This dojo is a part of the North American Jiteki Jyuku Association, an association within Uechi Ryu Karatedo dedicated to the practice and preservation of the style as practiced by Masters Ken Nakamatsu and Frank Gorman. The association organizes events, seminars, and black belt tests, and certifies Ian as an instructor. 

Jiteki Jyuku is the name chosen by Ken Nakamatsu for his association in Okinawa. It means “Self-Reliance” and comes from a daoist philosophy text by the monk Zhuangzi:

“One shall pursue true passage of their own doctrine.
One’s sorrow and joy should not be affected by the condemnation or praise of others.
Self-reliance is the true nature of true being.”

The North American branch of Jiteki Jyuku was formed at Master Nakamatsu’s request in 2008 by Frank Gorman and his senior students. Frank served as the Chairman of the NAJJA Board of Directors until his death in 2023, and his senior students adopted a rotating leadership model for the president, vice president, and other positions that continues today. Outside of the rotating leadership is a permanent technical advisor position for Master Geoff Crouse, who studied directly under Masters Gorman and Nakamatsu and has a deep understanding of their methodology.

NAJJA Board of Directors Leadership:

President - Bruce Tulgan
Vice President - Lawrence Dev
Treasurer - Ryan Dean
Secretary - Aaron Willette
Technical Advisor - Geoff Crouse