The American Shorin-ryu Karate Association is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the growth and advancement of the Okinawan martial arts. Founded in 1969, the ASKA has grown from a single club at The Ohio State University to a nationwide network of schools dedicated to teaching the Okinawan arts of karate (unarmed self-defense) and kobudo ( Okinawan weaponry). Its schools pledge to maintain the highest standards of professional, personal and business conduct; to encourage the physical, spiritual, and moral development of instructors and students; to serve their communities and country; and to honor those who have gone before and who have dedicated their lives to the advancement of the art of Karate.

In 1988, the ASKA was incorporated with a tax-exempt status under section 501 (c)(3) by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. This determination was based on its mission of public education in the Okinawan martial arts, including providing training and promotional standards, certifying rank, presenting educational clinics and camps, providing financial assistance to sincere students and instructors in accordance with its ability, high standards, and procedures for performing community service.

The top leaders of the ASKA in addition to their other titles were traditionally called Papa to reflect the close feeling of family that being part of the ASKA provides. Hanshi Papa Paul, Kyoshi Papa Jules, Kyoshi Mike Verona and Renshi Karl Gruber serve as members of the Executive Promotional Board (EPB). Serving as members of the Executive Advisory Board (EAB) are Sensei Ray Bovaird and Sensei Danni Verona.

We invite you to join with us and share in the work and in the enjoyment of being a member of the ASKA striving for excellence while cultivating the human spirit.

For membership information, contact us at the address below.  
You can also email:  papapaul@aska-karate.org
For online registration or renewal please go to the “Join/Renew” section.

AMERICAN SHORIN-RYU KARATE ASSOCIATION
c/o Hombu Dojo, Family Martial Arts Academy
8618 SW Hall Blvd.
Beaverton, OR 97008
Attention: Membership Services 888-428-2204

	Paul D. Keller (Papa Paul) / Hanshi  President, Founder, Member EPB – Eighth degree black belt, Shorin-ryu – Fifth degree black belt, Okinawan Weaponry – First degree black belt, Muso Shinden-ryu IaidoClick here to contact me.
	Jules Pommier (Papa Jules)/ Kyoshi Vice President, Member EPB – Seventh degree black belt, Karate – Fifth degree, Okinawan Weaponry
	Mike Verona / Kyoshi Member EPB – Seventh degree black belt, Karate – Instructor Guang Ping Taichi & Xing Yi Chuan
	Karl Gruber / Renshi Member EPB – Fifth degree black belt, Karate – First degree black belt, Okinawan Weaponry – Brown belt, Jiu-Jitsu
	Ed Malecki Secretary-Treasurer, Advisory Member, EAB – Third degree black belt, Karate – Second degree black belt, Jujitsu
	Ray Bovaird Advisory Member, EAB – Fourth degree black belt, Karate – Certified Group Fitness Instructor
	Danni Verona Advisory Member, EAB – Fourth degree black belt, Karate – Children’s Program Director – Instructor Guang Ping Taichi