Why choose the A.I.K.A.?

The A.I.K.A. has proven itself through its students. We could write a book of the accomplishments of Kancho Almeida, from national titles to six on one street fights, from the “barkless tree”, to the many other instructors of other schools that look to him for guidance and most importantly to his wonderful loving and supporting family; but, this shouldn’t mean anything to you. What really counts to you is what his students have accomplished.

Almeida’s students have proven themselves the world over. Several of them have won national titles and some have placed internationally. They have consistently produced New England I.P.P.O.N.E. Champions, USANKF and USAKF National Champions, and AAU Junior Olympic Champions in fighting, kata and weapons. His students have proven themselves by accomplishments and cross training in other arts. They quickly adapted to kickboxing several years ago when amateur kickboxing was legalized in Massachusetts and dominated over students that exclusively trained in kickboxing. They have held their own training with world class Aikido, Judo and Jujitsu competitors. Most importantly A.I.K.A. members become a family, always there to support one another.

A.I.K.A. offers full spectrum training, we are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the many arts and add the best of techniques to our arsenal.

A.I.K.A. offers qualified rank. Our ranks can be tracked directly back to the most renown masters of Okinawa, Hanshi Fusei Kise and Hanshi Seiji Aikimine. Our ranks are earned not given.

Some of our members have failed exams or been held back from testing. This should not be a discouragement but an encouragement; if everyone earned an “A” on every test in high school how would colleges determine the qualifications of a student? Were they all really that good or were the tests too easy? When you earn the rank of 1st degree black belt (Shodan), it should mean something more than just passing a test.

The A.I.K.A. is a low profit organization. It’s done for the love of the art. The rates charged at our schools are competitively low. Most of the schools will offer family rates or special rates to college students. The A.I.K.A. has always and will always be about teaching karate.

Almeida’s Shotokan Karate School
Howland Place
304 Bolton St, Suite 107A
New Bedford, MA 02744

Borges Martial Arts
122 West St
Gardner, MA 01440

Boston North Martial Arts
350 Andover St
Danvers, MA 01923

Doshi-Kai
138 Main St (Route 27)
Acton, MA 01720

Gorin Dojo Shotokan Karate
217 State Rd E
Westminster, MA 01473

Sterling Martial Arts
15 Industrial Dr
Sterling, MA 01564

Tampa School of Karate
3306 S. West Shore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629

UMass Dartmouth Shotokan Karate Club
UMass Fitness Center
285 Old Westport Rd
Dartmouth, MA 02747

Martial Arts Club of Ribeira Grande, Azores Portugal
Clube de Artes Marciais da Ribeira Grande
Complexo Desportivo
R. dos Condes da R. Grande 36
Ribeira Grande, Portugal