Karate Training for Women and Children in Seattle WA. FKU was founded as a women-only organization, and it remains the case that all senseis are women. As of 2020, the Board recognizes that FKU can serve a larger community of individuals who are discriminated against for reasons of gender identity, including non-binary and transgender individuals. These groups are victimized disproportionately and need a supportive and safe place to learn self-defense and find balance and community through the art of Shito-Ryu. All children (regardless of gender or gender identity) train in the children’s class, and boys who remain at the dojo as they mature, who understand and promote our values, are permitted and encouraged to train in some classes alongside the adult students rather than being expected to leave the dojo at a particular age. We teach shito-ryu, a traditional Japanese karate. Our program includes physical conditioning and is structured so that each student progresses at her own rate. New students receive individual instruction by advanced students in the mixed level classes. Our class sizes are small, and instructors provide a high level of individual attention to all students in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. We are the Seattle branch of the International Karate Federation (IKF) headed by Sensei Chuzo Kotaka based in Hawaii.