Our Mission

We seek tranquility in the midst of conflict or danger, and strive to control our bodies, minds and emotions to be able to avoid conflict when possible, defend ourselves when necessary and protect others when able.

Our Motto

Discipline, Integrity, Respect.

What is American Karate-Do Shotokai (AKDS)?

Karate-Do is the Way of the Empty Hand. Shoto was a pen name for Gichin Funakoshi (O'Sensei)--the widely acknowledged father of modern karate. Kai means group. Thus Shotokai is "O'Sensei's Group" who study and teach the Way of the Empty Hand.

Mitsusuke Harada Sensei (see video below), trained personally with O'Sensei in Japan and was awarded the highest rank of 5th Dan by him. He continues to further this art as head of the KDS based in the UK. He visited America personally in 1998 and adopted American KDS as the only group in the United States practicing under his direction.