Kita Kaze Karate Kai offers Traditional Okinawan and Japanese Warrior Arts for Adults and Children

Each year, the Gwinnett Daily Post hosts its highly respected Reader’s Choice Awards, inviting local residents to nominate and vote for their favorite businesses, attractions, and community institutions throughout the Atlanta area . Nominations for the 2025 awards concluded at the end of 2025, and the top nominees in each category advanced to the voting phase, with Winners being officially in the new year on February, 16, 2026.

For more than a decade, the Gwinnett Daily Post has sponsored the Reader’s Choice Awards, with nominees and winners chosen entirely by local readers. According to research there was over 100,000 votes with 90% coming within the last 30 days of the campaign.

Kita Kaze Dojo members, together with Renshi Sensei Steve Carbonneau, proudly displayed the 2025 Best Dojo in Gwinnett County Award, recognizing the dojo’s outstanding commitment to excellence in martial arts instruction and community leadership

A Proud Moment for Kita Kaze Karate Kai

After humbly accepting responsibility of Kita Kaze Karate Kai from from his sensei Kyoshi Mike Hoffman, Renshi Sensei Steve Carbonneau got busy with recruitment, students, and campaigning to prove that Kita Kaze, teaching KoToSu-Ha Shito-Ryu is still the Top Traditional Okinawan and Japanese Dojo in the area.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Gwinnett Daily Post and to every supporter who voted for Kita Kaze Karate Kai as the Best Martial Arts Training Facility in the Atlanta Area. Your votes paid off with accolades to the students, the instructors, and the art.

Okinawan and Japanese Arts Lineage

Kita Kaze Karate Kai is a sanctioned dojo under the International Karate Kobudo Union (IKKU), an organization established in 1986 and dedicated to preserving and advancing the highest standards of traditional martial arts. The IKKU is proud and honored to witness the lasting and positive impact that Kyoshi Mike Hoffman (retired), Renshi Sensei Carbonneau, and Kita Kaze Karate Kai continue to have on the Sugar Hill community.

This recognition speaks not only to the strength of the dojo, but also to the superior level of instruction, discipline, and character development that both IKKU and Kita Kaze Karate Kai strive to provide to every student. Kita Kaze Karate Kai is led by Renshi Sensei Steve, who brings over 10+ years of experience in Traditional Warrior Arts.

Under his leadership, students receive instruction in:

• Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate
• Katsu-Ryu Kempo
• Koga-Ryu Kobudo
• Iaido

Renshi Sensei understands that children are the lifeblood of the martial arts tradition. He dedicates countless hours of personal time to helping shape young practitioners into disciplined, respectful, and capable karateka. Through consistent training and traditional values, students are taught the importance of discipline, respect, honor, and perseverance, qualities essential to becoming strong role models within their families, neighborhoods, and communities.

Congratulations to Renshi Sensei Steve Carbonneau and all of his students on this remarkable accomplishment. This award is a reflection of unwavering dedication, authentic traditional training, and a dojo culture built on integrity and excellence.

OSU!

Additional Kita Kaze Karate Kai Information

For information about class times at Kita Kaze Karate Kai, please visit Kita-Kaze-Karate-Kai.

For information about the Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Department, please visit CityOfSugarHill.com.

Additional IKKU Information

To learn more about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union, please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members into our organization and host 6 to 10 scheduled events each year. This provides each participant with direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, Founder of the IKKU and Hanshi Ron Downton, as well as other high-ranking instructors within the organization.

For a full listing of upcoming training opportunities, please visit our Events Page, where we feature upcoming clinics, camps, and additional opportunities for engagement with the IKKU community.

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The Award Winning Kita Kaze Karate Kai

In every martial art, three pillars are essential: a Sensei, a willing student, and a place to train. Without these, the art withers. The Sensei—the one who comes before—guides not only the technique but also the spirit of the student.

The bond between student and Sensei often defies explanation to outsiders. A Sensei is part coach, part instructor, part mentor—and at higher levels, a leader who shapes the very culture of the dojo. From the moment we tie on the white belt, Sensei is there: urging us through pain, celebrating our progress, and walking beside us through every challenge. We rarely imagine a day when Sensei will not be there.

Yet, as with all things, a time arrives when the torch must be passed. Leadership, after all, means preparing the next generation. Without a Sensei to “pay it forward,” the art risks fading away.

Passing of the Torch · Part I

Kyoshi Mike Hoffman (then Shihan Dai) with Kama at Kobudo Clinic

That time has now come within our IKKU circle. After decades of service to both youth and adults, Kyoshi Mike Hoffman, Sensei of Kita Kaze Karate Kai in Sugar Hill, GA, has retired from leading his dojo.

Kyoshi Hoffman’s legacy is woven into the community of Metro Atlanta, where his dojo became a pillar of authentic Okinawan and Japanese martial traditions. With 50 years experience, Kyoshi has shaped students into martial artists, black belts, and leaders—some of whom rose to the ranks of the Renshi levels. Along the way, his dojo earned community recognition and admiration for its excellence.

