Explore the Philosophy and Goals Behind Golden Isles Yoshukai
Golden Isles Yoshukai was founded in 2013 by Sensei Lonnie Kelley. We are affiliated with the Yoshukai Karate International Association. is dedicated to preserving traditional Yoshukai Karate, fostering discipline, respect, and personal growth. Our vision is to cultivate a strong martial arts community committed to excellence and lifelong learning.
Our Experienced Instructors
Meet the dedicated martial arts professionals guiding our students to mastery.
Sensei Lonnie Kelley
Shihan/Head Instructor
Sensei Kelley has been studying the martial arts since 1993. He currently holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in Yoshukai Karate, 4th Degree Black Belt in Ching Sai Do, 1st Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and 3rd Kyu in Ryu Kyu Kobudo (Okinawan Weapons) He is also a Certified Self Defense Instructor with the American Sport and Fitness Association. Sensei Kelley has won Grand Championships at the American Tang So Do Championships, National Karate and Kung Fu Union Olympia Games, and Gainesville Challenge.
Instructor Dylan Ivery
Sempai/Assistant Instructor
Mr. Ivery has been training in Yoshukai for 10 years and currently holds a 1st degree Black Belt in Yoshukai Karate. He has competed in many tournaments placing
Brief History of Yoshukai Karate
The style of Yoshukai Karate was initially developed as a branch of the Okinawan style of Chito Ryu. Katsou Yamamoto a top student of Dr Tsuyoshi Chitose, the founder of Chito Ryu and President of the All Japan Karate Do Federation became one of the top fighters in Japan and eventually All Japan Karate Champion. Master Yamamoto took what he’d learned from his study of various martial art styles, and added his own training and fighting philosophies to create Yoshukai. The kanji symbols that represent the name “Yoshukai” translated into English mean “Training Hall of Continuous Improvement. The style is known for its rough training, tough fighting, use of weapons, and its incredible demonstrations. One of his top students was an American serviceman named Mike Foster. For several years Mr Foster lived in Japan training under both Chitose and Yamamoto eventually attaining the rank of 4th degree black belt. He returned to the United States to establish Yoshukai schools in Florida while also becoming a multi USKA Grand Nationals Champion and Florida State Champion. Yamamoto, Foster, and several other Yoshukai Black Belts traveled around the United States and even into Canada performing weapons and breaking demonstrations. Through Fosters leadership, along with the assistance of several noted Yoshukai Black Belts such as Yuki Koda, Mike Sadler, and Rayburn Nichols, Yoshukai became a worldwide organization with schools throughout North America and in several foreign countries.
Southeast Georgia Karate Championships
Golden Isles Yoshukai Dojo hosts the Southeast Georgia Karate Championships, an open style tournemant in May each year.
Events at the tournament include
Kata
Weapons
Point Sparring
Breaking
The style of Yoshukai Karate was initially developed as a branch of the Okinawan style of Chito Ryu. Katsou Yamamoto a top student of Dr Tsuyoshi Chitose, the founder of Chito Ryu and President of the All Japan Karate Do Federation became one of the top fighters in Japan and eventually All Japan Karate Champion. Master Yamamoto took what he’d learned from his study of various martial art styles, and added his own training and fighting philosophies to create Yoshukai. The kanji symbols that represent the name “Yoshukai” translated into English mean “Training Hall of Continuous Improvement. The style is known for its rough training, tough fighting, use of weapons, and its incredible demonstrations. One of his top students was an American serviceman named Mike Foster. For several years Mr Foster lived in Japan training under both Chitose and Yamamoto eventually attaining the rank of 4th degree black belt. He returned to the United States to establish Yoshukai schools in Florida while also becoming a multi USKA Grand Nationals Champion and Florida State Champion. Yamamoto, Foster, and several other Yoshukai Black Belts traveled around the United States and even into Canada performing weapons and breaking demonstrations. Through Fosters leadership, along with the assistance of several noted Yoshukai Black Belts such as Yuki Koda, Mike Sadler, and Rayburn Nichols, Yoshukai became a worldwide organization with schools throughout North America and in several foreign countries.