American Karate Academies National Association (AKANA)

What is AKANA? 

American Karate Academies National Association was founded by Hanshi Jerry Piddington. Shinzo Kaizen Dojos are a chartered lifetime member of AKANA, along with karate academies across the United States. 

AKANA endorses all Beikoku Tamashii Shorin Ryu Karatedo and Kobudo certifications.  

Mudanasha Kyu Rank Certification (below Black Belt)  

Yudanasha Dan Rank Certification (Black Belt) 

Honored Title Certification (Tasshi, Renshi, Kyoshi, Hanshi) 

Teaching Credential Title Certification (Sensei, Shihan) 

Proclamation of Style Certification (Heads of System)

 Why join AKANA?  

Students are required to join this organization to receive rank certification endorsed by Hanshi Piddington.  When a student joins AKANA or renews their AKANA membership, they receive an AKANA patch and AKANA membership certificate.  Members are also eligible to test in an annual AKANA Tomoe Warrior Exam and AKANA Sun & Moon Test.

The  AKANA Pledge

AKANA is committed to providing martial art schools and Karateka across the United States with an organization that secures their martial arts lineage with the pioneer of American Karate, Hanshi Jerry Piddington, founder of the first American Style of Karate, called American Open Style, under the USKA sanctified charter established by O'Sensei Robert Trias, Father of American Karate. Our goal is to provide martial art schools and individuals of any style with an opportunity to become affiliated with a martial arts organization that provides access to promotions, teaching credentials, honored titles, and proclamation of styles endorsed and signed by Grandmaster Jerry C. Piddington.    AKANA is committed to servicing its chartered schools and individual members by providing access to unique and established events, such as Tomoe Warrior, Kobudo Warrior, and Sun & Moon Tests, along with AKANA sanctioned tournaments, friendship competitions, seminars, and gatherings.  AKANA members will join a network of like-minded martial artists from the West Coast to the East Coast who proudly wear the AKANA patch representing something bigger than themselves for the greater gain of all.  We are a brotherhood of Karateka who strive to keep our art pure.  But most of all, we are devoted to maintaining and honoring our rich heritage and prolific lineage with a genuine spirit of togetherness. 

www.akana.org