About HDKI USA

All Kyu examinations are the sole responsibility of the national group. Whilst each country may have unique national requirements to fulfil, the HDKI strongly recommend the use of the official HDKI grading syllabus, so seamless transition to the HDKI Dan examinations can be facilitated. Groups are free to regulate Kyu examinations as they see fit, however, a process of examiner qualification is recommended that fits in with the overall HDKI Examiner Qualification process.
All Dan examinations are regulated and processed by the HDKI Headquarters. Any instructor who is fourth Dan or above may qualify as a HDKI Dan Examiner. It is expected that all Dan examinations take place on special, pre-assigned Dan Exam seminars, ensuring the graduation process is befitting to the occasion. An exam panel is encouraged whereby a number of senior instructors are invited to give feedback on candidates. These seniors may or may not be Dan Examiners as the officially qualified examiner has the final say.

D Rank                 This allows individuals to grade up to 1^st kyu and is governed by the national body.

C Rank                  Suitable candidates (at least 4^th Dan) must present a research paper on aspects of the Shodan Syllabus. Successful candidates will be allowed to grade up to 1^st Dan.

B Rank                  Suitable candidates (at least 5^th Dan) must present four research papers on topics determined by the Chief Technical Director. Successful candidates will be allowed to grade up to 2^nd Dan.

A Rank                 Suitable candidate (at least 6^th Dan) must spend an extended period (at least one month) at the HDKI Headquarters participating in Instructors’ Training. Research papers must also be written. Successful candidates will be allowed to grade up to 3^rd Dan.

A+ Rank               Certain individuals who have shown a deep understanding of and commitment to the HDKI will be awarded A+ Rank which will allow them to grade beyond 3^rd Dan.

Member dojo of HDKI USA are free to invite instructors, regardless of style or affiliation, to their dojo. Where possible, we encourage dojo heads to share information regarding seminars and allow students to avail of training and courses. Each year, in collaboration with HDKI Canada and HDKI Mexico, we run a summer camp, where senior HDKI instructors lead the gasshuku. As well as this, HDKI USA hold regular seminars with Scott Langley and other visiting instructors throughout the USA.

The HDKI has a number of international events that HDKI USA members can attend. Twice yearly, there are week-long, intensive training camps at the headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. They are free to attend. There is also the HDKI International cup once every two years as well as an organized trip to Japan with Scott Langley, every 18 months.

Any group wishing to join the HDKI should contact a committee member directly. They should provide a brief resume of their senior instructors and at the same time address any queries they may have. They should inform the Executive Committee how they wish the community to support them and investigate how they can develop within the community.   All new members will have a probationary period of one year where both the Committee and the new members can adjust and develop to the organization’s growth.

If, after a year, the affiliation is not mutually beneficial, the Chief Technical Director can terminate membership. However, once affiliates have passed the probationary period, all disagreements must be rectified privately by the Executive Committee.  Affiliated members can only be expelled with a two-third majority of the Executive Committee. In cases no majority is reached, the Chief Technical Director of HDKI will act as the tiebreaker.

Individual membership is possible, but only through an existing HDKI affiliated dojo. Please contact dojos directly.

Shotokan Karate and Human Performance

Chief Instructors: Lauren and Jeremiah Hart

106 Jumper Drive North,
Bushnell, FL 33513

Phone: (352) 608-8877

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https://shotokankarateandhumanperformance.com

HDKI USA – Tennessee Technical Director Denise Bradley

Shotokan Karate Fitness – Chief Instructor Denise Bradley
1805 South Bell Ave. Paris, TN 38242
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/shotokankaratefitness/
Phone: 731-336-8379 Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Nashville Shotokan Karate Club – Chief Instructor Nataliya Pidkovka, PhD
3967 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37211
Phone: 615-566-7178
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Website: https://nashvilleshotokankarate.club/

HDKI USA – Ohio Technical Director Jane Curry

HDKI OHIO

Oxford, Ohio 45056, United States
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513-510-9656

HDKI USA – Vazrik Chiloyan Massachusetts Technical Director

Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Phone: 857-334-3456

Location – Boston area universities

CAPE ANN SHOTOKAN CLUB - Chief Instructor Matt Natti
Phone: 978-879-6984
123 Park Street, Beverly MA

HDKI USA – California Affiliated

Wayne Cottle

at 6920 Miramar Road Suite 105, San Diego, CA