We at the A.K.K.F. are on an endless quest for Martial Arts excellence. We will strive to enhance our service to our members and we promise to:
Ever since the late 1950s and early 1960s, American soldiers, sailors, marines, and air force members have come back to the States after being stationed in the Far East. Many of these exceptional military personnel were trained in the Martial Arts and obtained a Black Belt. These soldiers were some of the first to bring the Martial Arts back to the United States. Once back in the States, the question was: Now what? Where do I train now? How do I continue this Art that so few have mastered, especially here in the United States?
In the late 1950s and 1960s there were less than 100 studios in the United States, making it extremely difficult for returning Military personnel to train. There were no magazines, no television shows, no movies, and only a handful of self-defense books by Bruce Tegner.
Many of these gifted military personnel just gave up and never continued. However, some of them continued to train in private. Learning, growing and continuing to further their knowledge in the arts. Chief among them was Louis. D. Casamassa. During this time in the military, he became infatuated with the arts and earned his first (of many) Black Belts in Japan at the Kodokan under the direction of Resei Kano (the son of the founder of Judo). He went on to receive Black Belt certifications in over 10 different styles of martial arts. Upon his return to the states, he became a police officer and helped train his fellow officers. Eventually, he started teaching in YMCA’s, Boy’s Clubs, high schools, colleges, bowling alleys, local parks, and yes, even in local bars at night after closing hours.
Enter American Karate and American Kung-Fu.
This is almost an oxymoron, however, the truth is that because of the American ingenuity and the freedom of expression, over 75% of these Martial Artists started incorporating techniques from other styles and systems. This concept spread like wildfire. Although many claimed they were traditional to the style they were taught, this was not the truth.
Certain styles which did not have weapons had them incorporated. Styles without a back-fist or spinning techniques had them incorporated. Shotokan and Okinawan Karate became American Karate. Kenpo became American Kenpo. Shorin style Kung-Fun became American Kung-Fun. Yes, it took more than 40 years, but the fact-of-the-matter is that traditional Martial Arts are now American Martial Arts, and we are very proud of this.
AKKF
Code of Conduct
The A.K.K.F. Code has 10 components. Their values will guide you and develop a warrior’s ethic in your training and your life. The components are:
Our Mission
The A.K.K.F.’s primary mission is to certify all ranks under one international umbrella. Next, we believe all Martial Arts should be united. As Americans, we are proud of the accomplishments of American Martial Arts. We believe that, in the history of the Martial Arts, no culture better embraces the Arts than Americans. We are thankful for the Orient for giving us the Arts and with that gift we have developed and progressed the Arts to an unprecedented level.
Our Symbol
The A.K.K.F. / American Karate Kung-Fu Federation’s emblem: What does it stand for? The emblem of the American Karate Kung-Fu Federation is a well thought out collection of timeless, natural and historical symbols. The emblem draws upon and borrows from the ancient wisdom of the past leaders of long enduring civilizations who assigned meaning to each figure.
The purpose of the emblem is to serve as a standard. It is to be regarded as a model to provide focus, guidance and direction for those in the A.K.K.F. FOLD TO PURSUE AND ACHIEVE. The triangle mirrors the shape of the ancient pyramids and is a miniature representation of the universe.
The three colors permeating the core of the triangle are reflective of specific positive character traits that are derived from and have the same meaning as the Star Spangled Banner. White intimates purity and innocence, red implies hardiness and valor, and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.
The bald or white Spread Eagle represents a combination of the power of the ancient Sumerians, Assyrians and Romans and the strength and courage of the American people as represented by the great seal of the United States of America.
The three gold stars, located at the far corners of the triangle, denote the spiritual, mental and physical aspects of each individual. The message is clear. It is a call and appeal to individuals throughout the universe to apply and use their spiritual, mental and physical power, strength and courage in pursuit of the concepts and ideals contained in the Code of Bushido and the Star Spangled Banner.
The goal of each of our members, proudly wearing this emblem, is to inform others of who we are and for what we stand for.
Founders
Chris Casamassa
CEO
Mike Jablonski
President
- Instill the values of respect, discipline, confidence, and self-reliance to all our members
- Provide an atmosphere of unity that extends out to the family and your community.
- Provide a service for our members above and beyond their expectactions.
- Offer support online or in person
- Build and enhance the AKKF as a true Martial Arts federation
- To develop a meaningful relationship w/all our members, to assist them in their endeavors of the martial arts advancement.
- To encourage the exchange of Martial Arts ideas and styles, and to discourage conflicts in the different styles and systems of Karate and Kung-Fu.
- To uphold our standars and keep everything in conformity with our policy of national unity.
- To uphold our stand of Brotherhood and make available all A.K.K.F leaders for advice in related Martial Arts matters.