This page has been designed to provide a concise yet comprehensive introduction to our history, philosophy, Christian foundation, technical approach, and the martial traditions that have helped shape our ryūha. While no single page can fully capture everything that Tatsu Te Ryū represents, we hope this overview gives you a meaningful understanding of who we are, what we believe, and why we train.
Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō was founded by Geoffrey R. Spohn following years of dedicated study across numerous martial arts disciplines. The earliest foundations of the system began in 1994 through private instruction as an effort to organize the knowledge, principles, and practical experience gained throughout his martial journey into a single, unified curriculum.
Rather than creating another variation of an existing style, the vision was to build a complete martial art, one that honored the traditions from which it was born while developing its own philosophy, technical progression, teaching methodology, and identity.
As the curriculum matured, the system continued to evolve through continual study, practical application, and thoughtful refinement. In 2001, Tatsu Te Ryū expanded into a Christian martial arts ministry with the founding of the West Michigan Karate Academy, providing students with an opportunity to pursue not only practical self-defense, but also personal growth through disciplined training and biblical character development.
Today, Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō has grown into an established American ryūha practiced by students and instructors throughout the United States and abroad. While our curriculum has become distinctly our own, we remain deeply grateful to the instructors, teachers, and martial traditions whose knowledge, dedication, and example helped shape our journey.
Our philosophy has always been one of continual improvement. We honor the past, embrace the present, and strive to faithfully preserve and responsibly pass our art to future generations.
Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō is an unapologetically Christian martial art.
Our faith in Jesus Christ is not simply an addition to our curriculum, it is the very foundation upon which our ryūha has been built.
While we deeply respect the Japanese, Okinawan, Korean, Chinese, and American martial traditions that have influenced our technical development, our worldview is firmly rooted in biblical truth. We believe that martial arts should strengthen far more than the body. True martial training should cultivate integrity, humility, wisdom, courage, compassion, discipline, servant leadership, and unwavering moral character.
Our purpose has never been simply to teach students how to punch harder, kick higher, or fight better. Our greater mission is to help develop men and women who possess the confidence to protect others, the wisdom to avoid unnecessary conflict, and the character to live honorable lives.
This Christian philosophy is reflected throughout every aspect of Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō. It is evident in our instructor standards, our leadership philosophy, our emphasis on servant leadership, our original Bible Kata, and our commitment to helping every student become stronger physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually.
Students of every background are welcome to train with us.
We do not require our students to profess the Christian faith, nor do we use martial arts as a condition for conversion. However, we make no apology for who we are. We openly teach from a Christian worldview while striving to ensure that every student is treated with dignity, respect, compassion, and Christ-like love.
Our prayer is simple: that every person who walks through our doors leaves stronger than when they entered, not only as martial artists, but as people.
The name Tatsu Te Ryū (立つ手流) expresses both the technical and philosophical purpose of our system.
立つ (Tatsu) — To Rise • Stand Firm
手 (Te) — Hand • Fist
流 (Ryū) — School • Style • Family Tradition
Together, the name is commonly translated as:
Together, the name is commonly translated as:
The raised fist symbolizes far more than victory over an opponent. While many sporting events celebrate success by raising a hand in triumph, we choose to see it as a reminder that our greatest victories are often won within ourselves.
It reminds us:
Most importantly, it reminds us to rise above the limitations we place upon ourselves.
The true martial artist understands that the greatest victory is not found in defeating another person. It is found in becoming a better person than we were yesterday. That is the spirit of Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō.
As students of Tatsu Te Ryū, we strive to rise each day, not only in skill, but in character; not only in knowledge, but in wisdom; and not only in strength, but in faith.
Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō is an American Blended Martial Art.
We intentionally use the term Blended Martial Art rather than Mixed Martial Art. While modern Mixed Martial Arts has become synonymous with athletic competition and full-contact combat sports, Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō was developed with a broader purpose in mind. Our goal has never been simply to prepare students for competition, but to provide a complete martial education that develops the whole person.
We believe that a martial artist should be technically proficient, physically capable, mentally disciplined, morally grounded, and spiritually mature. Self-defense is certainly an important part of our curriculum, but it is only one part. We also seek to cultivate wisdom, humility, leadership, self-control, and a lifelong commitment to personal growth.
This philosophy closely mirrors the words of Gichin Funakoshi, often regarded as the father of modern karate:
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants."
