Founded by Master Allen Wheeler in 1986, the Okinawan Karatedo Union (O.K.U.) is a non-profit martial arts organization open to all karate styles. Since its inception the O.K.U. has become known for the quality of its members.  Headed by, and supported by its members the O.K.U. provides a wide variety of instruction opportunities.  The Okinawan Karatedo Union now boast members from around the nation and around the world.  

    The purpose of  O.K.U. is simple, to learn, develop and grow in knowledge of the art of karate-do.   The Okinawan Karatedo Union also encourages the exchange of information, ideas and techniques between other martial art unions, associations and memberships.  The O.K.U. understands and accepts the idea that organizations will maintain different ideas and motivations, therefore, it does not seek to force or impose it's fundamentals on others.   The "O.K.U. Technique" is the official magazine distributed by the Okinawan Karate-Do Union.  This is one the best organizational publications currently available and is free with your membership.  The O.K.U. Technique magazine is distributed quarterly.

    The O.K.U. is an organization of its members and by its members, devoted to growing in our art through dedication, study, education and exchange of ideas and information.

    In addition, the O.K.U. assist it's members in the sponsorship of promotional events, provides rank documentation, certification and validation.  The O.K.U. board also provides testing for roku-dan rank (6th degree black belt) and above to qualified individuals. 

    Unlike other organizations, the O.K.U does not "rubber stamp" it's promotions and is the only organization to fail more karateka than it promotes.  This adds to the validity of a rank promotion authorized by the O.K.U. and to the quality of the O.K.U. members abilities.