05/31/2026
REMEMBERING THE CO-FOUNDER OF THE U.S. KARATE ALLIANCE (USKA):
Dr. David Jordan (1942–2016) was a monumental figure in American martial arts, a 10th Degree Black Belt in Korean Karate/Tae Kwon Do who seamlessly blended a profound academic expertise with martial discipline. After beginning his training in 1967, he became a cornerstone of the United States Karate Association, where he served as Texas State Representative, South-Central Regional Director and National Points Coordinator. He was uniquely recognized as a scholar-practitioner, holding a Ph.D. in Physical Education with an emphasis in kinesiology, physiology, and biomechanics. As a professor at Louisiana Tech University, he utilized this scientific background to refine martial arts training. Under his guidance, the Louisiana Tech Karate Team became a national powerhouse, capturing multiple national team championships.
Following the passing of Grandmaster Robert Trias, Dr. Jordan co-founded the United States Karate Alliance in 1989 alongside James Hawkes, ensuring the continuity of one of the nation’s most prestigious tournament circuits. Throughout his career, he was a multi-time National Coach of the Year and a 1990 USKA Hall of Fame inductee. Based in Ruston, Louisiana, he operated the Olympic Karate Institute, where he was celebrated not just for his technical prowess, but for his integrity and commitment to "character first." By the time of his passing in 2016, Dr. Jordan had left a profound mark on the martial arts world, mentoring thousands of students and presiding over the World Championships for decades.