Those words continue to serve as one of the guiding principles of Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō.
Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō is not simply a collection of borrowed techniques, but a unified martial system forged through decades of study, practical experience, and continual refinement. Every principle has been carefully evaluated, tested, and integrated into a cohesive curriculum whose purpose is to develop complete martial artists of exceptional character.
At its core, Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō is a practical self-defense system rooted in traditional martial arts principles.
Our curriculum incorporates:
Although students are introduced to higher kicks and athletic techniques, our primary emphasis remains on efficiency, balance, mobility, and real-world application. Most kicks are directed toward practical targets such as the legs, hips, torso, and other areas that are effective under the stress of a real confrontation.
We emphasize economy of motion over unnecessary complexity. Students are taught to move efficiently, remain balanced, and adapt naturally as situations change.
Whenever possible, conflict should be avoided. When conflict cannot be avoided, it should be controlled. Only when absolutely necessary should it be ended through force. Above all else, we teach our students to use only the amount of force reasonably necessary to safely resolve a situation.
No martial art is born in isolation. Every ryūha is built upon the knowledge, dedication, sacrifice, and experience of the generations that came before it. Every instructor, every student, and every tradition leaves its mark upon those who continue the journey. Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō is no exception.
Although Tatsu Te Ryū has matured into an independent martial tradition with its own philosophy, curriculum, technical progression, and identity, we have never forgotten the teachers, systems, and lineages that helped shape our path. We proudly stand upon their shoulders, honoring both their accomplishments and the lessons they entrusted to future generations.
The following martial arts are recognized not as systems we seek to imitate, but as respected traditions whose principles have contributed to the development of Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō. Each has offered unique insights into movement, strategy, discipline, self-defense, or character development. Through decades of study, practical application, and thoughtful refinement, these principles have been woven together into a unified curriculum that reflects the identity of our own ryūha.
The summaries that follow are not intended to serve as complete histories of these martial arts. Rather, they are offered as an expression of gratitude and respect, acknowledging the influence each has had upon our development while illustrating how their enduring principles continue to enrich the training of every Tatsu Te Ryū practitioner.
Traditional Karate forms the very heart of our striking curriculum. Karate has long been defined as an unarmed method of self-defense utilizing the entire body through disciplined training, proper technique, and continual refinement. If karate could be summarized in a single sentence, it might best be expressed through one of Gichin Funakoshi's most famous teachings:
"There is no first attack in karate."
This timeless principle reminds us that karate exists for protection, not aggression. It reinforces the virtues of restraint, discipline, humility, and respect that continue to define our approach to martial arts training.
From our traditional Japanese/Okinawan karate heritage, including influences from Shotokan, Shōrin-Ryū, Kyokushin, Kenpo, Uechi-Ryū, Gojū-Ryū and other classical systems, we preserve what are commonly known as the Three K's of karate training:
Kihon develops the foundation of every martial artist through the repetitive practice of stances, footwork, blocks, punches, strikes, kicks, breathing, timing, and body mechanics. The majority of our fundamental striking techniques and body positioning originate from these traditional karate principles.
Kata are pre-arranged sequences of movement that preserve principles of timing, balance, body mechanics, strategy, and combat application. While Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō continues to study and preserve respected traditional kata, we have also developed original kata unique to our own ryūha. These forms reflect our Christian philosophy, technical progression, and practical approach to self-defense while helping distinguish Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō as its own martial tradition rather than simply another name for an existing system.
Kumite develops the student's ability to apply technique against a resisting partner through controlled sparring, drills, timing exercises, and practical application. As students progress, they begin to discover that speed, coordination, distance, endurance, composure, and sound judgment naturally develop through consistent practice. Eventually, every serious martial artist realizes that earning a black belt is not the end of training, it is only the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning.
While traditional karate provides the foundation of our striking, the Japanese arts of Jujutsu, Aikido, and Aikijujutsu contribute greatly to our understanding of control, leverage, balance, and efficient body mechanics.
Traditional Jujutsu developed as a comprehensive system of self-defense utilizing throws, joint locks, grappling, striking, and immobilization techniques. Designed to overcome an opponent through skill rather than brute strength, Jujutsu teaches practitioners to use an attacker's momentum and positioning to their advantage.
Aikido expanded upon many of these same principles by placing a greater emphasis on circular movement, blending with an opponent's energy, and redirecting aggression rather than meeting force with force. Rather than focusing solely on striking, Aikido teaches practitioners to maintain control through timing, balance disruption, and fluid movement.
