Trinity Martial Arts Academy (TMAA) was founded in 2000 by Mike and Sarah Franco in Kennewick, Washington. Since that time, they-along with many of their black belts-have taught traditional Okinawan Seito Karate-do at several locations around the Tri-Cities.
Our style of Karate (known as Traditional Okinawan Karate, Seito Karate, or Shudokan Karate) originated with the teachings of Hanshi Kanken Toyama, the founder of the original Shudokan dojo in Japan.Our dojo's lineage can be traced all the way back to Toyama, through the Francos' instructor, Sensei John Franco Sr. (Toppenish School of Karate), Hanshi Morris Mack (Yakima School of Karate), Shihan Walter Todd, and Sensei Yoko Takahashi.
Our style of Karate (known as Traditional Okinawan Karate, Seito Karate, or Shudokan Karate) originated with the teachings of Hanshi Kanken Toyama, the founder of the original Shudokan dojo in Japan.Our dojo's lineage can be traced all the way back to Toyama, through the Francos' instructor, Sensei John Franco Sr. (Toppenish School of Karate), Hanshi Morris Mack (Yakima School of Karate), Shihan Walter Todd, and Sensei Yoko Takahashi.
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Throughout the quarter, we will offer several checkpoints. These quizzes will test each student's ability to perform the material that has been taught during that section of the quarter. Students are awarded a colored strip for their belt if they pass. At the conclusion of each quarter, eligible students* are offered the opportunity to test.
Visit our testing information page for more general information and what to expect about testing. Correct Stance: Each stance has the proper depth, width, foot angle & weight distribution. Targeting: All techniques (blocks, punches, kicks, including all positions & chambers) are completed at the assigned target.
TMAA offers a variety of traditional martial arts classes in Traditional Okinawan Karate at our Richland and Hermiston locations. Each class has a target age and rank for attending. All of TMAA's class include some elements of the Japanese language. More senior students are expected to be able to execute most of a class / test based on Japanese commands.
Karate is an activity for people of all ages. Our Little Dragons program is specifically tailored for a young audience (children 4-6 years old). The classes are focused on teaching martial arts skills and having fun in a disciplined and structured environment. Little Dragons classes are open to parents and family, and we encourage you to stay and watch your student's class!
At age 7, we believe that youth are old enough to begin learning Traditional Okinawan Karate without watering it down (as opposed to younger students). Our focus for our youth continues to be creating a positive, fun, and exciting classroom experience. The youth curriculum however is very similar to that of our older teen and adult classes, albeit with reduced physical requirements.
