Recent Photos
3/27/26, a group of AKATO black belts got a private tour of the Samurai Museum in downtown Dallas during the 50th anniversary weekend.
Tommy Vaughn taught an exciting knife defense seminar at the 50th celebration.
Kelly Cox tosses Drake Pledger during his class at the AKATO 50 year weekend.
Colin Wee was impressive as always as he taught over 50 black belts at during the weekend.
Alex Brandt and Randy Shine training at the 50th event.
Michael Mendoza and Caleb Skipper
Drake Pledger and Alan Hammill
Tim Pugliese and Thomas Merhout
Ceaser Johnson (second from left) was promoted to 7th dan in January 2026.
New black belts, November 15, 2025
An impressive board of examiners
Kevin Buckley throws Nick Paldino as he demonstrates for his 4th Dan rank
Devin Buckley (earning his black belt) shows self defense as he escapes from his mom's grasp. Lianne earned her fourth dan.
New black belts, Bethany Edmonson and Maxie Desmarias
Dan Cohen earned his third dan. Here with his friend and training partner Tim Meeks.
Mark Lynn with his students who competed in the 2025 weapons division, Jacob Galindo, Nick Walters (first place), Nathaniel Nipand Harley Cooper
2025 Black belt sparring competitors, Angel Perez, Daniel Trimmell, Nick Edwards and Alexis Romero (first place).
Keith D. Yates with the group that drove from Louisiana. Kylie Dillinger, Michael Mendoza, Janan Ellis and Mike Bonstaff.
2025 Teenage red/brown belt division competitors Kevin Jackson and Michael Mendoza.
4/5/25–Kelly Cox, Mike Bonstaff (promoted to 9th dan), Keith Yates, Ginny Tyler (promoted to 5th dan), Drake Pledger (promoted to 5th dan), Mike Proctor.
4/20/24–Over 75 students past and present gather for Keith Yates' retirement after teaching for almost 40 years at the Richardson Y. Mr. Yates will continue to teach at various locations.