What Makes ACTKO Albany Different
ACTKO Albany teaches much more than karate. We teach students how to succeed in school, at home, and in life. Through our commitment to faith, focus, and follow-through, we teach our students:
- Character development
- Leadership
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Teamwork
- Family values
- Self-confidence
- Mental toughness
- Positive attitude
- Academic encouragement
Every day, we help our students build their confidence and improve their focus—building resiliency that will serve them well in school, at home, on the playground, and into adulthood. We teach our students respect and help them learn to handle challenges positively so they can develop discipline. By learning perseverance and developing these healthy habits, our students improve their self-esteem and gain the skills to become leaders.
Through it all, the emphasis is consistently on preparing children for life—not just competition.
Community Commitment
ACTKO Albany is a non-profit organization. We’ve spent decades serving the Capital Region by running after-school karate and community center programs. We work with the Albany Recreation Department and partner with the Albany School of Humanities to make karate accessible to every child. Our goal is to ensure that no child is turned away from this life-changing study because of financial constraints, and we often provide scholarships to children unable to afford tuition.
Family Philosophy
One of our strongest recurring messages is that the school operates like a family. Every day, we teach our students the following:
- Every student is valued.
- Every child deserves encouragement.
- Parents are partners in the learning process.
- Character comes before competition.
Competitive Excellence
While character comes first, the school and its owner, Shihan Tony Butler, also have an extensive competitive record. Highlights include:
- More than 50 years of martial arts instruction
- AAU member since 1986
- Founded AAU-affiliated karate school in 1993
- Hundreds of students trained
- Multiple National and World Champions
- More than 100 athletes coached to gold medals
- Numerous AAU World Karate Team selections
- Longtime referee, coach, and AAU volunteer
Awards & Recognition
During our years in business, we’re proud to have received plenty of community recognition, including awards from:
- AAU Karate Committee
- City of Albany
- Various Capital Region organizations
- Albany School District
- NAACP
- Albany Human Rights Commission
- WNYT Educator of the Week
- Community service organizations
Simply put, ACTKO Albany has been recognized throughout the Capital Region for decades of excellence in youth development, community service, and martial arts instruction.
The School’s Promise
ACTKO Albany will help with the following:
- Building self-esteem
- Creating future leaders
- Teaching respect
- Encouraging education
- Instilling confidence
- Helping children reach their potential
