Japanese Karate Do Cooperative

Sensei Eric Dietz Promoted and Awarded the Title of Renshi

Juneau, Alaska — The Japanese Karate-Do Cooperative proudly congratulates Sensei Eric Dietz, founder and head instructor of 61 North Karate Academy, on his promotion to Teaching License Level II and the distinguished title of Renshi.

The promotion was formally presented during the 12th Annual Southeast Alaska Karate Championship, recognizing Sensei Dietz’s growing impact as a teacher, leader, and ambassador of traditional Japanese karate. The honor was presented by Sensei Nathan Young, Kancho of the Juneau Karate Academy and President of the Japanese Karate-Do Cooperative, Inc.

Sensei Dietz has played a meaningful role in strengthening karate in the Matanuska–Susitna Valley, building a dojo culture rooted in discipline, respect, and service to families. Through consistent instruction, mentorship, and community outreach, he has helped expand access to quality martial arts training while fostering positive values in students of all ages.

At the state level, Sensei Dietz has contributed to the broader growth of karate in Alaska by supporting inter-dojo collaboration, encouraging tournament participation, and modeling a high standard of professionalism for instructors and students alike. His work reflects a commitment not only to technical excellence, but also to the long-term health of karate as a living tradition in Alaska.

Shihan Michael Taylor, the Assocation's Technical Director and long-time mentor within the organization, offered the following reflection on Sensei Dietz’s promotion:

“Renshi is not a reward for time served—it is recognition of responsibility accepted. Sensei Dietz has shown that he understands karate is not about the techniques we collect, but the people we shape. His promotion reflects a teacher who is learning how to carry the weight of the art with humility, consistency, and care. This is how the next generation of leadership is formed.”

While the title of Renshi marks a significant professional milestone, it also signals the beginning of a new chapter. Sensei Dietz represents the next generation of leadership—one that will carry forward the values, standards, and responsibility of teaching karate well into the future.

“Sensei Dietz embodies what we look for in the future leaders of our organization,” said Sensei Young. “This recognition acknowledges the work he has already done and the potential he brings as he continues to grow, serve his community, and help shape the next generation of Alaskan karate.”

The Japanese Karate-Do Cooperative congratulates Sensei Eric Dietz on this well-earned promotion and looks forward to his continued leadership and service to the art of karate.

Good Morning Friends!

We are closing in on our Karate Championship and I would like to pass along some info about the event.

The Championship will be held Friday and Saturday – February 16/17 at the Juneau Christian Center (across the street from Fred Myers).

The Karate Dojo will be closed Saturday, Feb 17 for the event AND Monday, Feb 19th for President’s Day.

We are looking for help setting up for the tournament on Friday, Feb 18th at 1pm.

We are also in need of a takedown crew Saturday at the end of the event.

For all competitors, we will have open practice time Friday afternoon. This is a great opportunity to get on the actual mat and work on kata and get your team together for team practice.

Friday:
Set up: 1pm
Demo Team practice: 2-3pm
Open mat: 3-5pm

Check in starts at 5pm

Sparring competition 6pm (please look closely at the required protective gear list)

Saturday:

Check in starts at 8:30am

Lil Dragons will have an obstacle course set up at 8:45am

Opening ceremonies at 9:30am

Lil Dragons – Flag sparring
Team Kata
Family Group Kata Showcase

Weapons Showcase
Demo Team Performance

Individual Kata

We encourage friends, family, and community members to stop in and cheer on the students. There is no admission fee and lots of comfortable seating.

Thank you for being part of our Karate Dojo!

Sensei Young

Greetings!
We are pleased to announce the 9th Annual Southeast Alaska Karate Championship.

This is a fun, midwinter event for all karate students
There is something great for everyone; all belt ranks of youth, teen, and adult students.

This year the registration is online: https://smoothcomp.com/en/event/14470

During the month of December there is DISCOUNTED registration available with single participate option or a discount for the WHOLE family.

The registration fee is flat, a single fee for as many events as you would like to participate in.

Coming next month is LOTS of detailed information, clinics, and how to videos.

We will have event tee shirt ordering link out soon.

We are also looking for businesses, groups, or families who would like to become sponsors of the event.

This is put on by our nonprofit (5o1c3) organization and sponsors get tax credit as a charitable donation.

Merry Christmas
Sensei Young

Photos from the Presidents' Day Weekend Tournament. February 16-17, 2019.

This weekend’s championship schedule of events!

Mark your calendars!

Did you know your purchases can help to support our annual tournament?

AmazonSmile will donate to the Japanese Karate Do Cooperative when you shop for the holidays at https://smile.amazon.com/ch/47-5296424

Day 2 of the Championship! Thank you to all the families that made this happen

Today we had to the privilege of promoting Mr Eric Dietz of the North Star Karate Academy in Palmer AK to 2nd degree black belt and awarding him a teaching license. Presented to him by Sensei Michael Taylor on behalf of JKC

A few photos from the championship!