Friday, April 29, 2011 by C. Michial Jones
The transition from the Jundokan of Indiana to the Komakai Academy of Karate marked a period of unprecedented growth and competitive dominance. In 1966, Larry Pickel, Glenn Keeney, Jerry Brown, and Larry Davenport purchased the John Chambers Judo Academy. For a brief period, the school operated as the Anderson Gojuryu Karate Club, but it soon evolved into the Komakai Academy of Judo and Karate—a name Mr. Pickel discovered in a Japanese dictionary.
By 1969, through a series of buyouts, Glenn Keeney became the sole owner and visionary behind the Komakai. Under his leadership, the academy dropped the judo program and focused entirely on the development of world-class Gojuryu Karate.
A Legacy of Competition and Tradition
In 1966, the dojo joined the United States Karate Association (USKA) and began its ascent in the tournament circuit. The Komakai quickly earned a reputation as a powerhouse dojo. Its halls were filled with state, national, and world champions, many of whom have since been inducted into various martial arts Halls of Fame.
However, the Komakai was unique in its balance; despite its formidable competitive record, it remained a staunchly traditional dojo. It never sacrificed the rigors of Okinawan discipline for the sake of trophies. This duality—the “Old World” tradition meeting “New World” athletic excellence—defined the Komakai for four decades.
The Branch Dojos: Spreading the Influence
The reach of Glenn Keeney’s instruction was amplified by his yudansha (black belt students), who established branch dojos across Indiana and even as far as New Jersey.
| Location | Established | Original & Subsequent Instructors |
| Upland (Taylor University) | 1968 | Mr. Dwight Jacobes |
| New Jersey | 1970 | Mr. Dwight Jacobes |
| New Castle | 1972 | Mr. Keeney, Mr. Larry Hoyel, Mr. Alan Goff, Mr. Paul Bridges |
| Alexandria | 1974 | Mr. Keeney, Mr. Larry Davenport |
| Fairmount | 1974 | Mr. Mike Cox |
| Franklin | 1975 | Mr. John Connell, Mr. Ron Rollins, Mr. Ross Scott |
| Gas City | 1977 | Mr. Curt Jones |
| Marion | 1982 | Mr. Curt Jones, Mr. Mike Jones |
| Atlanta | — | Mr. Paul Bridges, Mrs. Kim Bridges |
| Indianapolis | 1992 | Mr. Curt Jones, Mr. Mike Jones |
| Berne | — | Mr. Mike Cox |
| Carmel | 1995 | Mr. Mike Jones |
Change and the Continuity of Spirit
For 40 years, the Anderson dojo stood as the oldest continuously operated martial arts school in Indiana. In 2004, Mr. Keeney retired and sold the facility. Regrettably, lengthy court proceedings followed regarding the rights to the “Komakai” name. The settlement ultimately resulted in Mr. Keeney regaining the rights to the name.
Several of Mr. Keeney’s yudansha continued to develop dojo of their own and though the names on the signs have changed, the lineage, the technical standard, and the “Komakai spirit” remain alive in schools like the Yushikan.
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