We wish to express our heartfelt condolences on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. In 2007, Her Majesty appointed Master Harada as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to karate (left photo). Harada Sensei’s Living Memorial is located in Newport in the United Kingdom (center and right photos). |
Our MissionWe 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 MottoDiscipline, 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 continued to further this art as head of the KDS based in the UK until his passing in February 2021. He visited America personally in 1998 and adopted American KDS as the only group in the United States practicing under his direction. |
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