About
Alamo karate academy
Our experienced instructors are passionate about helping every student reach their full potential through encouragement, discipline, and positive leadership. Every class is designed to develop confidence, focus, perseverance, respect, and integrity while teaching authentic matronal arts techniques.
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Our training includes:
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    Traditional Shito-Ryu Karate
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    Self-Defense
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    Kata (Forms)
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    Kumite (Sparring)
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    Kobudo (Weapons)
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    Grappling & Take Downs
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    Speed & Agility TrainingÂ
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    Bully Prevention
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    Character DevelopmentÂ
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More importantly, we're building future leaders. We celebrate every student's progress, encourage families to grow together, and strive to make every person who walks through our doors feel like part of the Alamo Karate family.
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At Alamo Karate Academy, we don't just create better martial artists--we help develop confident kids, strong families, and leaders for life.
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We invite you to come experience the difference yourself.
About
Sensei Raul Cantu, Jr.
at Alamo Karate Academy
6th  Degree Black Belt and Founder
For Sensei Raul Cantu, Jr., karate is more than a martial art ---it's a family tradition and a lifelong passion.
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Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), Sensei Raul began his martial arts journey under the guidance of his father, Shihan Raul Cantu, a respected martial arts instructor in South Texas. From an early age, he learned that karate is about much more than punches and kicks --it's about developing character, discipline, confidence, respect, and perseverance.
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After graduating high school, Sensei Raul attended The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Certificate in Special Education. During his college years, he founded and led a karate club, allowing him to continue sharing his passion for martial arts while helping others develop valuable life skills.
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Following graduation, Sensei Raul continued teaching at a local karate school while also serving as a Behavioral and Special Education Assistant with Northside Independent School District (NISD). His background in behavioral education gave him a unique understanding of how children learn, grow, and gain confidence -- skills that continue to shape the positive, encouraging environment at Alamo Karate Academy.
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In April 2015, Sensei Raul turned his dream into reality by opening Alamo Karate Academy. What began as a small dojo offering evening classes has steadily grown into a thriving martial arts academy serving families throughout Helotes and the surrounding communities. Over the years, the academy has expanded to include Summer Camps and an After School Program, creating even more opportunities for children to learn, grow and succeed.
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Sensei Raul and his wife, Carissa, met while attending UTSA and were married in July 2011. Together, they are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters and are committed to building a family-centered dojo where every student feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged.
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Although Alamo Karate Academy has grown over the years, one thing has never changed--It's commitment to family. Continuing the legacy started by his father, Sensei Raul believes that every student who walks through the doors becomes part of the Alamo Karate Academy family. His mission is to help each child and adult build confidence, develop strong character, and gain life skills that extend far beyond the dojo.
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At Alamo Karate Academy, you're not just jointing a karate school--you're joining a family.
About
Sensei Matthew
at Alamo Karate Academy
2nd  Degree Black Belt
Sensei Matthew has been part of the Alamo Karate Academy family since before our doors officially opened in 2015. He began training with Sensei Raul before Alamo Karate Academy was established and has continued to grow both as a martial artist and as a valued member of our dojo family.
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Today, Matthew is a 2nd Degree Black Belt and an important part of our AKA team. He works with our After School Program, Summer Camp, and evening karate classes, where he enjoys helping students learn, grow, and build confidence through martial arts.
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Matthew graduated from Sandra Day O'Connor High School in 2024 and currently attends Alamo Community College.
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Outside of Alamo Karate Academy, Matthew enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering at church, and playing pickleball.
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We are incredibly grateful for the time, dedication, and heart Matthew has given to Alamo Karate Academy over the years. From being one of Sensei Raul's students to becoming a 2nd Degree Black Belt and a member our our staff, his journey is a wonderful example of the growth, leadership, and family values that make our dojo special.
About
Mrs. Kandi
at Alamo Karate Academy
AKA Staff/Event CoordinatorÂ
Mrs. Kandi has been a valued member of the Alamo Karate Academy family since August 2018. Over the years, she has become an integral part of the dojo, helping create a welcoming and supportive environment for our students and families.
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She plays an important role in our After School Program and Summer Camps, helps plan and coordinate AKA events, and manages our social medial. Her dedication, creativity, and love for the AKA family are evident in everything she does.
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Kandi and her husband, Mike met in 2002 and married in 2008. Together, they have two amazing boys who have both grown up through the AKA karate program. Their youngest son earned his black belt in 2023, making karate an especially meaningful part of their family's journey.
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During the school year, Kandi also works as a preschool teacher. Outside of work and AKA, she enjoys, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
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We are grateful to have Mrs. Kandi as part of the Alamo Karate Academy team and appreciate the many ways she helps our dojo family grow and thrive.
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About
Mrs. Irene
at Alamo Karate Academy
AKA Staff Member
Mrs. Irene has been a cherished member of the Alamo Karate Academy family since August 2016, when our After School Program first began. She continues to be an essential part of our team, supporting both our After School Program and Summer Camps with dedication and care.
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Irene has been happily married to her husband, Mike for 32 years. Together, they have a son who began training with Sensei Raul even before Alamo Karate Academy officially opened. When Sensei Raul founded AKA in 2015m they followed him--and their son has since earned his black belt and is now proudly attending Texas A&M!
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Outside of AKA, Irene enjoys spending time at the lake and rivers, traveling, and making memories with family and friends. She is also a passionate Aggie fan and loves cheering on Texas A&M football!
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We are truly grateful for Mrs. Irene and the heart, time, and dedication she has poured into our AKA family over the years. Thank you for being such a meaningful part of our dojo!