Lonnie Francis began training with Sensei Kim at the Chinatown YMCA dojo in 1970. He had first become a green belt under Frank and Lenore Gaviola.

His fighting expertise was first class all the way. In fact he was an alternate on the 1976 AAKF team while still a teenager and barely old enough to be on the adult team. As a fighter he never finished less then 3rd in any tournament in which he competed.

He also trained in Ju Jitsu at the Tejo Dojo under Lenore and Frank Gaviola.

Presently Lonnie runs his own dojo in San Francisco and specializes in teaching youth karate where he endeavors to pass along the traditions and technical excellence which he has developed from his teachers.