About Us
The Academy of Martial Arts (TAMA) was founded in Bermuda by Sensei Bob Smith in 1980 and since then has expanded to teach a variety of programs catering to men, women & children of all ages. As the official representative in Bermuda for the prestigious International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (I.O.G.K.F.), our karate program is traditional and preserves the original teachings of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate.
Karate is a moral training as well as a physical training. It is not only concerned with teaching self-defense techniques, but when taught in the correct way it will cultivate a sense of responsibility, respect, discipline and the development of good character.
We not only teach traditional Karate and Kobudo (Okinawan weaponry) but we also offer classes in Iaido - the way of the Japanese sword, TCS - Tactical Control Systems which is an easy to learn personal protection system for the general public as well as law enforcement, military and security professionals.
Tama Dojo is equipped with traditional as well as modern training devices to maximize your learning experience. So, if you're looking for an activity where the whole family can get involved, take a good look at The Academy of Martial Arts (T.A.M.A.). There are benefits for everyone; kids love it because it's fun and helps them work towards goals, builds self-esteem and teaches Self-discipline. Parents love it because it's a great way to get in shape while learning a useful skill. And most importantly, it's something the family can do together!!
Our Instructors
Shihan Bob R. Smith
Sensei Smith began his karate training in New York City in 1967. He studied various martial arts including Tae-kwon do, Kung-Fu, and Jui Jitsu. It was after Meeting Master Rico Guy, a master of Goju-Ryu Karate, Kempo and Iaido (the way of the Japanese Sword) that he decided to pursue Goju-Ryu Karate.
Sensei Smith has been teaching in Bermuda since 1980 and has made a point of educating himself in related subjects. He has received a certificate for sports injuries, diagnosis and treatment from the Bermuda College, coaching certification from the American Coaching Effectiveness Program and a sport karate judge certification from the Pan American Union of Karate Do Organizations (PUKO).
He has served as President of the Bermuda Karate Do Association, the Bermuda Martial Arts Commission and the Bermuda Martial Arts Federation.
Although he is semi-retired from tournament competition he is a 6 time Kata Champion, 6 time Weapons Champion and a 4 time Impact challenge(a striking power competition) Champion. He has been a member of 3 National Teams including the team sent to the 1995 Pan-Am Games in Argentina which was karate's first appearance in the Pan-Am Games.
In 1999 Sensei Smith was appointed Deputy Provost Marshal General & Head Bailiff for the courts of Bermuda and it was here that he appreciated the need for his staff to learn an effective personal protection system. This inspired him to develop what is now known as TCS or Tactical Control Systems which is currently being taught to the general public as Essential Safety & Protection (ESP). He is also a certified knife & axe throwing coach by the World Knife Throwing League (WKTL) & the World Axe Throwing League (WATL).
Sensei Smith is currently a 7th degree Black Belt and the chief instructor in Bermuda for the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (I.O.G.K.F.). The IOGKF is established in over 45 countries and is the largest Okinawan Karate organization in the world. It is headed by Master Morio Higaonna 10 dan, who is one of the most knowledgeable and dynamic instructors in the world today.
Sensei Beau Franklin
Sensei Beau is currently ranked as nidan (2nd degree black belt) and is an assistant instructor at the Academy. He is know for his grueling workouts.
Sensei Lester Pun
Sensei Lester is currently ranked as sandan (3rd degree black belt) and is an assistant instructor at the Academy. He is know for his effective takedown techniques.
TRADEMARK INFORMATION
The IOGKF Logo – our family symbol
The IOGKF logo is not a symbol representing Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate as a style.
KEY POINTS
- • IOGKF International administrative office is the global legal owner of the IOGKF logo, which is trademarked property.
- • The logo represents IOGKF only. No other Goju-ryu, Karate or Martial art group is represented by the IOGKF logo.
- • IOGKF Full Membership countries in good standing are granted the privilege to have sole control of the use of the IOGKF logo and name in that organization including the use thereof on any merchandise, literature or product within its organization.
- • IOGKF Representative Membership countries in good standing are granted the privilege to display a sign bearing the name and logo of the IOGKF and traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu karate.
- • Non-IOGKF or former IOGKF members are never permitted to use the logo under any circumstances.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LOGO
- • The founder of IOGKF, Sensei Morio Higaonna, was inspired to have a logo created to represent the organisation he was creating.
- ▪ The outer design of the logo is part of a symbol formerly used by the Yoyogi Dojo.
- ▪ The inner design of the logo is Sensei Chojun Miyagi’s family crest.
- - Note: Sensei Morio Higaonna was given permission by Sensei Chojun Miyagi’s family to incorporate their family crest in the logo.
- • Sensei Morio Higaonna presented the IOGKF logo for the first time in July 1979 at the IOGKF founding meeting in Poole, England.
- • The logo represents the common goal shared by all IOGKF members to protect and preserve traditional Goju-Ryu Karate-do for generations to come.
- • Since 1979 the logo has been the identifying symbol of the International Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation. It only represents IOGKF.
EXPLANATION OF THE LOGO
- • The name Goju-ryu means hard and soft style. Sensei Higaonna was inspired to include both a soft element (the round exterior) and a hard structure (the square Miyagi family crest) to help represent this.
- • The logo can also be related to Heaven and Earth, which is known as ‘Kenkon’ in traditional Japanese language because Heaven is often represented as circular and Earth is represented as angular in Okinawan culture.
- • For simplicity the logo is referred to as ‘the IOGKF logo’.
CURRENT STATUS OF THE LOGO
- • IOGKF member country heads are given specific permissions on how to use the logo.
- • IOGKF International administrative office has protected the IOGKF logo from numerous abuses and misuses of the logo made by non-IOGKF members.
- • Suspected violations or misuse of the IOGKF logo can be reported to the Country Chief Instructor / Kambukai, or to admin.office@iogkf.com
- • Failure to comply with requests to cease misuse of the IOGKF logo will see matter passed on to the IOGKF Logo Protection Taskforce. The Taskforce may also elect to involve IOGKF Legal in the proceedings. 1. The IOGKF Logo:
- 2. The acronym: IOGKF
- 3. The full name (English): International Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation
- 4. The full name (Japanese): 国際沖縄剛柔流空手道連盟
Special Note: The IOGKF logo is 1 of 4 trademarks created by and legally owned by IOGKF International administrative office.
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