Sabastian Velilla has studied Budo since 1984 and is a U.S. Army veteran. He completed post-graduate programs in Japanese Studies at Sophia University in Tokyo and Advanced Public Policy at Old Dominion University in Virginia. During his federal career, he administered International Military Education and Training for the Japanese Self Defense Forces under the Department of the Army’s Security Assistance Program. A lifelong martial artist, Sabastian has competed and placed in multiple Budo disciplines in both the United States and Japan. His contributions to Japanese culture and martial arts have been recognized internationally—he was nominated for the prestigious Japan Foundation Award in 2023 and 2025, and in 2024 received the Korosho Award from the Kokusai Budoin (IMAF Japan) for meritorious service to Budo. Dedicated to protecting, preserving, and expanding traditional Japanese martial arts (Budo) and fine arts (Bijutsu), Sabastian emphasizes the cultivation of discipline, character, and spiritual growth through training. He currently serves as President of both Kashimon Nihon Bijutsu Kaikan and the Florida Budokan.