ATAMA

Several members selected annual membership, but have not sent any dues since initial registration. PayPal to [email protected].

Annual membership dues are now due at the first of the year, January 1. Thank you for your support!

To all ATAMA members with annual membership.
I have gone the past couple of years without reaching out to anyone for annual dues, even though some have been faithful and paid without my asking. Annual membership fees are due on January 1st, 2026. Of course, fees can be paid prior to that date. The amount remains unchanged for the upcoming year, at $50 to renew membership. Again, this is for those with annual membership only.

Preferred payment method is PayPal. So please send membership fees to [email protected]
Credit card information can also be sent, which should include the card number, expiration date, CVV numbers on the back, and billing zip code.

Thank you for supporting the American Teachers Association of the Martial Arts.

Please join me in welcoming Ken Lyons, Kyoshi to ATAMA! Kyoshi Lyons is a 40 year-7th Dan practitioner of Kobayashi-Ryu Shorin-Ryu. He lives in Rhode Island and now becomes ATAMA's official representation in the state of Rhode Island.
ATAMA's growth is not fast and with people lining up to join. We have a vetting process that ensures that ATAMA members are the real deal and meet the standards set forth by the ATAMA founders. Kyoshi Lyons' faithfulness and dedication to Karate-Do has been verified and his membership increases the integrity of our beloved organization.
Kyoshi Ken Lyons, welcome to ATAMA and thank you for joining us!
https://www.facebook.com/ken.lyons.16

One never knows. It could be any one of us who ends up needing some help.

Help us raise $5,000! — Support James Parrish Please help Support James Parrish! We need help raising money towards Our 66-year-old martial arts instructor James Parrish who has spent 42 years teaching, mentoring, and uplifting this community. He's facing cancer and needs our support with medical expenses. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Happy Birthday to ATAMA member Gerald Beardsley of Estalilla Kabaroan Eskrima (July 17th).

Please welcome to WOSKKA/ATAMA, Abe Cerezo, Kyoshi of Cerezo's Martial Arts in Sacramento, California. Cerezo Kyoshi is an 8th Dan, 50 year practitioner of Sh*to-Ryu Karate and has trained under the late Tola Lewis, Sensei and the late Fumio Demura, Hanshi. Cerezo Kyoshi has been attending WOSKKA/ATAMA Gassukus and has shared his knowledge and experience with the group. The WOSKKA/ATAMA family is pleased to have Cerezo Kyoshi join our organizations. Abe Cerezo Kyoshi, welcome to WOSKKA/ATAMA and thank you for joining us!

Happy Birthday to the ATAMA Kajukenbo Chief Examiner, GM Jimmy Willis of Fresno, California!

Happy Easter to the WOSKKA/ATAMA leadership and members abroad. God bless you all and enjoy a very special day.

Please welcome to ATAMA Brandon Fisher, Hanshi of the great state of Ohio! Fisher Hanshi owns and operates the Okinawa Karatedo Seijitsu Shin Do Kan Kyokai Dojo in Twinsburg, Ohio, a Shorin-Ryu Dojo and is a 40 year veteran of Okinawan Karate. Fisher Hanshi is also well known for his work in Kobudo and he adds to the integrity of our organizations. As many others have done, Fisher Hanshi will also add to the growing number of Dojo Directors in WOSKKA (World Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo Association).
Brandon Fisher, Hanshi welcome to ATAMA!

Still belief this is valid.

How many 10th dans are there that have no school, no students and no lineage?

I believe no one should hold a rank of leadership that doesn't lead!

I think it is silly to see all these people who nobody has even seen do one simple martial art related thing, but hold a high rank. They are possers wearing a belt.

Does anyone believe it's easy to teach classes each and every week? Does anyone believe that doing extensive kata, kumite, bunkai, tuite', makiwara, conditioning and isometric breathing is being done for glory and photo ops?

There are those who work their tail off trying to be worthy of leadership. They do it for the students who depend on them to lead them on the path of those who left it.

I see a lot of "bloat" and swollen headed wannabes parading around with their self anointed glory and purchased symbols of success.

They have not spilt blood or sweat, they have no students to testify on their behalf.

I have always told my students to not give me any respect that I haven't earned and question me, if there is any confusion about the principles and use of the martial art that I teach.

The art was passed on to me by those who walked the path before me. I have not founded a style, created a style, or mixed up a few things to call it something new for the purpose of self elevation.

Teaching is the biggest burden one can have and it is also the most rewarding. You must give up to give out!

Teachers of all subjects have to share so much of themselves that they give up many of the freedoms others take for granted. Remember to talk the talk, you must walk the walk. A real teacher is an example and must always be! IMHO