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AKATO Memories
Project type
Just a collection of AKATO activites and collaborations through the years. A wonderful slice of histories.
The American Karate and Tae Kwon Do Organization (AKATO) is a prominent martial arts governing body rooted in the rugged, high-intensity "Blood and Guts" era of Texas karate. Its foundation rests on the influential legacy of Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, who introduced Taekwondo to Texas and awarded the first American black belt to Allen Steen. Steen subsequently became a pivotal figure in the development of the region's martial arts, building a vast network of schools and pioneering a style of training renowned for its grit and effectiveness.
The organization was officially established by Keith D. Yates, a dedicated protégé of Allen Steen. Initially founded in 1976 as the Southwest Tae Kwon Do Association, the group evolved and rebranded as the AKATO in 1996 to better reflect a more diverse and inclusive scope of practice. Today, the AKATO serves as a professional association for various instructors and systems, honoring its deep Texas martial arts roots while maintaining a commitment to high-quality training and the mentorship legacy left by its late advisor, Allen Steen.
Here contains the following:
Pictures, Histories, Tournaments, Fond memories, etc.
