Hanshi Zato began his training at Kwanduks Dojo in Brooklyn's Howard Houses PAL under Hanshi Kumosan Turner in 1977. While a student of Kuroshi-Do, he trained directly under the Three Co-founders as well as Professor Charles Elmore, & Hanshi Charles Sparrow of Aki-Elmore Ryu. Hanshi Zato joined the NYC Corrections Competition Team where as one of the captains, lead his team to victory over such other teams as; Suffork County PD, NY State PD, NY State Corrections and NYCPD at the New York State Police Olympics. Hanshi also traveled and competed in various other tournaments in the US and Abroad.

During his tenure with the NYC Corrections Department he held the positions of defensive tactics instructor at the corrections academy and range officer and the Rodmens Neck Firing Range. Hanshi Zato is the father of two children Mariah, a graduate of John Jay University and LaBarron, who himself has entered the field of law enforcement as a member of the New York State Corrections Department. Hanshi Zato is presently the Chief Instructor at Kwanduks Dojo where he began his martial arts career. Hanshi has been inducted into numerous Halls of Fame, both here in the U.S. and Abroad.