
Photo: The Boyd Family at the Okinawa Karate Kaikan in 2019.
Our Story
Formerly, Ash's Okinawan Karate, we entered a new chapter for the school as Bozeman Karate in 2017 when the Ashs retired. Owners, Aaron & Erin Boyd, have proudly taken on the journey of continuing to offer professional, affordable karate instruction to the Gallatin Valley.
Our family of 7 can speak to the many benefits that karate has afforded ourselves. We would love to share our passion of this tradition with you as well.
Isshin-Ryu, a traditional form of Okinawan Karate, is known for natural stances, realistic street fighting techniques, and quick un-telegraphed movements. Proficiency with both punching and kicking is emphasized as well as elbow and knee strikes.
Bozeman Karate is a member of the World United Isshin-Ryu Karate Association and Ryu Kyu Kobudo Tesshinkan.
Bozeman Karate offers classes to students ages 5 and up. There are ten under black belt rank levels. Our program allows for each individual to excel at his/her own pace within a non-competitive format. Karate is an individual endeavor! Initially, you will learn a basic foundation of karate techniques on which to build. Fundamentals of actual street and sport karate are later incorporated into the students' training as well as the Isshinryu katas. All classes include stretching and calisthenics. Bozeman Karate is a Black Belt School. We are committed to assisting our students in achieving the level of black belt and a level of personal excellence!
While our focus is on traditional Okinawan Karate, our students have competed in tournaments within Montana, neighboring states, regions, and nationally. Our school has produced multiple National Champions. All students have the opportunity to compete, but it is strictly optional.
We work hard everyday to live up to our Mission Statement:
Bozeman Karate's Mission Statement: To instill confidence, courtesy, and respect while building mental and physical strength, self discipline, balance, focus, endurance, and perseverance in students so that they may empower themselves to overcome physical and mental obstacles, build character and unify mind, body and spirit.
Owners/Founders

Aaron Boyd
Owner & Chief Instructor
Biography
Aaron Sensei began martial arts training in 1986 in Hendersonville, Tennessee...

Brian Ash
Founder
Biography
Brian Sensei began training in the martial arts in 1981 in Toledo, Ohio...

Lisa Ash
Co-Founder
Biography
Lisa Sensei began her training in Isshinryu Karate in 1990 at Ingram’s Professional Karate...
Instructors - Sensei

Charlie Totten
Sensei
Biography

Dave McDonough
Sensei
Biography

Eddie Garcia
Sensei
Biography

Hannah Boyd
Sensei
Biography
Sensei Hannah started Karate at the age of 9 ...

Isaac Boyd
Sensei
Biography
Sensei Isaac started karate at the age of 7 at Ash's Okinawan Karate...

Mark Hernandez
Sensei
Biography
Start today...
We offer a complimentary class to each prospective student. Contact us today to schedule.