Upcoming Events:

Sept 26-28: Sensei John Limcaco's long-anticipated weekend visit!

Oct 20: Sana Shanti Workshop, 7-9 pm

Nov 8: 14th Annual Pacific NW Karate-do Classic Tournament at Edmonds Community College. Download registration packet here.

Nov 15: Open House for Lowell Karate Families at our Dojo, 9:00 til 10:15 am.

Nov 15: Annual Membership Meeting, 10:15 til 10:45 am.

Nov 29: 49th Annual All-Hawaii State Karate Championships. Download registration and info here.

Jan 24: FKU's Annual Kick-A-Thon and Pizza Party

About the Feminist Karate Union

The Feminist Karate Union began as a self-defense class for women taught by Py Bateman at the University of Washington in 1971. We are now an active, independent, 501(c)3 non-profit karate school for women and children, taught by women. Our Chief Instructor, Sensei Aleeta Van Petten, has been training and teaching at the Feminist Karate Union since 1980 and is among our third generation of black belt women.

We teach shito-ryu, a traditional Japanese karate, in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.  Our program includes physical conditioning and is structured so that each student progresses at her own rate. New students receive individual instruction by advanced students in the mixed level classes.  Once you learn the basic techniques, you will work out at your own level with other students. Our class sizes are small, and instructors provide a high level of individual attention to all students.

Physical conditioning is but one of many benefits of your karate training.  Character development is an essential aspect of traditional karate.  Many of our students credit their karate training with helping them in areas as diverse as career focus, abusive relationships, and spiritual growth.

Karate is an excellent lifetime activity that can be adapted to your changing needs and abilities.  Women of all ages and aptitudes are learning and enjoying karate.  We can individualize your training to adapt for many types of physical challenges.  As with any exercise program, if you have doubts about your ability to participate due to injury or ailment, contact your health care practitioner.

Self-defense skills are integral to our karate practice.  You will participate in drills that build up reactions to unexpected situations.  Our program develops your commitment to defense and confidence in your ability to choose the best response to an attack.  Separate short-term courses in self-defense are also offered by our teachers, and custom programs are available upon request.

The Feminist Karate Union is willing to work with any woman or child in their karate training.  With diligence and perseverance, any woman and child can do karate, and do it well.  All students are treated with respect and given individual attention, regardless of initial aptitude and condition.

We are the Seattle branch of the International Karate Federation (IKF) headed by Sensei Chuzo Kotaka based in Hawaii.

Donations to FKU are tax deductable in accordance with IRS 501(c)(3) guidelines.