American Karate Institute, Inc. 

                     "Way of the Sphere"

We regretfully announce that American Karate Institute, Inc. will be closing its doors on February 22, 2011.

We are proud to have been a part of Hamilton Township since 1985, originally located on Sloan Ave.

Circumstances have changed within the school and for its current owners, making it difficult to continue the tradition.

Many students have passed through the doors of American Karate at the Sloan location, and here on Turnbull Avenue, taking with them valuable lessons about life as well as basic self-defense.

The current owners, Norm and Gerri, were dedicated in following the traditions taught to them from their exemplary instructors...... hoping to pass along the knowledge about self-defense, as well as life's lessons to their students that they themselves had learned and come to understand.

It is now time to close the doors -  As in the old saying: "One door closes and another opens," is so true. Norm and Gerri will each be going their separate ways and following new paths in life.

If you, or a member of your family, had at one time been a member, please feel free to send us your memories and thoughts. I will post them here on the site. You can contact me at the following email address:

     amkar2000@yahoo.com

Thank you to all present and former students of AKI for helping us to enrich your life as you have enriched ours.

Gerri Willever

Norm Dobo,Sr.

very sad.... thank you for the great memories though Norm and Gerri... it was a fantastic run...Matt Paul

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Gerri convinced me to get out of the observation room from where I watched my son's class, and get out onto the floor.  It was something I never knew I had always longed to do.  Every block, punch, or kick I did was learned through the patient, dedicated, and effective teaching of Gerri and Norm.  Their instruction made all the difference in learning a sport that can be rough physically and at times tough emotionally.  Respect and admiration for them came easy for me, as it clearly does for all their students... Easy, because they clearly loved what they were doing and always tried to help their students be the best they could be.  And that's one of the reasons I love karate and will always cherish AKI -- a school where I met wonderful people, learned some cool stuff, and watched lots of children revel in a sport where they were always encouraged and thus continuously improving themselves.  Thanks Gerri & Norm!... Gaby Gill

I too am saddened to hear this. I had a great time in the only trip I made to New Jersey to meet everyone that Dennis Dweyer had worked with in the past. You guys made me feel like I had been training with you since day one, a true gathering of people of honor and quality. Prosperity to you in your future pursuits....Rich Moe  

As a student, I met several amazing instructors and people who through the years significantly changed my life.  The remarkable experiences that occured over the next 20 plus years not only reshaped who I am today but provided a proper foundation that helped me in the progression of my life.  It was an honor for me to have learned from Dennis Dwyer (Founder of the style "Way of the Sphere") and to further his teachings during my moment as Instructor and Co-Owner of American Karate Institute.  Passing the club to Norm Dobo and Gerri Willever and watching it prosper for many many years is a true testiment to the understanding and knowledge that they shared, truly benefited all those who walked through their door.  What started out as a way of life for a father and son (Dennis Dwyer and his Father) truly evolved many of us towards a higher way of being.  Thank you for all the amazing experiences and awesome people who graced my life.  ...... Rich Braconi  

Sad news. AKI was always welcoming and friendly to everyone because of the great people involved. Good luck with your future plans. Matt Fox