The Phoenix Karate-do Association continues to bring together, year after year, an exceptional and diverse group of active Yudansha and aspiring Mudansha.
COMMUNITY
OUR DOJO
The Phoenix Karate-do Association Kyokushinkai International was founded on Mas Oyama’s Kyokushin and acknowledges its debt to this renowned master of the martial arts. The Association has also continued its unbroken direct line, begun with Hulon Willis in the early 1960s through Donald and James Radcliffe, and strengthened with Raymond Elmore as our first Kancho,
LEGACY
The Phoenix Karate-do Association Kyokushinkai International is a traditional karate organization that trains in the Kyokushin style. The Association is one of the USA’s oldest continuously active international Kyokushin organizations with a proud legacy rich in history, quality and community.
MISSION
A traditional and budo based karate organization, Phoenix stresses continuous self-improvement through physically demanding training and reflection. The USA based organization has headquarters in the USA and Ukraine, with an extensive legacy leadership having dedicated decades to the Phoenix Way.
Soller began training in the renowned style of Kyokushin at the age of sixteen under Raymond Elmore Shihan (USA), later serving as his chief instructor. He was awarded a full academic fellowship to develop karate at Southern Illinois University and went on to organize karate in the eastern USA before developing his Phoenix Way around the world.
Soller is known for his friendly demeanor, teaching integrity and powerful dojo presence. He continues to promote the traditional and educational values of karate while emphasizing students’ development and human potential. Along with managing the international organization, Soller remains an unyielding and fierce competitor, and continues to personally teach and train in his small dojo.
He is the author of Phoenix Budo~ The Phoenix Way of Kyokushin Karate (2013); Sun & Moon, My Path of the Phoenix Way of Kyokushin Karate (2012) and Phoenix Way ~ Kyokushin Karate (2000; second printing 2006). Soller founded Camp Phoenix, the Association’s international summer gashuku in 1983.
Perhaps unique among highly ranked international instructors, Soller also serves as an education executive, having careers in secondary and higher education. He holds academic degrees from Southern Illinois University, James Madison University and Richard Bland College of the College of William & Mary.
Shuseki Shihan Cathy Melanson began training with Kancho Soller in 1983 at the Mount St. Mary’s University Dojo. A holder of the 7th dan, she has travelled around the world promoting and training in Phoenix karate.
SENIOR MEMBERS
The Phoenix Karate-do Association is an international organization with dojos across the United States, Ukraine and Rwanda.
ORGANIZATION
Shuseki Shihan Anthony Codispoti began training with Kancho Soller in 1988 at the Mount St. Mary’s Dojo. A holder of the 7th dan, he is known for his powerful technique, progressive instruction and commitment to training.
Kancho Dan S. Soller
Founder
Chairman & Chief Instructor
DAN S. SOLLER founded the Phoenix Karate-do Association Kyokushinkai International in 1981 and continues to oversee the organization as the Kancho, head of the house. A world class instructor, he enjoys an exceptional reputation with students around the globe.