August 2025 marked 20 years of Tallahassee Karate club at North Florida School of Aikido.
This is a monumental accomplishment! We have been training together for 20 years! That’s very hard to believe. We started out with a very small class. We had times where up to 15 people were training at a time. But, time moves on people get older they quit due to physical reasons, job reasons, relocation reasons and many other reasons.
I think the first class may have had one person. Now, 20 years later, most Trainings only have one or two people.
In that 20 years, I’ve promoted less than 10 people to Shodan rank.
Being a Sandan, myself, I have only ever promoted one person to Nidan, as a matter of respect for a Dear student who had passed unexpectedly, In a tragic accident.
I never really wanted to have a commercial school or I would have pursued higher rank in an organization. Instead, I chose to teach a few dedicated students who were really just interested In the training, more than they were achievement of rank.
I have truly cherished these last 20 years of teaching at this location, but as they say all good things must come to an end.
September 2025 will be our last month of training at the dojo.
I would still like to continue teaching and training, but probably on a very small scale and in a more private and flexible environment.
Thanks to everyone who has come along with me on this amazing ride of Kishaba Juku Karate, Yamane Ryu Bojutsu, and Kobudo. You all have been the reason we’ve kept it going so long!
Also, thanks to our hosts at North Florida Aikido who have provided us with an excellent venue for our training.
It is my sincere hope that everyone enjoyed the journey and will continue training in Karate for many years into the future! I know you all made a huge impact on my life.
Thank you!
Bill Lucas
Head Instructor, Tallahassee Karate Club
