Luis Bernardo Mercado was born on February 22, 1962 and tragically passed away in an automobile accident on December 25, 2022. He was the founder of Fremont Shotokan Karate.
Bernardo Sensei was a devoted family man who spent much time with his family of origin. They were all deeply involved in each other’s lives.
As his family and friends, we all feel so fortunate to have had him in our lives as long as we did. We all have countless memories to savor and to sustain us.
Bernardo Sensei was a Renaissance man. Not only was he accomplished in martial arts, he had an entrepreneurial spirit and was a successful businessman: expert in the field of engineering and holding several patents. He also owned and managed real estate investments. He was a generous supporter of social and environmental causes.
He held the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest personal knife collection. He collected fine art, records and comics and was an accomplished ping pong player. He authored and co-authored several books. See here.
An extraordinary Martial Artist: Bernardo Sensei began his training in 1981 with Mayer Parry Sensei, a student of Hirokazu Kanazawa Kancho. Two years later he began training with Leroy Rodrigues Sensei who awarded Bernardo his first degree black belt in Shotokan and Shorinji Ryu. In 2007 he received his 6th degree and in 2020 his 7th degree.
Leroy Rodrigues Sensei said of Bernardo: “He was every Sensei’s idea of the perfect student. You could show him techniques and moves, and immediately he would grasp them all.” He perfected what he learned and taught accordingly.
In 1997 Sensei moved to Fremont and studied with Al McGaughey Sensei and Harry Imamura Sensei where all three founded the Fremont Shotokan Karate Dojo. Bernardo Sensei competed and won championships throughout the world, including regional, national and international tournaments, always developing lasting friendships that spanned multiple continents.
During his time at the Fremont Shotokan Karate Dojo, Bernardo Sensei had taught many students of karate, of all ages and ranks. He was a meticulous and conscientious instructor, holding his students to the best standards, expecting everyone to do their best and to be their best. For Bernardo Sensei, the line from the Dojo Kun: “Seek Perfection of Character”, was his path in life, inside and outside of the dojo. So many of his students were inspired by Bernardo Sensei and the example that he led.
Luis Bernardo Mercado’s varied interests made him a fascinating and inspiring person to all who had the good fortune to know him. He will be remembered as a man accomplished in many fields. He was of pristine character, a paragon of virtue and high intellect. He was accomplished and generous hearted. A man with high values and morals. May his memory be a blessing to us all.
Rest in peace, fair warrior.