On November 10, 1955, at the age of 4 years old, Master Allen Tackett began his martial arts training. He began his training in the style Okinawan Shorin Ryu. He studied Okinawan Shorin Ryu for many years. After many years of training in Okinawan Shorin Ryu and receiving his Black Belt, Master Allen Tackett left Okinawan Shorin Ryu and began training in Shotokan. After training in Shotokan and receiving his Black Belt in this style, Master Allen Tackett returned to the Okinawan Shorin Ryu style until 1973. In 1973 the military transfered Master Allen Tackett to Okinawa, Japan.During his commission in Okinawa, Japan, Master Allen Tackett began his training in Okinawan Seidokan; at that time it was known as Okinawan Motobu Ryu. This is where Master Allen Tackett found his martial arts home. At that time Master Shian Toma and Master Shigemitsu Tamae were the head instructors of Okinawan Seidokan. Under their direction and training, Master Allen Tackett learned the traditional art form of Okinawan Seidokan passed down from the acient Masters of the style through their Kata. But it was the fighting technique of Okinawan Seidokan that appealled most to Master Allen Tackett. Master Allen Tackett has continued his training in Okinawan Seidokan, under Master Shian Toma and Master Shigemitsu Tamae, for 3 decades.
On August 10, 2005 Master Allen Tackett flew back to Okinawa, Japan and tested for the rank of 8th Degree Black Belt, Hachidan, in front of his instructors Master Shian Toma and Master Shigemitsu Tamae. The testing took place in Okinawa City, Okinawa and Master Allen Tackett was given the rank of 8th Degree Black Belt, Hachidan, in Okinawan Seidokan as well as his 8th Degree Black Belt, Hachidan, in Okinawan Toide.
"Special thanks to Ron and Akemi Nix for allowing me to test in their Dojo for 8th dan on August 10, 2005."
-- Allen Tackett
Sensei Tackett was awarded Kyudan (9th degree black belt ranking) in Okinawa Seidokan on May 13, 2009.
"I would like to give Great and Honorable thanks to my to Senseis, Master Shian Toma and Master Shigemitsu Tamae. Without their training and support I would not be in the position I am in now."
-- Allen Tackett
