The History of AKJU

In 562 B.C. a form of karate was started by Daruma Tashi and was first taught in Shorin Temple in China. The first teaching plan was the art of controlling one's heart, mind and soul as only an exercise. In later years, people named this exercise Shorin Kempo, meaning "way of the fist".
Up to this point, Shorin Kempo has been taught to Buddhist Monks only. The Chinese people took over the Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa). The Okinawan people had their own method of self-defense called Te (one's hand). King Naopashi saw that the Chinese people had some good points in their exercise in developing one's mind and body so he put the Okinawa Te and the Chinese Kempo together and formed Karate (empty hand).
During the rule of Okinawa by King Hashi and later the Satsuma Clan, all weapons were seized and possession of them was strictly forbidden. As a result the art of empty-hand self<1efense underwent a tremendous developmental phase. The art of Karate we study today has been passed down from these masters through the centuries. Modern Karate is not only a self-defense art, but, is practiced as a sport. Also, it is a physical and mental conditioner and builder of character. We try to promote the true Spirit of Karate by developing the following:

HEALTH- Physical Development
CHARACTER-Mental Development
SKILL- Proficiency in Contest
RESPECT-Courtesy to Others
HUMILIY- Never Lose Sight of Your Shortcomings

The first Ko Sutemi Dojo was formed in 1959 and since that year the number of schools has grown to exceed 200 with a membership of over 8000. Our Grandmaster's name is Donald R. Madden, and he holds the rank of Ninth degree black belt, and resides in Chillicothe, OH, where our main dojo is located. Madden began his training in the Martial Arts in 1942 when his father began teaching him Ju Jitsu. From these roots evolved one of the largest karate organizations in the United States, Ko Sutemi Seiei Kan. For more info on Mr. Madden, click HERE.

Benefits of Ko Sutemi Seiei Kan

Ko Sutemi means: small sacrifice, success by all means, positive thinking.
Seiei means: crack troop, the pick o fthe best.
Kan means: intuition, perception.

Ko Sutemi Seiei Kan is a liberal organization whch accepts all styles and the present rank of other styles.
Ki Sutemi Seie Kan is basically a Japanese and Chines style, but also incldues Koreann and Okinawan styles.
As a member of Ko Sutemi Seiei Kan you will be taught empty hand kata and weapon kata.
As a member of Ko Sutemi Seiei Kan you will be taught kumite- fighting techniques that have won Ko Sutemi Seiei Kan respect and notability the world over.
All students are trained in the art of self control and respect
The seccret art of Ko Kyu Ho (mind and breath power) and Siamese Karate will be available to you.
As a member, you are entitled to a higher rank through promotion.
You must be a person who is willing to learn the art of Ko Sutemi Seiei Kan.
Undesirable persons will not be accepted, and a student can be told to leave if found undesirable.

The Etiquette of Karate

The following customs and regulations have been handed down from master to master and will be adhered to in training.

1. The student will address any Black Belt as Sensei. The student will give due respect to anyone designated to teach, regardless of rank, by addressing that person formally (i.e., Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., etc.).
2. When entering the karate area for the first time in the day the student will always direct a bow to the senior instructor in the room.
3. When leaving and coming on to the workout area, the student will always bow on and off the mat.
4. The wearing of jewelry is forbidden, except with the instructor's permission. The wearing of head bands of any type is forbidden.
5. Fingernails and toenails will be kept trimmed and neat.
6. The student will keep his uniform in good repair and clean. Only students with the rank of Shodan or above will be permitted to wear other than traditional white uniforms and with the Senior Instructor's Permission Only.
7. Only approved organization patches and designs may be worn on the uniform.
8. Permission must be granted by a Black Belt or the senior belt rank in charge of the group (adult) before a student leaves the workout area.
9. No horseplay or unsupervised sparring will be permitted.
10. No gum chewing in class.
11. No shoes will be worn on the workout area.
12. The first time a Senior Black Belt enters the workout area, the instructor in charge will halt class and instruct the students to turn and face the senior black belt and bow.
13. Karate is an art of respect. It will not be permitted to use your knowledge in any disrespectful manner or you will face a reprimand or termination of membership.