The Academy of Traditional Karate teaches the classical Okinawan Style of Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu. ATK offers a variety of programs for all ages with a focus on personal development, better health, stress reduction, and self-defense.

Classes are generally one hour, and are run in a traditional fashion. Students wear a white "gi" (karate uniform) and will learn about Japanese culture and some Japanese terms. Classes focus on the three areas of classical karate-do: kihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) along with a strong character development program..

ATK’s World-class Curriculum

• Trial Program, includes a free gi (uniform)
• Little Dragons, for children 3 to 4 years old
• Little Samurai, for children 4 to 7 years old
• Karate Kids, for kids 7 to 12 years old
• Teens, for teens 13 to 16 years old
• Adults, for those 17 years and older
• Doshi Kai, for students on their way to earning their Black Belt

Class Schedule | Rank Requirements

Karate is good, clean fun for kids and adults and a great way to burn off extra energy.

We believe strongly in the value of our program for all ages, but especially for the young, who gain so much benefit from karate for the rest of their lives. Please inquire about our Trial Lesson Specials. The first lesson is a private lesson, which includes a tour of the Academy, and a class that will show you and/or your child how to perform some basic karate techniques, as well as explaining the emphasis of our programs, mentioned above.

Intermediate students (gold belt and above) are eligible for Doshi Kai classes and (purple belt and above) are eligible to begin instruction in kobudo (classic Okinawan weapons).

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Karate is Great for Adults

Our typical adult student joins to get in shape. We have a special “Over 30” program that works around any pre-existing conditions to get you going. Karate increases motivation, relieves stress, tones your body and increases productivity.

We have specialized classes for the following ages.

Karate is great for kids

The Academy will help give your child an “edge in life” by teaching them leadership skills, how to defend themselves, including how to handle a bully, improve their conditioning, and help them become self-disciplined and respectful.

Look at it this way. Your child’s first and biggest challenge comes not from “fighting for his rights on the street,” or “beating up the neighborhood bully.” It comes, instead, from battling more sinister forces. Your child’s own fears and self doubts:

“I’m not as smart as John.”

“I don’t get what my teacher is saying.”

“I wish I was as [strong, pretty, tall] as Sally.”

“Why does Jim keep giving me a bad time?”

“Why can’t I be as popular as Jill?”

Question is, how do you get your child to fight these demons? You know the problem.Your child has a tough time even telling you she’s haunted by them. Never mind how they might conquer them.

Well, the good news is, we have a proven solution. A program that has already worked for thousands of children in the Wilmington/Reading area.   A series of lessons your child can learn easier than you think.

Martial arts are less about your child learning to fight others, and more about fighting. . . themself. Their innermost fears. Conquer them, and your child unleashes within themselfa powerful, unstoppable force.

A force that gives them the strength to kick down the doors of his own self doubts. A force that opens your child to the exalting power of values.

In other words, when your child uses the discipline of karate to conquer his fears, they have the power to transfer that discipline to all other areas of his life.  We  know of noother sport that does this better than karate. (We should know.  We’ve been teaching it for over 17 years.)But don’t take our word for it. . .

“We could tell the teachers were interested in our boys right from the ‘get go.’ There’s  nurturing that goes on between student and teacher. Maybe that’s why they are so successful teaching both martial arts and values".

Terry and Jim Mckeon, Woburn, MA, parents of 2 boys

     “When I first stepped into this dojo five years ago, I didn’t know that karate would change my life. I didn’t even plan to start training - I was here to sign up my then six year old son. After six months of peering through doorways and windows, I said to myself, “I think I could do this.” Now, Karate influences countless aspects of my daily life. I can look at someone who has invaded my personal space without fear - and feel confident. I can grab things in midair that have fallen from my kitchen counter or a shelf - and feel quick and graceful and shake my head in wonder. I can hear my daughter tell her friends that “my mom is a ...black belt in karate” - I feel pride. I can open a jar lid, carry grocery bags, shovel snow, or run up stairs tow at a time - and feel strength..”