Though stepping back from daily teaching, Kyoshi’s journey in the arts continues. He will remain active in IKKU seminars, camps, and classes, still walking the path alongside us. When you see him on the dojo floor, bow with gratitude and acknowledge the immense responsibility he carried—and fulfilled—in preserving our tradition.

Passing of the Torch · Part II

Renshi Sensei Steve Carbonneau (then Nidan) performing Pinan Godan Kata

In the spirit of continuation, Soke Joseph Ruiz has entrusted leadership of Kita Kaze Karate Kai to Kyoshi Hoffman’s student: Renshi Sensei Steve Carbonneau, 4th Dan in KoToSuHa Shito-Ryu.

Renshi Sensei Carbonneau now steps forward to guide the dojo, carrying forward the traditions and values instilled by his Sensei. Classes for adults and youth will continue in Sugar Hill, GA, ensuring that Kita Kaze Karate Kai remains a vital part of the International Karate Kobudo Union.

As Renshi Sensei takes on this mantle, he will need the support, encouragement, and confidence of our IKKU community. Growth into leadership is never solitary—it is forged with the trust and encouragement of those around you. Our people that make up our small circle inherently creates strong martial artist and leaders. Together we are stronger. This is the true meaning of the word “Ha”.

With Respect and Congratulations

To Kyoshi Hoffman—thank you for your decades of dedication and your unshakable commitment to the art.
To Renshi Carbonneau—congratulations on your new role. Lead with the strength of tradition, the spirit of humility, and the vision of the future.

The art continues. The torch is passed. The way endures.

Kita Kaze Karate Kai   ← Detailed Class Info Here

Additional IKKU Information:
For information about joining the IKKU—International Karate Kobudo Union—please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-10 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, the founder of the IKKU, and other High-Dan Instructors from the IKKU.

For a complete listing of upcoming scheduled sessions, please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps, and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

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A Legacy of Seven Decades: Celebrating Soke Joseph R. Ruiz

Soke Ruiz after the 2017 IKKU Christmas Clinic at Suansu Karate Kai

2025 commenrates a year in the world of martial arts honoring of a milestone few ever achieve—the 70th Karate Anniversary and Birthday Celebration of Soke Joseph R. Ruiz, 10th Dan and founder of the International Karate Kobudo Union (IKKU). For over seven decades, Soke Ruiz has carried the torch of traditional Okinawan and Japanese martial arts, preserving ancient teachings while forging new paths for future generations.

Born in Hawaii in 1943, Ruiz began his karate training in 1955 at the age of twelve. His journey led him from the dojos of Sensei Tommy Morita to the influential tutelage of Kyoshi Kiyoshi Aihara, founder of Zen Shoto Kai Karate. Ruiz’s martial pilgrimage later took him to Japan, where he studied under Kanki Izumikawa in Goju Ryu, and furthering his studies in Koga Ryu Kobudo, and Katsu Ryu Kempo. This direct connection to the masters of Okinawa and Japan placed him firmly within karate’s living lineage.

In the 1970s, Ruiz relocated to the mainland United States, where he became aligned with Soke Shogo Kuniba of the Motobu-Ha Shito Ryu Seishin Kai. Through these masters, Ruiz not only gained recognition as a senior teacher, but also helped bring authentic Shito Ryu Karate and Kobudo into new communities. By 1986, he established the IKKU, uniting his decades of experience into a single organization dedicated to Kotosu-Ha Shito Ryu, Koga Ryu Kobudo, and Katsu Ryu Kempo.

Today, Soke Ruiz stands recognized as a 10th Dan Hanshi-Sei, with mastery spanning Karate, Kobudo, and Kempo. His titles reflect more than rank—they represent a lifetime of loyalty, perseverance, and leadership. From his early days training in Honolulu, to his years teaching across America, and his influence as a senior figure in the global karate community, Ruiz has dedicated his life to the Way of the Empty Hand.

Ruiz’s founded style of Kotosu-ha Shito-Ryu Karate represents a unique synthesis within the Shito-Ryu family, embodying the kata depth of Mabuni, Aihara & Kanki Izumikawa, the combat-tested realism of Choki Motobu, and the organizational vision of Kosei Kokuba and Shogo Kuniba. Emerging as a modern lineage branch, it honors both Okinawan tradition and Japanese evolution, integrating Koga-Ryu Kobudo, Katsu-Ryu Kempo, and the expanded kata and bunkai catalog. Where other Shito-Ryu groups emphasize kata preservation or sport, Kotosu-ha prioritizes holistic martial development: kata, kumite, kobudo, philosophy, and reverence for masters. Its kanji symbology reinforces this mission, projecting strength, direction, and balance. In essence, Kotosu-ha Shito-Ryu is not merely a sect of Shito-Ryu but a living bridge—uniting Okinawan roots, Japanese refinement, and global expansion.

Please help us in Celebrating Soke’s Milestones and Achievements at the 2025 IKKU Annual Black Belt Exam scheduled September 27 in Social Circle, GA!

This is your chance to get up close and lean from the best kept secret in the world of traditional martial arts.

