teaching his karate class at Keystone Community Center as he has every Monday and Wednesday for the last 20 years.
Dean began his karate training with Robert Billington in October 1972 at the downtown St. Paul YMCA. He trained with Robert for many years moving with him to the Downtown Minneapolis YMCA and later to several locations in Wisconsin.
When Robert decided to leave Nakamura's Shuri-te Karate Association, Dean approached Dave Graf about teaching in Minnesota. Dave approved and shortly thereafter in 1996 Dean opened his school at the Keystone Community Center in St. Paul.
Over the years dean has taught many students who have reached dan rank including:
- Damian Day
- Jeff Dorfman
- Brady Lillie
- Peter Rieff
- Alex Stone
- Ian Stone
- Silvestor Vicic
- Jose Winkels
Happy Birthday Dean!