Master Atlee Chittim

Master Atlee Chittim 8th grade black belt—the “Father of Texas Karate”

“Keep an open mind and choose from the various styles of karate the things that work for them.”

Atlee Chittim first became interested in the martial arts during World War II. During this period he received his training in Judo, which emphasized disarming techniques. After World War II, Mr. Chittim returned to San Antonio, Texas where he began instructing wrestling and judo at the San Antonio YMCA. During this period Mr. Chittim was awarded the rank of black belt in judo. He later helped form the Texas Judo Black Belt Federation. Master Chittim studied Karate under a series of military instructors stationed at the army and air force bases in San Antonio. In 1955 he began teaching Karate at San Antonio College and in 1956 sponsored the entry of Jhoon Rhee into the United States from Korea. It was during this period that Mr. Chittim expanded his karate classes and began teaching at Trinity University, St. Mary's University, San Pedro Recreation Center, the YWCA and YMCA, and other church locations in San Antonio, Texas. By 1960, Mr. Chittim had over 300 students and had formed the San Antonio Karate Association.

John Corcoran credits Mr. Atlee as being the first man to teach a form of karate in the Southwestern United States in his article "The Untold Story of American Karate's History" which appeared in Black Belt Magazine. His other accomplishments included serving as both Judo and Karate Chairman of the South Texas AAU, life member of the AAU, regional advisor for the United Sates Karate Association and sponsor of the first professional karate tournament in the United States.

Atlee Chittim was promoted to the rank of 8th grade black belt in Tae Kwon Do shortly before his 65th birthday on May 30, 1984. In June he was diagnosed as having cancer and died on July 3, 1984. The "Atlee Chittim Roll of Honor" was established as a tribute to Mr. Chittim who is recognized as the "Father of Texas Karate." Mr. Chittim was the first member of the United States Karate Association, established by Robert Trias, and held many positions in this national organization. While serving as regional director, Mr. Chittim was remembered for the following quotation found in the constitution of the United States Karate Association. "Let me stress to the membership that they keep an open mind and choose from the various styles of karate the things that work for them. Fight rough and tough so as to show the matchless American fighting ability. The daydreamers and romantics are those who feel they must copy some other country's fighting spirit."