We are the 3rd generation of Midwest Karate Academy, a martial arts school in South Bend, IN. The Dojo was founded by Hanshi Tadashi Yamashita and Sensei James Ninios over 50 years ago. Hanshi Tadashi Yamashita teaches karate that is dynamic and flowing, like waves crashing on the shore, and from that, his own style, Suikendo. We defend and attack with constant movement, to and from one technique to the next, continually directing power, energy and speed toward the opponent. Traditional weapons, such as bo, nunchuck, and tonfa are commonly studied in Okinawan systems such as ours. In addition, we specialize in Hojutsu-ryu, the modern training system of the firearm. Patterned after the original study of matchlock rifles in Japan, Hojutsu utilizes the training principals of traditional martial arts to develop gun fighting and fundamental empty hand combat skills. The schools primary instructors are Kyle Nichols (5th degree), Kris Gravender (4th degree), and Brian Bengtsson (3rd degree). Each has over 20 years of formal instruction and study of karate under Sensei Yamashita. In keeping with traditional standards, each maintains a separate career and life outside the dojo, allowing them to concentrate fully on study, understanding, and deepening of the art for its own sake.