Likewise, Aikijujutsu emphasizes the subtle application of leverage, body positioning, and joint manipulation while maintaining the practical effectiveness expected of a combat-oriented system.
From these arts, Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō incorporates:
** Joint locks and manipulation techniques.
** Throws and takedowns.
** Balance disruption and off-balancing principles.
** Escorting and control techniques.
** Defensive grappling.
** Efficient body movement and leverage.
** Practical methods of restraint and immobilization.
Perhaps more importantly, these systems reinforce one of our core philosophies:
Not every confrontation requires maximum force.
There are many situations in which controlling an individual safely is more appropriate than striking them unnecessarily. Whenever a peaceful solution exists, we believe it should always be pursued first.
As society continues to evolve, so too must our understanding of practical self-defense. Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō proudly acknowledges the influence of Nihon-Ryū Goshinjutsu, a modern Japanese system emphasizing realistic personal protection, practical defensive tactics, and scenario-based self-defense.
While deeply respectful of traditional martial arts, Nihon-Ryū Goshinjutsu recognizes that today's threats often differ significantly from those encountered centuries ago. Its emphasis on efficiency, awareness, and proportional response closely complements the philosophy of Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō.
From Nihon-Ryū Goshinjutsu, our curriculum has adapted principles including:
** Practical defenses against common modern assaults.
** Standing joint locks and escorting techniques.
** Control and restraint methods appropriate when excessive force is neither necessary nor justified.
** Smooth transitions between striking, locking, takedowns, and disengagement.
** Defensive awareness and situational assessment.
** Conflict avoidance and verbal de-escalation whenever possible.
** Responsible and proportional use of force.
These principles reinforce our belief that true self-defense is not measured by how much damage one can inflict, but by the ability to resolve conflict safely, efficiently, legally, and responsibly while protecting innocent life whenever possible.
Among the many martial traditions that have influenced Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō is the historic Japanese art of Ninjutsu. Traditionally, Ninjutsu extended well beyond empty-hand combat. It encompassed strategy, reconnaissance, survival, unconventional warfare, battlefield movement, concealment, and adaptability. Practitioners also studied pressure-point applications, battlefield grappling, escape methods, medicine, first aid, and a wide variety of traditional weapons.
While Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō is not a Ninjutsu system, we respectfully acknowledge the valuable principles this tradition has contributed to our understanding of practical self-defense.
From Ninjutsu, we have adopted concepts such as:
** Tactical awareness.
** Mobility and efficient footwork.
** Pressure-point and nerve-strike applications.
** Adaptability under changing circumstances.
** Strategic thinking before physical engagement.
** Remaining calm and mentally focused under stress.
No study of the classical martial arts would be complete without acknowledging the rich traditions of Kobudō, the ancient weapon arts of Okinawa and Japan. Historically, Kobudō developed from the adaptation of common farming implements and everyday tools into effective methods of self-defense. Over time, these weapons evolved into highly respected martial disciplines requiring exceptional coordination, precision, discipline, and control.
Within Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō, traditional weapons training serves several purposes. Beyond preserving an important part of martial arts history and culture, it develops timing, distance, body mechanics, focus, coordination, and respect for the responsibility that accompanies martial knowledge.
Students may study traditional weapons including:
** Bō
** Sai
** Tonfa
** Nunchaku
** Kama
** Eku
** Hanbō
** Tambo
** Yari
** Naginata
** Japanese Sword (Katana)
Although weapons training remains an important part of our curriculum, we continually remind our students that the greatest weapon they will ever possess is neither wood nor steel it is a disciplined mind guided by wisdom and sound judgment.
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Taekwondo is one of the world's most recognized Korean martial arts. This amazing system contributes exceptional kicking mechanics, explosive power, flexibility, athletic movement, balance, speed, coordination, and dynamic footwork. While Tatsu Te Ryū emphasizes practical lower-body targets during self-defense situations, training in advanced kicking techniques develops greater body control, precision, confidence, and overall athleticism. Taekwondo reminds us that discipline, perseverance, and continual self-improvement are achieved through consistent training and dedication.
Tang Soo Do emphasizes strong fundamentals, disciplined technique, powerful hand strikes, practical kicking, forms, one-step applications, and respect for tradition. Tang Soo Do also reinforces the importance of developing the complete martial artist through humility, perseverance, self-control, and unwavering respect for others.Its balanced approach to both physical and mental development closely aligns with the philosophy of Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō.