Happy Birthday, Anniversary, and Congratulations Soke!

Wishing you the best and many more to come.

Please be sure to view our IKKU Photo Gallery of Soke Joseph Ruiz where you can view decades of historic photos!

Additional IKKU Information:
For information about joining the IKKU—International Karate Kobudo Union—please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-10 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, the founder of the IKKU, and other High-Dan Instructors from the IKKU.

For a complete listing of upcoming scheduled sessions, please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps, and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

The post Happy 70th Karate Anniversary Soke! appeared first on INTERNATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO UNION.

Soke Joseph Ruiz performing the ceremonial Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Shihan Robert Izzo

June 8, 2024, marked a special day for the IKKU as a Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Shihan Robert Izzo of the TKA Traditional Karate Association. After bowing in for the 37th annual IKKU Summer Camp session, Soke Ruiz performed the ceremonial act of presenting and mounting a Tsuba onto the Renshi Obi. Soke has previously mentioned his tradition of Tsuba Presentations, but here is a quick review. Soke only awards Tsuba periodically, which are generally awarded to senior-level Yudansha, 3rd Dan, and others, whom Soke considers his karate students.

This marks a humbling step in one’s martial arts journey with the IKKU. Rensei Shihan Robert Izzo is being accepted as one of Soke Ruiz’s High-Dan Students.

A few words of introduction regarding Tsuba. A tsuba is a hand guard mounted on a Katana between the blade’s cutting edge and the Tsuka (handle of the weapon). Its primary function is to keep the user’s hand from sliding up and onto the blade of the sword, to protect the hand from an opponent’s blade, to counterbalance the weight of the blade, and to some degree to communicate the social standing, beliefs, and tastes of its owner. The Ceremonial Tsuba from Soke and the IKKU represent the trust between Soke and the Students and the protection Soke provides to all his students. The Ceremonial Tsuba also represents the balance that the IKKU helps to instill in its students. Mind, Body, and Spirit, along with proper traditional foundations in all our arts, help to bring peace, protection, and balance into one’s life.

During the ceremony, Soke will remove one’s Obi from around the waist, mount a Tsuba over the Obi, and retie the Obi with the Tsuba in place. From that point forward, the Tsuba is worn in a rear-facing position. If you see someone wearing a Tsuba during class or in a clinic, then you will undoubtedly know that the Tsuba was earned and personally awarded by Soke Ruiz. This isn’t a fashion statement but a badge of honor with a rich history instilled in this time-honored tradition.

A big congratulations go out to Renshi Shihan Robert Izzo on his Tsuba Award. OSU!

The post Renshi Shihan Robert Izzo Presented with Tsuba appeared first on INTERNATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO UNION.

Soke Joseph Ruiz performing the ceremonial Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Sensei John Malcom

Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Sensei John Malcom

June 10, 2023, marked a special day for the IKKU as a Tsuba Presentation for Renshi Sensei John Malcom, Sr. Instructor of the Carolina Karate Kai took place. After bowing in for the 36th annual IKKU Summer Camp session, Soke Ruiz performed the ceremonial act of presenting and mounting a Tsuba onto the Renshi Sensei Obi. Soke has mentioned his tradition of Tsuba Presentations in the past, but here is a quick review. Soke only awards Tsuba periodically, and these generally are awarded to senior-level Yudansha, 3rd Dan and up, whom Soke considers his personal students of Karate.

This marks a humbling step in one’s martial arts journey with the IKKU. Rensei Sensei John Malcom is being accepted as one of Soke Ruiz’s High-Dan Students.

A few words of introduction regarding Tsuba. A tsuba is a hand guard that is mounted on a Katana between the cutting edge of the blade and the Tsuka (handle of the weapon). Its primary function is to keep the user’s hand from sliding up and onto the blade of the sword, to protect the hand from an opponent’s blade, to counterbalance the weight of the blade, and to some degree to communicate the social standing, beliefs, and tastes of its owner.

The Ceremonial Tsuba from Soke and the IKKU represent the trust between Soke and the Students as well as the protection that Soke provides to all his students. The Ceremonial Tsuba also represents the balance that the IKKU helps to instill in its students. Mind, Body, and Spirit along with proper traditional foundations in all our arts help to bring peace, protection, and balance into one’s life.

During the ceremony, Soke will remove one’s Obi from around the waist and then mount a Tsuba over the Obi, and then retie the Obi with the Tsuba in place. The Tsuba is then worn in a rear-facing position from that time forward. If you see someone wearing a Tsuba during class or in a clinic, then you will certainly now understand that the Tsuba was earned and awarded by Soke Ruiz himself. This isn’t a fashion statement but instead, a badge of honor with a rich history instilled in this time-honored tradition.

A big congratulations go out to Renshi Sensei John Malcom on his Tsuba Award. OSU!

Additional IKKU Information:

For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-10 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU, and other High Dan Instructors from the IKKU.

For a full listing of upcoming scheduled sessions please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps, and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.

The post Renshi Sensei John Malcom Presented with Tsuba appeared first on INTERNATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO UNION.