Under the leadership of Shihan Kousaku Yokota, the ASAI organization was developed from a collaboration of senior karateka.
Many years ago when Shihan Yokota looked upon the karate world it was evident to him that Asai-ryu was not being advanced or taught in a manner consistent with Master Tetsuhiko Asai’s vision. He felt that if he did not take the important step of developing an organizational entity, there would be no way to codify, uphold, and structure the important lessons that had been left to us by Master Asai.
The mission statement of ASAI
The purpose and mission of Asai Shotokan Association International (ASAI) is to expand traditional karatedō and to further understand and develop true bujutsu (applied) as seen through functional karate. Our karate is based on the Funakoshi/Nakayama JKA (Japan Karate Association) style, with the extension of Asai-ryu karate. Asai-ryu combines the long distance fighting methods of Shotokan with the short distance fighting methods of White Crane Kung Fu. We believe that this is the next generation of bujutsu and budo karate.
ASAI Today
ASAI has dojos in over 200 locations around the world.
There are 9 kyu ranks in ASAI. Beginners start with the 9th kyu. Following these ranks, the dan ranks (known as black belt ranks) begin. Belt color identifies the rank. Kata, kumite and kihon make up the examination requirements.
