The style of martial arts taught in this class is named Yoshukai Karate. It is a Japanese style of karate. Literally translated, Yoshukai means "training hall of continued excellence". We simply state our motto as "Strive for Excellence". In Japan, our style of karate is known as "the Actual Fighting Karate" since our Grandmaster pioneered the art of Full Contact Karate sparring.
The World Yoshukai Karate Kobudo Organization is the only Yoshukai group sanctioned by the founder of Yoshukai Karate, Grandmaster Katsuoh Yamamoto. There are many Yoshukai organizations, groups, and schools, but only schools within the WYKKO are recognized by Grandmaster Yamamoto as legitimate outlets for his teachings. The co-directors, Shihan Hiroaki Toyama (8th deg.) and Shihan Mike Culbreth (7th deg.), oversee all aspects of Yoshukai training in the United States. This helps preserve the integrity of the style and uniformity within its members. Membership in the WYKKO is required for students to advance beyond the rank of 10th kyu. Members also receive packets that include a membership cards, an organizational patch, a 10th kyu certificate, and various other items. Members will also be added to the WYKKO mailing list and will receive a quarterly newsletter as well as invitations to various WYKKO tournaments and events. As a member of the WYKKO, you will be allowed to train at any WYKKO official dojo (for a short time) free of charge.
