Our Mission
AKF Athens Martial Arts is a traditional martial arts school. Not only do we teach usable physical skills and techniques, but we also emphasize the development and growth of the total individual. We work to instill in our students such values and attributes as tolerance, serenity, self-discipline, self-confidence, and respect for others. Our black belt staff is dedicated to providing the finest possible instruction and guidance in order to produce students who, because of their mental and physical sense of well-being, find little need to rely on the use of physical force.
What We Do
Our primary style, Kyuki-Do is a Korean martial art that incorporates elements of Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido and Judo. Kyuki-Do was introduced to the United States in 1967 by Grand Master Ok Hyung Kim, the founder of the art. Grand Master Kim went on to found the American Kyuki-Do Federation (Kyuki-Do’s sanctioning body) in 1979.
Kyuki-Do is designed to be practical, versatile, and effective at a variety of different ranges and in a variety of different situations. The Tae Kwon Do – derived kicks and strikes provide excellent power at medium and long range, while the throws, locks, chokes and joint manipulation of Judo and Hapkido allow for effective close range fighting and grappling.
Kyuki-Do is a living, growing martial art that continues to expand and change. In addition to the core elements of Tae Kwon Do, Judo and Hapkido, Kyuki-Do also includes techniques from Jujitsu, Karate, boxing, wrestling, traditional weapons from Okinawa and the Philippines, and many other arts and styles.
Kyuki-Do is more than just an effective system of self defense; it is a martial art that encourages students to realize their own potential, both physically, mentally and spiritually. Students of Kyuki-Do learn discipline, self-control, patience, persistence and respect for themselves and others. Students are expected to continually strive to perfect themselves, both in the do jang, and in every other area of their life.
Cross Training
AKF Athens Martial Arts provides expert instruction in several other styles, including Aikido, Judo and Hapkido. For more information on our cross training opportunities, please see our Programs page.
Our Instructors
Master Ken Blumreich
Master Ken Blumreich has been active in the martial arts since 1990. He began studying Kyuki-Do and Judo under Master Lloyd Holden in Janesville, Wisconsin, serving as an assistant instructor for several years, and eventually moving to Athens, Georgia to open his own studio in 2000. While his primary art is Kyuki-Do, Master Blumreich also trains in Judo (studying under Master Lloyd Holden, Grandmaster Larry Beard and Sensei Phil Tomporowski), Hapkido (studying under Master Lloyd Holden and Grandmaster Ken Ok Hyung Kim) and Yoshukai Karate (under Sensei Dr. Erik Hofmeister). He is currently ranked as 5th Dan Kyuki-Do, 2nd Dan Hapkido, 2nd Dan Yoshukai Karate, 1st Dan Judo, and several honorary ranks in other arts.
Master Robert Bishop
Master Robert Bishop holds the rank of 5nd Dan in Kyuki-Do, 2nd Dan in Yoshukai Karate, and 1st Dan in Hapkido. He started his martial arts training in 2006. In addition to Kyuki-Do, Master Bishop instructs the Hapkido program and trains in Judo.
Master Jon Gibson
Master Jon Gibson is an instructor at AKF Athens and holds the rank of 5th Dan in Kyuki-Do and 1st Dan in Kobudo. He started his martial arts training in March 2006. In addition to Kyuki-Do, Master Gibson instructs the Kobudo program.
Daniel Williams
Daniel Williams is the Program Director at AKF Athens and holds the rank of 2nd Dan in Kyuki-Do and 1st Dan in Yoshukai Karate. He started his martial arts training in 2010. He trains in Kali and has served as the Program Director for AKF Athens since the fall of 2012.
Zachary Welsh
Zachary Welsh is an instructor at AKF Athens and holds the rank of 3rd Dan in Kyuki-Do. He started his training in August 2004. In addition to Kyuki-Do, Mr. Welsh instructs the Pre-Kyuki-Do program and trains in Kobudo.
Judah Coley
Judah Coley is an instructor at AKF Athens and holds the rank of 2nd Dan in Kyuki-Do. He started his martial arts training in 2015. In addition to Kyuki-Do, Mr. Coley also instructs the Pre-Kyuki-Do program and trains in Kobudo, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu.
Lorelai Barfield
Lorelai Barfield holds the rank of 2nd Dan in Kyuki-Do. She started her martial arts training in December 2012.