Hapkido also complements our Korean heritage. This style is a comprehensive self-defense system emphasizing circular motion, leverage, joint manipulation, throws, pressure-point applications, and practical defensive tactics. Hapkido reminds us that efficiency often overcomes strength, and that proper timing, leverage, and body mechanics can allow a smaller individual to successfully defend against a much larger attacker.
Together, these Korean martial arts reinforce timeless virtues that continue to influence Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō:
These principles remain deeply woven into both our technical curriculum and our expectations of personal character.
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The roots of many Okinawan and Japanese martial arts can ultimately be traced to the rich fighting traditions of China. As such, Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō proudly acknowledges the influence of several Chinese martial systems whose principles have contributed to our technical development and understanding of martial arts as a whole.
Five Animal Shaolin Kung Fu studies the distinctive characteristics and fighting principles inspired by the Tiger, Crane, Leopard, Snake, and Dragon. Rather than simply imitating animals, practitioners learn specialized methods of body mechanics, power generation, breathing, balance, agility, precision, and strategy.
From Five Animal Shaolin, Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō has adapted concepts including:
** Dynamic body mechanics.
** Explosive power generation.
** Animal-inspired movement principles.
** Balance between hardness and softness.
** Practical striking combinations.
These principles encourage adaptability and remind students that no single method is appropriate for every situation.
Wing Chun emphasizes efficiency, economy of motion, centerline control, simultaneous attack and defense, and close-range striking. Its direct, practical approach to self-defense has influenced Tatsu Te Ryū's understanding of:
** Centerline theory.
** Close-quarters striking.
** Trapping and redirection.
** Sensitivity and tactile awareness.
** Economy of motion.
Wing Chun reinforces our belief that efficiency often surpasses unnecessary complexity.
Although often associated today with health and meditation, Tai Chi Chuan originated as a sophisticated martial art built upon balance, relaxation, structure, timing, sensitivity, and internal body mechanics.
Within Tatsu Te Ryū, Tai Chi contributes principles including:
** Relaxed power.
** Balance and stability.
** Breath control.
** Efficient body alignment.
** Fluid movement.
** Mental focus and patience.
These concepts remind us that true strength is not always expressed through speed or force, but often through control, composure, and effortless efficiency.
While Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō respectfully honors the martial traditions that have influenced its development, it has evolved into far more than a collection of techniques from various systems. Through decades of study, experience, and continual refinement, Tatsu Te Ryū has developed its own philosophy, teaching methodology, technical progression, and identity.
Every principle within our curriculum is taught with purpose. Rather than simply preserving techniques because they are traditional, we seek to understand why they work, when they should be applied, and how they contribute to the complete development of the martial artist.
Our objective is not merely to create capable fighters, but to develop individuals who possess wisdom, discipline, humility, confidence, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. Several principles distinguish Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō from many other martial arts systems.
The Four Ranges of Combat
Effective self-defense requires more than learning individual techniques. It requires understanding how distance constantly changes during a confrontation.
Tatsu Te Ryū teaches students to recognize and transition between four primary ranges of combat:
Long Range emphasizes mobility, distancing, footwork, and kicking techniques. Students learn to manage space, maintain proper positioning, and utilize longer-range weapons before an opponent closes the distance.
Middle Range represents the distance where punches, palm strikes, elbows, knees, and short kicking techniques become most effective. This range develops combination striking, timing, and fluid transitions between offensive and defensive movement.
Close Quarters focuses on clinch work, trapping, off-balancing, joint manipulation, standing grappling, takedowns, and control techniques. Students learn how to remain effective when distance disappears and movement becomes restricted.
While Tatsu Te Ryū is not a ground-fighting system, we recognize that real confrontations do not always remain standing.
Our objective is to teach students how to survive, defend themselves effectively, create opportunities to escape, safely regain their footing, and return to a standing position whenever practical.
Throughout training, students learn not only how to function within each individual range, but how to transition smoothly between them as circumstances evolve.
One of the defining concepts unique to Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō is our principle of Anticipated Reactionary Condition, commonly known as ARC.
Every action produces a predictable reaction. Rather than viewing techniques as isolated movements, ARC teaches students to anticipate how an opponent's body will naturally respond to strikes, blocks, joint locks, throws, or positional changes. For example, a strike to the body may naturally cause an opponent's posture to lower, creating an opening elsewhere. Likewise, a defensive movement may expose another target or compromise balance. By understanding these predictable reactions, students learn to remain one step ahead rather than merely reacting to what has already occurred.
