Team History
Emerging from the crucible of conflicts in East Asia during the 1960s and 70s, the US Naval Academy Karate Club was founded not just as a martial arts team, but as a warrior training organization, preparing midshipmen for the realities of future combat. Amidst the cultural zeitgeist of Bruce Lee and other warrior philosophers, the team trained relentlessly to build the physical and mental fortitude young officers needed to face the nation’s adversaries.
USNA Karate Team in 1978
From 1992 through the late 2010s, the team trained in Okinawan Karate-Do under the guidance of Master John Critzos II, who was trained by Ki-whang Kim. The team's lineage traced back through Kanken Toyama, Yabu Kentsu, Anko Itosu, "Bushi" Matsumura, Takahara, and Kussanku. Critzos's leadership and expertise were foundational to the team's identity. Under his guidance, midshipmen not only honed their physical skills but also absorbed the warrior ethos that would define their service, continuously sharpening the sword through demanding physical training and full-contact sparring. The legacy they built continues to inspire those who follow in their footsteps, a testament to the enduring power of discipline, teamwork, and a warrior's spirit.
During this period, the Global War on Terror again underscored the importance of lessons learned in the dojo. The team remained vigilant and ready to swiftly counter the threats that emerged after the tragic terrorist attacks of 9/11. Graduates found themselves in close-quarters combat situations, defending our nation abroad and executing combat missions with the intensity, tenacity, and unwavering focus developed on the team. The team's ethos of patience, training, and character echoed and reinforced the overall mission of the U.S. Naval Academy.
Rebuilding the team in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions, new instructors have continued to instill a warrior ethos in midshipmen, building confidence, self-mastery, and discipline through both kata and sparring. Their training maintains a focus on discipline, precision, and the ability to deliver striking power. The team is currently led by Shifu Anthony Clark, who trains in the Kyokushin style established by Masutatsu Oyama.
Just as the team emerged following conflict in the Far East half a century ago, future naval officers again find themselves preparing for the possibility of conflict in the Western Pacific. The dojo continues to serve as a crucible to prepare and train for future battlefields, where discipline, resilience, and the ability to operate under pressure are pivotal to survival and mission accomplishment. The team continues to uphold its legacy as a warrior training organization, ensuring graduates are prepared and mentally tough leaders, ready for the challenges of a new global landscape.
USNA Karate Team Belt Test Fall 2024
