The true history of Karate probably had its beginnings with pre-historic man out of a simple need to defend himself from his enemies, whether they were other pre-historic men or wild animals.  Because pre-historic man survived and evolved into what we know today is evidence that his ability to defend himself was successful in the era before the development of weapons. Until this century, there was no systemization of the art of self defense, and only in this century have the various techniques of what we know today as Karate been examined, classified and improved.

The man most responsible for the systemization of karate as we know it today and introducing it to Japan was Gichin Funakoshi.  As the study of karate in Japan became increasingly popular many other experts emerged.

Among the better known was Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose, 10th Dan and founder of Chito-ryu Karate.  An advanced student and protégé of Dr. Chitose, Mamoru Yamamoto, 8th Dan, interjected new techniques and various weapons in Chito-ryu Karate and as a result, developed the system presently known as Yoshukai Karate. (Yo/shu/kai - meaning training hall of continuing improvement and development).

Mike Foster, 9th Dan, studied with Mr. Yamamoto in Japan for ten years and in 1966 brought the system to the United States. 

John Michael Matthews, Shihan, 6th Degree Black Belt (Rokudan) in Yoshukai Karate and Kobudo, 3rd Degree Blackbelt (Sandan) in Sanuces Ryu-JuJitsu, Nidan in U.S. Federation of Batto Do, Shodan in Zen Nihon Batto Do Ren Me (All Japan Sword Association) and Shodan in Seizan Kai Toyama Ryu, is the owner and Head Instructor of the Bamboo Dojo.

Mr. Matthews is the former President of A.T.A.K.K., a National Sport Karate Team, and was inducted into the World Martial Arts Council Hall of Fame in 1998.

Mr. Pat Fletcher is the head karate instructor. He is a Shihan and 4th dan in Yoshukai Karate and 1st dan in U.S. Batto Do Federation.