Why Taido?
More than 40 Years in Atlanta:
Founded in 1975 in Atlanta, GA, U.S. Taido Association® enjoys an outstanding reputation built on a strong commitment to the area and its residents. U.S. Taido's continuous presence in the North Metro Atlanta area is evidence to not only the high level of teaching, but also the support from Taido students and their families.
"Family and Community Oriented": While martial arts places a great deal of focus on "Self Improvement", Taido also emphasizes family values and involvement in the community. Many of our Taido families have multiple members taking Taido at the same time, which helps build strong family bonds. Students are also taught to apply all of the positive aspects of Taido to their personal life, in an effort to affect society in a positive way.
"Devoted Instructors": The U.S. Taido Associaiton® has been owned and operated by the Uchida family since first opening in 1975. Mits Uchida, seventh degree black belt and president of the U.S. Taido Association®, studied under the creator and grand master of Taido, Dr. Shukumine. Black belts have a minimum of 5 years of training before assisting with classes.
"Positive Philosophy": Taido utilizes an atmosphere of teamwork, and emphasizes a "Best Effort" philosophy that creates a positive training experience. Student testing is based on both school standards and personal growth.
"Summer Camp": Each summer, our students, parents, and other family members have made the short trip to either the beaches of South Carolina or Florida for our annual "Summer Camp". In recent years, over four hundred people have joined together for our annual event where we practice on the beach, take belt tests, and celebrate our hard work with each other and nature!
"Self-Achievement and Teamwork": Taido is a unique art/sport in that it enables students to learn at their own pace without the pressure of affecting the progress of others. While personal goals are emphasized, it is also expected that students will work cooperatively with teachers and other students for certain team building activities such as tournaments, demonstrations, and special classes such as gymnastics and sparring.
"Class Divisions According to Ability": Taido students attend classes with others of their own age, belt rank, and ability. We have 8 different children's classes and 8 different teen and adult classes, which allow in-depth, high-quality instruction to fit all ability levels.
"Never Give Up": In every class, Taido teaches a positive attitude of trying one's best and promotes a "never give up" spirit that carries over to other aspects of life.
"Cultural Exchange": Our school promotes a Japanese cultural exchange by teaching students about the origins and history of Karate, teaching Japanese training methods, and through competition trips to Japan. All students are required to learn how to count, pronounce, and understand skills in Japanese.
"Taido's Unique Techniques": Taido differs from other martial arts and forms of karate in that its techniques emphasize three-dimensional rather than two-dimensional movement. The nature of these innovative techniques makes them both practical and adaptable, making Taido the martial art of the twenty-first century.
The Taido "Way"
Taido's creator, the late Dr. Seiken Shukumine, developed a scientific martial art, taking the essence of traditional Japanese martial arts and transforming it to meet the needs of a modern society. Both the Japanese press and television broadcast networks in the U.S. have recognized Taido as a martial art with "Philosophical Depth" and "Creativity". The essence of Taido lies not in the techniques of the art but in the utilization of training acquired in Taido for the development and benefit of both self and society.
Dr. Seiken Shukumine, one time Grand Master of Japan's Gensei School of Karate, identified shortcomings in the unscientific approach taken by previous martial arts. He decided to develop a new martial art that was both scientific and relevant in the context of the modern world. For thirty years he underwent rigorous training and research in the theory of martial arts, and based on the results, he created the three dimensional art which he called Taido.
Taido's techniques have been developed so that boys, girls, men and women regardless of age, can practice this art without undue concern about their previous level of physical fitness or conditioning. As an evolving and creative martial art that has been scientifically researched, Taido can be practiced by anyone. It is a study that involves thought, judgment, action, results, and reflection, much as in one's daily life.
A Brief History of U.S. Taido
Our history: 40+ Years in Atlanta, GA
The U.S. Taido Association® was established in 1975 by Mits Uchida, with the original school located on Buford Highway in Atlanta, GA. Uchida came from Japan under the direction and commission of his teacher and Taido grandmaster, Dr. Seiken Shukumine. For over forty years, U.S. Taido's headquarters has been continuously located in the metro Atlanta area, with satellite schools located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, University of Georgia, and Mississippi State University. The U.S. Taido School's "Team USA" has competed in more than 10 international tournament championships in both Japan and Finland, as well as a host here in the U.S., and has been highly successful in all competitions. Through Founder and President Mits Uchida and his son Mitsuaki's dedication and direction, the school has become a well respected institute in the Atlanta community, as a place where physical and intellectual talent are developed, and personal and team goals are exceeded.