USA Karate Closed November 11

November 10, 2009

In observerance of Veteran’s Day, USA Karate is closed this Wednesday, November 11th.  Students are encouraged to attend a class that fits their schedule and their skill level to make up for the missed class.


Tournaments Schedule – 2010

November 7, 2009

These are the recommended tournaments for the students of USA Karate. Other events will be available to attend that are not on this list. If you plan to attend any of these events, please let Shihan Joni know as soon as possible. Our hope is to have a parent/athlete meeting very soon to determine a plan for the success and potential funding of our travelling amateur athletes.

Click on the link for additional tournament information:

JAN 9 Steveston International, Richmond BC
JAN 30 WSKF Qualifier, Edmonds, WA
FEB 27 Walla Walla Karate Tournament
MAR 5 Central Washington Karate Yakima, WA
APR 13 Ozawa Cup International Las Vegas, NV
TBA AAU Regional Qualifier, Edmonds, WA
TBA AAU National Qualifier, Grants Pass, OR
TBA AAU National Championships, Albany, NY
JUL 29 -31 AAU Jr. Olympic Games, Hampton Roads, VA
AUG 8 -9 TKO Shito-Ryu Nationals, Trumbull, CT


Seminar on October 23rd with Soke Del Saito

October 16, 2009

The 5:00 pm Weapons Class is postponed on October 23rd so that we can offer a special seminar with Soke Del Saito from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm at the dojo.

Download Flyer

Download Sign-up Sheet


Our Sister Dojo in Brazil Needs Gis

September 23, 2009

Many students, just like you at our sister schools in Brazil, do not have dogis (uniforms) to train in. Our dojo is now running a Uniform Donation Drive to provide these gis to those who lack them.

If you want to help, you may either bring an old gi in to the dojo to donate, or you may sponsor someone in Brazil to receive one. A donation of $20 buys a uniform for a Karate brother or sister in Mirassol. Should you choose to bring in an old gi for donation, please make sure it is clean and in wearable condition.

For further information about donating, call or email Shihan Joni.
Tel: 206.440.5533
E-mail: joniwsharrah@comcast.net

Download the Brazil Uniform Drive Poster


Fifteenth Annual Pacific NW Karate-do Classic

September 12, 2009

Greetings Sensei, Karate-ka, Friends, and Families:

It is our sincere pleasure to invite you, your students, their families and friends to participate in the 15th Annual Pacific Northwest Karate-do Classic, on Saturday, October 24, 2009, at a NEW LOCATION, Edmonds Homeschool Resource Center Gymnasium located at 23200 100th Ave W., Edmonds, WA 98020.

We are delighted to have our special guest, Del Saito Soke, President of Dento Karate-do Rengo-Kai International, and friends from Washington, Oregon, Montana, California, Connecticut, Virginia, and Canada.

For those requiring hotel accommodations, our host hotel, the Embassy Suites Seattle – North/ Lynnwood has offered the following rates; $109.00 King 124.00 double per night.

Make a reservation online or call the hotel at 425-775-2500, and tell them you are with USA Karate. Rooms must be booked by October 12, 2009 to receive the special rate which includes a hot, cooked to order breakfast and complimentary shuttle.

Through the years our event is made possible by the wonderful volunteers, and support from the many dojos near and far who share the common vision of showcasing the top karate-ka in the Northwest in a world class traditional karate event.

Come share the vision of traditional karate-do at its finest in Edmonds, Washington.

Download PNW 15th Classic Welcome Letter

Download PNW 15th Classic Flyer_Color

Download PNW 15th Classic Fact Sheet_B&W

Download PNWc FALL 09 REGISTRATION FORM

Download Team Kata form


Weapons class resumes – NEW START TIME

September 9, 2009

Members of the USA Karate Academy Black Belt Club will be glad to know that the weapons (classical kobudo),  class is slated to resume Friday, September 11, 2009 at 5:00 pm.  The kobudo class is one hour in length.  Students are expected to provide their own weapons.  If a student needs to order their own weapon, please see our office manager, Jan Beaver or Shihan Joni Sharrah.


Updated Testing Schedule for Fall 2009

September 8, 2009

Students of USA Karate Academy who have maintained their attendance through the summer months will be eligible for the next testing slated for Saturday, September 26, 2009.


12 Earns New Dan Rank at Leadership Gasshuku August 14-16, Grants Pass, Oregon

September 8, 2009

Leadership training at the Hombu Dojo in Grants Pass, Oregon set the stage for 17 USA Karate Academy members, all active participants in Saito-Ha TKO Shito-ryu karate-do, to begin their challenging 3-day dan exam.  Examinees completed a paper on topics that delved into the deeper meaning of karate-do, a mile run that began the physical evaluation of the exam. 

Soke Del Sait presided over the test, while the Shihan Kai members; Joni Sharrah,Tony Mendonca, Ceci Cheung, Dwight Grover, and Danilo Torri graded the candidates.  The examinees were tested in the area of kihons (basics), kumite (sparring), bunkai-oyo (theory of forms, and applications of self defense), team contribution, spirit, attitude, and overall character.

Twelve members of  USA Karate /TKO Seattle, WA were among the twenty graduates.  All those who passed had endured the grueling tests and finished with glee and deep pride for their accomplishment.

For Shodan-ho: Cesar Ruiz, Gyles Batara, Emily Lisanti, Annie Lisanti, and Leigh Gardner For Shodan: Abby Knapp, Marty Josund, Bria Bloom, Jon Hie and Sarah Hie For Nidan: Emily Hie and for Sandan: Kate Brehm.

Congratulations to all of you.  It is our hope that each one will continue to grow in order to be leaders that instruct the  TKO Shito-ryu system with honor and dignity.


USA Karate is Closed for Labor Day Weekend!

August 26, 2009

The dojo will be closed Saturday, September 5th and Monday, September 7 to observe Labor Day.  Regular classes will resume on Tuesday, September 8th.


College and Karate, by Sempai Kate Brehm

August 26, 2009

There becomes a time in every young grasshopper’s life when they must pursue their education. For me, that time has come. This fall I will be making the colossal jump into a college atmosphere. As such, I have pondered how karate will fit into my new life away from home.
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