Our Story

I began my formal martial arts training in 1984 and have since witnessed many trends in the manner and type of instruction that have characterized the market. The TMNT / Karate Kid era of the 1980's brought about the "Character Development" movement with parents bringing their children to martial arts schools by the hundreds to develop positive personality traits. TAE BO / Cardio Kickboxing realized the potential for the martial arts as an effective physical fitness regimen. Striving for more combative reality while continuing the fitness trend, Krav Maga (as it was mass marketed in the United States) successfully combined these two benefits. With the incredible popularity of MMA, fight sports have brought attention to the need for training in multiple combative engagement distances.

To a certain extent I have been positively influenced by all of these movements, as they have better informed me of both the assets and liabilities in my own training and perspective. While I have been cross training for over 2 decades (I currently train with the incredibly gifted professors at www.coloradobjj.com), my main focus has always been karate. Fascinated by the culture, history, and tradition, I became aware of the functional ambiguity of the modern practice early on in my training - rather than deterring me, it encouraged me to seek far and wide to find the answers to my growing list of questions. It has been said that when the student is ready the teacher appears, and so it was in my discovery of Hanshi Patrick McCarthy's research. It wasn't long before I contacted him and was subsequently accepted as his student.



I started PDT in 2001 when I returned to college to complete a bachelor's degree. A handful of experienced martial artsists joined me in learning McCarthy sensei's "renzokugeiko" drills. In 2004 I met sensei in person and began my formal study of Koryu Uchinadi after attending a weekend of seminars with him. At the 2010 North American Gasshuku I was awarded the rank of Sandan and presented with a Shidoin license by Hanshi McCarthy. In the mean time I have completed master's and doctoral degrees (ABD), maintain an active performing arts career, hold a university teaching appointment, facilitate private music and martial arts programs, and work hard to be a good father.

 Well, that's plenty enough about me. Now about the school. First, we are not a commercial school. I don't own or have a long term lease on the facility we use, and I don't rely on the school for my income. The purpose of tuition, then, is to cover overhead costs (which are low). This situation allows me the greatest flexibility in determining the direction for the school. I have put in decades of hard work ensure high quality content and superior instruction; at the same time I strive to create a mutually supportive training environment. While I invite all interested learners to stop in for a trial, membership is not guaranteed. The trial period is exactly that - for both of us. Potential students can see if we meet their expectations, and we can determine whether or not they meet ours.




Progressive Defensive Traditions follows the methodology developed by Hanshi Patrick McCarthy known as "Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu" (see www.koryu-uchinadi.com). While it is not a style in the way that they are known today, it is a systemized collection of practices based on the classical karate of Okinawa while incorporating progressive, functional training methods. KU students "study the old to understand the new" (On ko chi shin) and embrace the law of complimentary opposites - balancing the physical with the philosophical (Bun bu ryo do). In this way we are continuing the true tradition of the martial arts; not simply following in the footsteps of the masters, but seeking what they sought. 




I use the term "classically functional martial arts" to describe our discipline. Koryu Uchinadi is a principle centered approach to martial arts training, placing greatest emphasis on application based practices. Our methods encompass multiple combative engagement distances, bridging the gaps and facilitating smooth transitions between them. While some of our training may resemble modern MMA-type training, the contextual premise is considerably different. Fight sports promote mutual confrontation; both combatants have "agreed" to fight. Our aim is to prepare students for the uncertainty that comes with negotiating unwarranted aggression. Working through these challenges in practice provides a powerful metaphor for dealing with our stressful lives and rapidly changing world. 

Thank you for spending time with us here. Should you have any questions or wish to set up your free 2 week trial, I can be reached through the form on the contact us page or via the contact info provided below. I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to grow together!

Arrigato gozaimashita,
Thomas Erik Angerhofer, sensei

Come in to Progressive Defensive Tratitions and experience the difference for yourself!

Progressive Defensive Traditions
c/o A Place to B
1750 30th Street
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 668-3339
sensei@p-d-t.info

Member of the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society