We are glad you are interested in joining our Ryu (system). We hope that this website will help you in answering some of your questions, not just about learning our system but also about yourself and the ability to study Karate.

Our sincere hope is that along with studying the contents of our website, you will go to your local dojo, meet the instructors and watch a class. If you decide to join and practice with us, you will, like many people before you, find that you are partaking of one of the most rewarding and invigorating ways to spend your leisure time.

Why do Karate?

Past experience has shown that people take up karate for many different reasons. Interestingly, the number of people who join to learn self defense by no means represent the majority. Many people join to get in shape, some join because it's something different, and so on. Whatever your reason, those that persevere with the practice of karate invariably find it has much more to offer, both physically and mentally, more so than conventional sports and fitness programs.

Martial Arts Fact and Fiction.

Martial arts, like karate, have received considerable attention in recent years, especially through films and television. Martial artists are portrayed as being capable of astounding feats of strength, endurance and super-human athleticism which may scare some people from training. The reality of the situation is totally different. Although people like Franz Kyoshi are very talented, karate will always be within the realms of the possible, where myth has no place.

Why Study With Us?

Aiki Te Ryu Karate Kai is suitable for children, men and women and you don't have to be fit to begin, in fact many people start as a means of getting fit. All of our dojo have friendly and approachable instructors and we encourage your abilities through your training with us.

Officially licensed schools and Sensei.

There are currently three Aiki Te Ryu Karate Kai licensed dojo in the United States. The headquarters is located in Bryan, Ohio. Bushido Kan Dojo is located in Auburn, Indiana and their satellite location is in Sherwood, Oregon. All of our dojo are financed solely by the member's tuition and all the money raised goes to the upkeep of the dojo and used to benefit its members, along with improving the dojo.

The dojo are registered with the ATRKK and because of this, you can be assured that the level of instruction received will be of a very high standard. The ATRKK spend a lot of time to ensure that this is the case. All of our instructors are constantly being trained and reviewed to maintain our expected high standards.

One area of great importance to the ATRKK is the Instructors ability to pass on technical skills, ideas and concepts that will be required by the members to improve their proficiency. To help with this, courses are arranged regularly for the Sensei and are designed to improve the instructional techniques of the leaders and their understanding of the problems, which lay the path for the improvement of their members.

What are the grades or belt levels?

ATRKK, like most other styles, has a series of grades to differentiate between relative levels of ability. The belt color system we use is as below:

White: All beginners start at this level
Yellow: (8th Kyu to 6th Kyu) All students attaining basic knowledge at this level
Green: (5th Kyu) This is an intermediate level with better ability
Blue: (4th Kyu) The beginning stage of advanced training abilitiy
Brown: (3rd to 2nd Kyu) An advanced student with deeper knowledge
Deputy Black: (1st Kyu) A student being considered for black belt examination
Black (1st Dan - 8th Dan)
(The 8th Dan is the highest grade in ATRKK. We do not believe that any higher ranks are needed as it takes many years and great experience to earn the 8th Dan black belt).

Fitness

Since ATRKK emphasizes mobility, co-ordination and balance with a relaxed body condition, this particular style of Karate can be practiced by anyone regardless of age, build or sex. However during the warm-up, practice can involve relatively strenuous activity. If there is any doubt about your ability to perform such exercise then the instructor can tailor the warm-up and set of practices to suit your needs.

Am I too old?

More mature students out there commonly asked this question. They are amazed by the level of fitness and flexibility of the older members of our club and falsely believe that these people must have started practicing Karate at an early age. No! This is not the case. You are never too old to start Karate! Many of the masters of Karate trained from their 30's to their 90's and martial arts have been long known for their life prolonging abilities.

Do you enter competitions or tournaments?

ATRKK  is a traditional martial art and competitive training is not our focus. Some of our students compete on a regular basis but our system is in no way aimed at sport karate development. Our practice does involve kumite training, but at an appropriate level for a given individual's experience. If students are interested in attending sport martial art events we will offer them extra training to enhance their abilities to do well in this realm of martial arts.

How long does it take to master karate?

During the practice of Aiki Te Ryu Karate and through the use of your body, you will discover many things about yourself. At first, this will be most noticeable in your improved physical coordination, and as the initial awkwardness of the physical exercise gradually disappears, it will leave you performing effectively and smoothly, the movements required. You will then become more aware of the need to understand, not just the movement, but also the situation, the time and the application of the movement, with a view to eventually controlling any series of events in which you may find yourself.

We do not intend to suggest that this will be a short process, but with the guidance of your Instructor and the ATRKK, we hope to help you enjoy each step you take towards proficiency.

We feel that more practice is understood, the more you will want to gain new knowledge. Students should remember that limitations to progress are only created by their view of those limitations. If you train with an open mind, attend classes on a regular basis and understand that the overall attainment of knowledge is more important than the color of your belt you will gain great skill as a martial artist.