Keith Kirk (leader) began his martial arts training in 1974. In Kenpo Karate where he achieved the rank of third degree black belt. Keith opened his first karate club at Hendrix College in 1980. After college he and Carla joined the PaSaRyu Organization, headquartered in Memphis TN. They opened their first commercial dojo in 1986 and ran it until the Middle 90’s. From the mid 1990’s Keith led instructor development for the PaSaRyu organization, where he was awarded a sixth degree black belt. In 2007 Keith and his family joined Shotokan Karate of America.  Keith was an instructor and the dojo manager at the Memphis Shotokan dojo since 2007. He is currently a third degree black belt in SKA. Keith and Carla now live in Florida and they are excited to open their own dojo to serve the Tampa area.  

Carla Kirk began her martial arts journey as a College student in 1979, Isshinryu Karate. She transferred to Hendrix College and began training with me in1980. Carla achieved the rank of second degree black Belt in Kenpo Karate. In the Middle 80’s Carla joined the PaSaRyu Organization where she achieved the rank of fourth Degree Black Belt. Carla has been a member of Shotokan Karate of America since 2007. Carla founded and ran the Arkansas Karate circuit for a decade. 

Rachel Kirk: Started her training at a very young age four. It’s hard with your mom and dad taking you to practice every week. She is now a second degree black belt in Shotokan. 

We have been fortunate to  travel and train together as a family  for most of our lives. We love what we do and we are excited for the opportunity to pass on to the community the rich history of traditional Martial Arts.