American Taido Association
American Taido is the official US representative of the World Taido Federation, founded in 2015, after more than a decade without US participation in International Taido events. We became a full member of the WTF in 2019 and offer official rankings and participation in international seminars and championships.
American Taido Main Dojo: Kaikudo Martial Arts Academy – Dunwoody, GA
- Website
- Phone: (404) 334-9558
- Email: [email protected]
Head Instructor John Okochi is a 5th degree black belt who started Taido in 1978 and has competed in several international tournaments and taught thousands of Taido students. Along with Instructor Michael Issa, Okochi Sensei teaches Taido six days a week at Kaikudo, offering children’s and adult Taido classes, located at Dunwoody Village shopping center.
Taido in the USA – Brief History
The situation with Taido in the US is complex.
Back in the 70s, two Japanese Taido students independently began teaching in America. One moved to Australia and now teaches his own art. The other has continuously operated a dojo in Atlanta, GA, which still teaches Taido techniques in addition to grappling and other styles of martial art and sport fighting. For many years, this dojo represented Taido officially in the US, but it eventually broke off from the official competition and ranking standards.
“US Taido” Honbu Dojo
Head instructor – Mitsunobu “Mits” Uchida – 7dan president
- Mitsuaki Uchida – 5dan
- Brendan Dumont – 4dan
URL – www.taidokarate.com
Phone – 770.242.6406
Located in Norcross, Georgia. Classes are offered six days a week, with several classes each day for children and adults.
Georgia Tech Taido Club
URL – Campus Recreation Center – Course Info
Founded in 1996 by Andy Fossett and Bryan Sparks, GT Taido have built a reputation for high quality students – a reputation solidified at the US Taido 30th anniversary championships wherein every single competitor from our dojo won at least one medal.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Dojo
Head instructor – Tom DeVenny – 5dan
This “first branch location” was founded in 1997.