ARC encourages thoughtful application rather than memorized combinations. Students learn to recognize opportunities as they develop naturally during an encounter, allowing techniques to flow together with greater efficiency, adaptability, and control.
Kata have always served as one of the primary methods of preserving martial knowledge. While Tatsu Te Ryū continues to respect and study traditional kata inherited from earlier martial traditions, our curriculum also includes approximately 70% of its own original kata developed specifically for our ryūha. These forms reflect our technical philosophy, practical applications, and progressive teaching methodology while providing students with a structured path for continual growth.
Among our most distinctive contributions are our Bible Kata.
Developed exclusively within Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō, these original forms combine martial movement with the study and memorization of Scripture. Rather than viewing physical and spiritual development as separate pursuits, Bible Kata encourage students to strengthen both simultaneously.
For us, kata are far more than choreographed movements.
** They preserve history.
** They teach principles.
** They develop discipline.
** They cultivate character.
Leadership within Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō is measured by far more than technical ability or rank. As students advance, greater skill must be accompanied by greater humility, responsibility, and service to others.
We believe the finest instructors are those who lead by example, demonstrate patience, encourage continual learning, and willingly place the needs of their students above personal recognition.
Every promotion represents not only increased knowledge, but increased responsibility.
Our goal is to develop leaders who positively influence their families, churches, communities, and future generations through lives marked by integrity, compassion, courage, and faithful service.
Martial arts are living traditions. While Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō remains firmly rooted in the timeless principles of the martial arts that helped shape its foundation, we also recognize that learning never ends.
Through continual study, responsible refinement, and practical experience, our curriculum continues to mature while remaining faithful to the values upon which it was established.
We do not seek change simply for the sake of innovation. Nor do we preserve tradition simply because it is old. Instead, we strive to preserve what has proven valuable, refine what can be improved, and faithfully pass our knowledge to the next generation with honor, humility, and integrity.
That commitment to continual growth is, perhaps, the truest expression of what it means to be The Style of the Rising Fist.
At its heart, Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō exists for a purpose greater than producing skilled fighters. Our mission is to develop men, women, and children of strong character who possess courage without arrogance, confidence without pride, strength without cruelty, and humility without weakness.
We believe martial arts should enrich every aspect of a person's life. The discipline learned in the dojo should influence how we serve our families, conduct ourselves at work, interact with our communities, and honor God in our daily lives. The lessons of respect, forgiveness, perseverance, integrity, humility, and self-control are not reserved for training, they are principles to be lived.
Every class, every kata, every drill, and every challenge is intended to shape more than physical ability. Each lesson is an opportunity to strengthen the body, sharpen the mind, develop godly character, and cultivate the wisdom to make sound decisions under pressure.
We encourage our students to become lifelong learners. A black belt is not viewed as the completion of one's journey, but rather the beginning of a deeper responsibility to continue learning, growing, and serving others. Advancement in rank is never measured solely by technical ability, but also by maturity, humility, leadership, and the example one sets for those who follow.
Our instructors strive to create an environment where students are challenged to pursue excellence while treating one another with dignity, encouragement, and mutual respect. We believe every individual possesses God-given value and potential, and it is our privilege to help each student discover and develop those gifts.
Whether a student joins Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō to learn self-defense, improve physical fitness, build confidence, strengthen their faith, or simply become part of a supportive martial arts family, our commitment remains the same, to help every individual become the very best version of themselves.
As instructors and students of Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō, we are committed to preserving the honor and traditions of the martial arts while remaining faithful to the principles upon which our ryūha was founded:
The raised fist of Tatsu Te Ryū is not a symbol of anger or aggression.
It is a symbol of perseverance.
A symbol of hope.
A symbol of discipline.
A symbol of faith.
It reminds us to rise when life knocks us down.
To stand firm when our convictions are tested.
To defend those who cannot defend themselves.
To lead with humility.
To serve with compassion.
To pursue excellence without sacrificing integrity.
To become better than we were yesterday.
And to leave every place, every person, and every generation better than we found it.
That is the spirit of Tatsu Te Ryū Karate-Dō.
That is The Style of the Rising Fist.
We welcome you to join us as we continue this journey together.
Osu.
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