      Julee Sheehy, Black Belt from Reading, Adult Student & Mother of 3 young children, and mother of a Student,  and Lawyer

     “I brought Aaron consistently 2-3 times per week. I sat in the lobby watching him during that hour and talking to the other parents. When my son’s class was done, I always noticed the adults getting out of their class at the same time. They were sweaty, but always smiling. After a year of watching, waiting, chatting, and noticing my weight increase beyond comfortable proportions, I decided to give Karate a try for myself. I don’t remember much from my first class, but after that first class I was hooked.”

Glenn Misiph, Black Belt from Wilmington, Small Businessman and father of 2 students at the Academy

     “As a parent I find my training to be a way to teach my kids commitment, goal setting, the importance of staying in shape and how to work hard while actually having fun. This country would be so much better off if we could just teach all the kids how successful you can be by working hard and settinggoals.“

     Michael Millette, Adult Black Belt from Woburn, Works in the Financial Sector

     “Karate has done many things for me, it’s taught me self-discipline, respect, perseverance, goal setting, control, and confidence. One of the biggest things that I’ve gotten from karate is discipline. I wasn’t really the best child before I started karate, I didn’t always do what I was told. Now, after learning disciplinefrom karate I get my chores done and I do something without even being told. “ 

Cam Sylvester, Black Belt from Wilmington, Started at Age 11 in 2001

Now, you may be asking, how does all this “values” stuff work? And why does karate manage to do a better job teaching it?

Again, more than any other sport, karate gives your child the chance to explore them innate powers. They’ll marvel (as you will) as they increase in strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and harmony. Yet, this is only the start

In fact, their physical skills act as a foundation for something much more important: thedevelopment of their value skills, mental and spiritual. And not cut off from them physical skills, but intimately connected—even bonded—to them.

Like this:

COURAGE.

Your child finds the courage to move outside of their comfort zone. They will take on more difficult karate moves and skills.  They become no longer afraid of being afraid. As they do so, they learn that whatever they sow, so they reap. They learn to blame noone but themself. They suddenly sees his life as a constant, never-ending journey of life-giving improvement.

In short, with a deep breath, they refuse to become a victim of fate.  They put an arm lock on his own destiny.

STAYING POWER.

Your child finds joy in improving their physical stamina.  They can walk farther, run longer, and practice skills until they get them right.  They learn not to give up.  They stick things out. With the help of their
 teachers, they strive harder, longer to reach their goals. Even if they fail, they preserve their self-respect. They won’t let their self doubts get in the way of finding
 an ultimate solution.

HONESTY.

This results is a keener focus. They learn to make eye contact with his teacher (and not just in karate). They pay greater attention to what each teacher says. They know and  accept where they stand.These are just three of the powerful, energizing values your child will get from the our  program. In short, you can look forward to your child developing. . .

POWERFUL SELF CONTROL

They’ll refuse to give in to negative peer pressure. They’ll have a deeper respect for rules.

IMPROVED FOCUS.  

They’ll learn what’s needed, along with the skill to “zero in” 
on critical tasks at hand. Normal, yet time-wasting, childhood distractions 
won’t get in their way

TOWERING ROLE MODELS AS TEACHERS.

As you might guess, all of this couldn’t have happened unless I had the very best of teachers. To make sure we have the very best, each of them started as white-belt beginners, right here in our school.   Check out our internationally certified instructors.

They’ll learn what’s needed, along with the skill to “zero in" on critical tasks at hand. Normal, yet time-wasting, childhood distraction won’t get in their way

Now, we still know what you’re thinking: “How can I know for sure this program will work for my child? Will learning to ‘kick, block, and punch’ really work for them?”     We ’ve made it very easy for you to find out. .

1 Week Trial membership for $19.95

Here’s how it works: Watch with your own eyes as your child gets coached by a top karate teacher . . .

Class One.

