By Johnpaul Williams – Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley

Introduction: The Question That Sparked This Article

Earlier this week, I received a brief yet meaningful inquiry via Facebook from a gentleman in India named Mr. Samarjit Mullick, who wrote:

“Oss Sensei. I am from India. I am interested and curious to know about your PhD in Karate….”

Although I receive messages like this from time to time, I was struck by how directly this one spoke to a broader issue that has affected the international martial arts community for decades, the widespread misuse and misrepresentation of academic titles, especially claims of holding a “Ph.D. in Karate.”

This brief inquiry was a reminder that there remains much confusion, and often misinformation, regarding academic degrees in Karatedō 空手道 and martial arts in general. I felt compelled to publicly respond, not only to clarify my own credentials, but to address a wider issue that has long plagued the global martial arts community.

Honestly speaking…. This editorial is really going to get up the nose of some people who have made just such claims for years without validation or verification. I’ll likely be targeted in the future for saying what I am about to say however, In an effort to clarify this matter and to defend the integrity of traditional martial arts, I have decided to publish my response here for transparency and educational purposes. The truth must be known, there are currently no legitimate, accredited doctoral programs in the world specifically granting a Ph.D. in Karatedō.

No One has a Ph.D. in Karate and Why That Matters – A Direct Response

To begin, lets address Mr. Mullick’s question directly and I will be absolutely clear:

I have never held, nor have I ever claimed to hold, a Ph.D. in Karatedō.

I further responded, If someone has told you otherwise, they are full of rubbish, exaggerating, or worse, deliberately spreading misinformation. If such a statement is circulating online or elsewhere, I would sincerely appreciate a link or reference so that I may address the matter directly and correct any such falsehoods.

I take such misrepresentations seriously, because they not only distort the public’s understanding of martial arts, but they also undermine the authenticity, humility, and scholarly rigor that are foundational to Budō 武道. Titles such as Hanshi 範士, Kyōshi 教士, or Renshi 錬士 carry deep cultural and historical significance within the Japanese martial arts community. Claiming academic titles like “Doctor” without having earned them from a recognized institution is an affront to both martial and academic disciplines.

I take great pride in my training and scholarship in traditional Gōjū-Ryū Karate-dō 剛柔流空手道, as well as in the preservation and accurate transmission of Budō 武道 history and culture. However, I do not subscribe to false credentialism, and I believe that allowing such claims to persist only serves to damage the integrity of authentic martial arts traditions.

Clarifying the Academic Landscape of Martial Arts Degrees

Contrary to popular belief, there are no accredited doctoral programs (Ph.D.) in Karatedō 空手道 as a standalone discipline. There does exist alternatives, for example: My colleague, co- karate nerd and prolific writer, Charles Fink, in Canada, earned his Ph.D., in Human Kinetics, with the subject of his dissertation based on Karate. Others have followed similar paths, having earned an M.A. or Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Philosophy, etc, with an emphasis on Combat Arts, Martial Arts, Karate, Military Science, Combat Biomechanics etc. These do not equate to a Ph.D. in Karate. As a matter of fact, not even the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) or West Point University (USA) offer such programs, and if anyone western university should offer such, I believe everyone would agree it would be them.

Some accredited and reputable institutions do offer academic programs that include martial arts studies as part of broader fields such as sports science, cultural studies, or physical education. I outline below a few of these academic pathways in related disciplines, .

1. International Budo University 国際武道大学 (Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture, Japan)

This university is Japan’s premier institution dedicated solely to the education and development of traditional Japanese martial arts (Budō). It offers undergraduate and master’s-level degrees in physical education and Budō, with specializations in:

• Judō 柔道

• Kendō 剣道

• Kyūdō 弓道

• Sōkendō 総合剣道

While Karatedō is part of the physical education curriculum, there is NO doctoral program in Karatedō at this institution. Additionally, even the master’s-level programs are limited to a few disciplines and are highly competitive.

Nonetheless, International Budo University represents the good standard for martial arts academic education in Japan.

2. Horizons University (France)

Horizons University offers an online Master of Arts in Martial Arts, a flexible program designed for instructors, philosophers, and advanced practitioners. The curriculum emphasizes:

• History and philosophy of martial arts

• Pedagogy and methodology

• Cross-cultural martial arts analysis

While this program is convenient and accessible, it does not lead to a Ph.D., and its recognition may vary by region, academic board, or employer.

Important Note: Some individuals misleadingly promote this M.A. as an equivalent to doctoral-level credentials, which is academically dishonest.

3. Troy University (United States) and Other Institutions

Troy University and similar U.S. based institutions offer:

• Ph.D. programs in Sport Management

• Master’s degrees in Kinesiology with possible martial arts-related research tracks

These degrees are highly credible within their own academic disciplines and can support martial arts-focused theses (e.g., martial pedagogy, biomechanics, injury prevention). However:

They are not degrees in Karatedō, and they require rigorous coursework, research methods, and peer-reviewed publication processes in mainstream academic fields.

