About Tatsu Do Karate

Tatsu-Do Karate was founded by Hanshi William R. Cavalier, Jr. in 1976. Hanshi began training in Chitu Ryu Karate in 1957. In 1958, Hanshi Cavalier moved to Florida where he trained in Yoshin Ryu Ju Jutsu and Shito Ryu Karate under the direction of Sensei Mattson. Upon reaching black belt status, Hanshi Cavalier returned to New York State and continued to train in various styles of karate, jujutsu and kung-fu in both the United States and Canada. Sensei Mattson referred Hanshi Cavalier to the great Grand Master Durant, where he studied and ranked in karate, jujutsu, aiki jujutsu, and kobudo (weapons). 

In 1976, Grand Master Durant gave Hanshi Cavalier permission to form his own style of:

 

TATSU DO KARATE

           The art of using punches, kicks, strikes, blocks, throws to disable your attacker

TATSU DO AIKI JUTSU

           An ancient technique of combat using coordination between attacker and defender

TATSU DO KOBUDO

               The art of weapons, including bo staff, sais, kama, tonfa and nunchaku

TATSU DO IAI JUTSU

             The art of sword fighting

 

Today, Hanshi Cavalier is head of the Tatsu Do organization and president of the Traditional Martial Arts Association. He holds the rank of 10th degree black belt in Tatsu Do and 9th degree black belt in Goshin Jutsu Ryu. Hanshi was inducted into The International Karate Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH in 1988, The Eastern U.S.A. Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame in Pittsburgh, PA in 1991, the Goshin Jutsu Hall of Fame in Erie, PA in 1993, and the World Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH in 1995.

Why Should I join ?

The TATSU DO system has well over 125 black belts in the Rochester, NY area and in many of the United States. Each black belt is permitted to teach this style. The Tatsu Do Board of Directors are:

Hanshi William R. Cavalier, Jr.	10th Degree, Soke
Kyoshi Tomas Roztocil	7th Degree Black Belt
Shihan Tim Hillman	7th Degree Black Belt
Shihan Ted Parker	7th Degree Black Belt
Shihan David Swede	7th Degree Black Belt
Shihan Dennis Wickson	6th Degree Black Belt
Shihan Mark LaDouce	6th Degree Black Belt
Renshi Fred Merica	6th Degree Black Belt
Shihan Charles Hartness	6th Degree Black Belt

 

You Will Learn:

The beginner in TATSU DO is taught firm discipline and defense techniques of Karate. Each class consists of aerobic warm-up exercises, stretching, body conditioning and Karate instruction.

Students learn striking hand techniques, kicks and blocks. Practice also includes self-defense and free style sparring. For advanced students, training is given in JuJutsu and AikiJutsu maneuvers. Starting at green belt, students are introduced to the use of oriental weapons, bo and sai. Safety is strictly enforced, especially with beginners.  

Anyone can learn Karate – men, women, children. No special talent or physical strength are required, only discipline and willingness to work hard.

 

Specific Examples:

 

	Exercise and stretch
	Master all the basic kicks, strikes, punches, blocks, and stances
	Defend against attacks and weapons
	Throw your attacker
	Lock up an attacker
	Disable your attacker
	Increase your self-confidence and self discipline

 

And....

	Compete in tournaments  (if you wish)
	Improve your health

 

We welcome all ages, with new classes starting every week. Most classes are taught by more than one black belt, allowing separation of adults and children.

 

Ranking System in Tatsu Do

Kyu Ranks
Rank	Kyu	Minimum Study Time
White Belt	Jukyu	3 months
Yellow Belt	Kukyu	3 months
Orange Belt	Hachikyu	3 months
Green Belt	Schichikyu	3 months
Green Belt w/ Stripe	Rokukyu	3 months
Purple Belt	Gokyu	3 months
Purple Belt w/Stripe	Yonkyu	3 months
Brown Belt	Sankyu	3 months
Brown Belt w/Stripe	Nikyu	4-6 months
Brown Belt w/2 Stripes	Ikkyu	4-6 months
Black Belt	Shodan	Minimum time to Black Belt is 3 years

 

Black Belt Ranks

The Black Belt ranking system follows the traditional guidelines of F.A.J.K.O. (Federation of all Japan Karate-Do Organizations.