The Meriden Shorin-ryu Dojo was founded by its Chief Instructor, Master Bill Funk. Sensei (teacher) Funk holds a red and white belt(seventh degree black belt) in Shorin-ryu karate. He is a direct student of world-renowned karate Grandmaster Eizo Shimabukuro of Okinawa. Grandmaster Shimabukuro is the leader of all Shorin-ryu Karate.

At one point Sensei Funk was the only person in the history of Shorin-ryu to be appointed a Licensed Chief Instructor. The certificate awarding Sensei Funk this title cites his work with Grandmaster Shimabukuro and notes his grasp of the spiritual aspects of karate. In addition, Sensei Funk is a certified Shorin-ryu karate teacher and is one of two certified Shorin-ryu masters in the world.

Sensei Funk is assisted in his teachings by a number of outstanding Shorin-ryu black belt holders. All of them began their Shorin-ryu training as white belts (novices).

Through the many years of dedication to style and the teachings of Grandmaster Eizo Shimabukuro, Sensei has transformed himself into that which embodies the very essence of Shorin-ryu and its philosophy.