About USA Karate Clubs

USA Karate Clubs was founded in 1991. Its ongoing mission is to improve the physical fitness of young people, develop character, and pursue athletic excellence through Karate.

USA Karate Clubs serve youth, teen and adult practitioners. Eighty percent are recreational participants who enjoy the physical exercise, traditions, and camaraderie which typically surround martial art training. Fifteen percent are competitive players. Five percent are elite athletes.

We practice the Shitoryu style of Karate under sanction of the World Shitoryu Karate Federation and USA Shito-Kai (their American chapter). Belt advancement is achieved through the understanding and performance of proper technique, formal exercises (Kata), and their applications (Bunkai). (Requirements for advancement)

Sport Fighting (Kumite) is performed using the rule system of the USA National Karate Federation, which is subordinate to the World Karate Federation. The fundamentals of successful Kumite are good form, vigorous application, distance, timing, and mental focus.

Instruction is provided by mature, experienced, certified coaches in a friendly, supportive, athletic environment. Senior coaches are assisted by members of the varsity competitive team.

USA Karate Clubs also provides programming for public and private schools in Missouri and Illinois.

About the Head Coach:

Jeff Bedard was originally a product of the Black Belt Karate Association of St. Louis, Missouri. His primary mentors have included: Jim Smothers Sr., Dan Inosanto, Paul de Thouars, George Anderson, John Di Pasquale, and Shoko Sato. He founded USA Karate Clubs in 1991.

He holds a class "A" referee license, and a 5th Dan (2011) from the USA National Karate Federation (USA-NKF), member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Since 1997 he has represented the interests of the World Shitoryu Karate Federation (Shito-Kai) in these United States. He holds a WSKF 4th Dan issued by its pan-American Director Shoko Sato of Caracas, Venezuela in 2000. He currently serves as secretary general to the USA Shito-Kai.