Sidekick Karate in China Grove

Our School

American Open Karate System

Karate has been taught in the United States since 1946, when Grandmaster Robert Trias, known as the father of American Karate, opened the first karate school in Phoenix, Arizona. Two years later, Mr. Trias founded the United States Karate Association (USKA), the first karate organization in America, with almost every early top karate instructor in its membership.

On May 2, 1972, Hanshi Jerry Piddington was declared the Headmaster and founder of the American Open Style Karate under the USKA sanctified charter, established by Mr. Trias, which was internationally ratified on May 30, 1975. The American Open Style is a blend of styles acquired from many pioneers of modern day karate. The mechanical principals, technical aspects, and psychological elements of this style are based on ancient arts of hand-to-hand combat.

Kara - Empty + Te – Hand = Empty Hand

In 1976, Renshi Ricky and Randy Smith, nationally known as the Gold Dust Twins, began teaching American Open Style Karate under the guidance of Mr. Piddington, at their school in China Grove, N.C., called Smith Brothers Karate. In 1990, the Smith Twins founded SideKick Karate and became a chartered member of Mr. Piddington's American Karate Academies National Association.

In 1990, Robert Taylor began training under Renshi Ricky and Randy Smith. In 1992, Mr. Taylor achieved his 1st degree black belt in American Open Style of Karate. In 1993 he was awarded the title of Sensei. Sensei Taylor currently holds the rank of 4th degree black belt in AOKS, making him the highest ranking Instructor under the Smith Twins. In 1999 Sensei Taylor began training under Tashi Troy Price in Jiu-Jitsu, which he currently holds his black belt.

Sensei Taylor has also done extensive training under Kyoshi Ridgely Abele of Shuri-Ryu Karate. During his training with Kyoshi Abele his rank was acknowledged through the International Shuri-Rye Yudanshakai.