The story of Yoshu-Kai Karate in the United States is one of dedication, friendship, and a shared vision to preserve and grow a martial arts tradition. Told through the personal experiences of Sensei Rayburn Nichols, 9th Dan Black Belt, this is not just a historical record—it’s a journey through time, told from the heart, with the spirit of a conversation between lifelong practitioners.
Humble Beginnings
My journey in martial arts began in the late 1950s with Shorin-Ryu Karate under Sensei Bernard Collins, where I earned my 2nd Dan. It was in the early 1960s that I met Mike Foster, then a senior black belt in Chito-Ryu Yoshu-Kan Karate. His skill and dedication impressed me deeply, and soon I began training in his style. This friendship would prove foundational in spreading Yoshu-Kai Karate across America.
Back then, Yoshu-Kan had limited presence in the U.S. Mike Foster ran a dojo in Tampa, while Lee Norris taught in Orlando, and Bob Bunning led classes in Lakeland and at Saint Leo College. After the closure of several of these dojos, we often met at homes or borrowed space from other martial arts schools—like Sekita’s judo dojo in Orlando—just to keep training alive.
The Arrival of Yuki Koda
In the mid-1960s, Mr. Yamamoto sent Yuki Koda from Japan to the U.S. to ensure we were teaching Yoshu-Kan karate correctly. Koda quickly became part of our growing community. His presence brought a renewed authenticity and structure to our ranks. When he returned to Japan, his wife remained in Illinois. After a short time, he rejoined us, this time in Orlando, where our efforts to establish strong foundations continued.
Meanwhile, my original instructor, Bernard Collins, approached me about transitioning himself and his students to the Yoshu-Kan system. With agreement from Mike Foster, they joined us—bringing new energy and dedicated martial artists into our fold.
Work, Life, and Karate
Mike Foster and I spent years working across the U.S. in the ironworking industry. During a job in Bloomington, Illinois, we even helped Mr. Koda find work and open a dojo in Lincoln. When that job ended, we returned to Orlando, while Koda and his family remained in Illinois—until lack of work brought them south again.
In 1968, I started working on the Disney World construction project in Florida. Mike and Yuki joined me, and during those years Mr. Yamamoto visited the U.S. several times. Other Japanese instructors, like Mr. Tiguche, also joined us, helping spread our style further.
Planting Roots in Alabama
In the early 1970s, after finishing work at Disney, I moved to Birmingham, Alabama and began teaching karate at the Trussville Recreation Center. I soon reconnected with Koda, who was again struggling to find work in Florida. I invited him to Alabama, helped him get work in the iron industry, and together we opened new dojos in Birmingham.
Over the next few years, our community expanded with contributions from practitioners like Mike Sadler, Mr. Toyama, and Mike Culbert. Meanwhile, Mike Foster continued his efforts in Daytona Beach, and the network of Yoshu-Kai schools steadily grew.
The Branching of Yoshu-Kai
By the mid-1970s, Yoshu-Kai Karate in America had developed multiple branches. Mr. Koda formed the United States Yoshu-Kai Association, Mike Foster led Yoshu-Kai International Karate, and I established my organization under International Karate. Although our paths diverged, our mission remained aligned—advancing the art of Yoshu-Kai karate with integrity and passion.
Final Reflections
No history is complete without its share of challenges. Yes, there were disagreements and difficult moments, as in any human endeavor. But what endured was our mutual respect, shared commitment, and a lifelong bond between friends and fellow martial artists. Before his passing, Mr. Koda and I reaffirmed that, no matter the years or distance, our connection would always remain strong.
This is the story of how Yoshu-Kai Karate took root in the United States—not just as a martial art, but as a community built on honor, effort, and unshakable camaraderie.