4. Yong In University (South Korea)

A globally recognized university with a robust College of Martial Arts, Yong In University offers:

• Degrees in Taekwondo, Judo, and Martial Arts Studies.

• Programs that combine physical performance with academic inquiry.

As of now, there is no publicly verified doctoral-level degree in Karatedō available through Yong In University, although its reputation in Korean martial arts education is exemplary.

It is possible that, highly accredited institutions offer “self-guided” and or “write your own degree” type programs such as Stanford University. However, briefly looking through available databases, we have found no individuals with a specific postgraduate degree, MA or Ph.D., in Martial Arts or Karate.

Beware of Honorary Titles and Self-Styled “Ph.D.” Programs

The martial arts world is unfortunately littered with unaccredited institutions, honorary certifications, and diploma mills that issue:

• “Ph.D. in Martial Arts” titles for a fee, for a or as a favor.

• Honorary doctorates without academic verifiable coursework.

• Self-appointed academic titles without institutional or academic peer review.

These degrees often:

• Lack peer-reviewed and standardized dissertation requirements.

• Are not recognized by national educational ministries or accrediting bodies.

• Are used to mislead students and inflate authority.

These should be rejected outright if one is to uphold the dignity and values of authentic Budō. If someone claims a doctorate in martial arts, ask:

• Which institution granted it?

• Was it accredited? To verify if an institution is accredited, the most reliable method is to check the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP). You can also visit the websites of regional accrediting agencies like the Higher Learning Commission or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

• Can the dissertation or published research be found in academic databases?

Some popular research databases resources (and their link) which include martial studies include: Martial Arts Studies, PubMed(National Institute of Health), JSTOR (here is their list of Martial Arts publications), Web of Science, Research Journal of Budo (J-Stage), Japanese Acedemy of Budo, Google Scholar, Scopus, Academic Search Complete (ABSCO), Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and others.

Can Martial Arts Be Studied Academically? Yes But With Nuance

Martial arts can indeed be studied at the graduate or even doctoral level, but this occurs within larger academic frameworks, not as standalone “Karate Ph.D.” programs.

Examples include:

• Japanese Studies: Cultural context, language, and transmission of martial traditions

• Cultural Anthropology: Martial arts as intangible heritage and performance

• Kinesiology / Sports Science: Physical mechanics, pedagogy, and health applications

• Martial Arts Studies: A multidisciplinary field combining history, media, philosophy, and practice

For this to occur, one must:

• Be admitted to a university with an appropriate department

• Develop a thesis under a qualified supervisor

• Pass proposal defenses, research reviews, and contribute to the field’s academic literature

Such paths are academically legitimate, but rare, and require deep commitment to both martial arts and scholarly excellence. These paths are highly individualized, and must adhere to the standards of the host university. They do not result in a degree “in Karate” but may allow for focused research on its history, transmission, pedagogy, or cultural significance.

Why This Matters & Why It Must Be Said

I chose to write this editorial because I believe in transparency and truth. False claims of doctorates in Karate do more than just inflate personal egos, they tarnish the image of all who have devoted their lives to Budō. They dilute the seriousness of our traditions, confuse the public, and ultimately degrade the trust that students place in their instructors. Claims of holding a “Ph.D. in Karate,” especially when fabricated, undermine the discipline of Karatedō and insult the many serious practitioners and scholars who have spent decades in study and training. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard, both technically and ethically.

As practitioners and leaders, we must hold ourselves and others accountable. Authenticity matters, not only in technique, but also in titles, credentials, and the example we set. I share this openly not only to respond to Mr. Mullick’s inquiry with respect, but also to defend the dignity of authentic martial traditions, and to discourage those who might use misleading titles to artificially inflate their standing.

To Mr. Mullick, thank you for your question. It was asked with sincerity, and it reminded me that public clarity on this topic is long overdue.

To other readers, if you are truly interested in pursuing martial arts scholarship at the highest levels, please have a look at Martial Arts Studies, Research Journal of Budo (J-Stage), and the Japanese Acedemy of Budo, where you can reach out to the writer and their institution regarding further information and or read specific thesis and dissertations on your preferred subject.

If you are genuinely interested in academic study of martial arts, I have (above), recommend databases and can further recommend books, academic programs, or research articles that honor the traditions and offer meaningful insight into the lifelong path of Karatedō. It is not a shortcut, not a commodity, and certainly not a title to be bought.

With deep respect and in the spirit of Budō,
Johnpaul Williams
Senior Instructor – 剛柔流空手道誠和会
Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley
www.seiwakaikarate.com | www.gojuryu.net