Your child begins by learning the profound influence of the martial arts “bow.” Then watch them as they:

• Warm to the idea of emotional respect, both for themself and others.
• Gain power from the learning “how to have a positive attitude.”
• Connect with the “Three Skills of Listening.”
• Then glow as you hear them recite the first principle of the Student Creed: “I am positive.”

Class Two.

Watch as your child:

• Gains super confidence and learns the value of self-discipline.
• Makes new friends.

Believe us.  Just with these two short lessons, your child will be on their way to increasede self-confidence. Not just in how they feel. They’ll actually end up with real “life skills.” Skills that they can put to powerful use right now, today.

All while enjoying the fun and excitement of an upbeat martial arts program.  You have absolutely no risk.

To schedule the first of your child’s trial classes, simply call our toll free number (800) 698-2077, (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and receive a FREE KARATE UNIFORM. (A $45.00 value.) 

BUT BE WARNED. Remember, we're inviting you to check out one of the most successful martial arts school in the country! Due to increasing class demand, we have limited time slots.

Sincerely,

Shihan Todd J Keane and Shidoshi Kristen Keane

Academy of Traditonal Karate

P.S. All this talk of values may have mislead you. Be assured, we do teach karate as everyone likes to think of it. Your child will end up knowing how to protect themself. They’ll know how to avoid danger, how to use conflict resolution techniques—but without once throwing a kick, block, or punch!

Please read our Student Creed:

I am positive!

I avoid drugs and other harmful things!

I am disciplined!

I respect myself and others!

I only use Karate to protect myself!

Do you agree with the principles of the Student Creed?

Yes      No    

If the answer is yes and you want to register for your Trial Membership, please click below to link to the contact form below.

What do the experts say?

Here's a recent evaluation by an independent consultant for the Martial Arts Industry Association

Mr. and Mrs. Keane,

I wanted to thank you for your hospitality when I visited The Academy the first week of January. As you know, I travel around the country conducting school evaluations, talks to children at Elementary schools and seminars. I felt compelled to write and tell you about some of the things that were so impressive about The Academy. First, the school looks magnificent! It was as if I had stepped off of the plane and into Japan when I walked into the doors. Wow! This is what a karate school should look like. The atmosphere helps get students in the correct frame of mind to train and adds to the overall experience.

I began training in Martial Arts at the age of 5. I've been training for over 30 years now. When I was a kid, this is the karate school I dreamed of taking classes at but we didn't have one like this in Georgia. The next thing that struck me was the Team. All of the members of your Team were extremely professional. Everyone knew what to do and when to do it. I saw true systems in place that instructors and students were using for communication.

Most martial arts schools say that they teach life skills such as confidence, focus and self-discipline. What ends up happening is the students that stick around had these traits to begin with. Instead, your instructors used class plans, notebooks for students, matt chats and instructor training to actually make sure that each student is truly being taught the current life skills.

I personally met at least fifteen members of your instructor's team. Classes were broken down into groups so that a great student teacher ratio was maintained. In our industry, the average student teacher ratio is 20 students to 1 instructor. At The Academy, the ratio is 10 to 1. This is unbelievable! I hope the students and parents appreciate the extra instructors you have on the floor. I've seen big schools before but the quality of martial arts being displayed by your students is far superior. Holding true to your quality of martial arts and great student teacher ratio will allow The Academy to continue growing in the future.

Every bit of success at the school has filtered from the top down. I've met a lot of martial artists in my 30 years of training. Some are true martial artists, others are fake and then there are the ones just trying to make money. I saw people at the Academy that truly walk the talk. Yes, that is you, Mr. & Mrs. Keane, Shihan and Shidoshi. Both of you still train as martial artists and teach classes. In the South, we'd say "you are good people." The saying goes, "People don't care what you know until they know that you care." Well, I can sum up your success in four short words: You really do care.  Have a great day!

Again, thanks for your hospitality. Talk to you next week. I look forward to seeing you the Team at the Instructor College in March.  

Dedicated to your success,  

Keith Scott MAIA

Consultant

5th Degree Black Belt

B.B.A.