About Gary Music
Gary Music is a 10th Dan in Shurite Kempo and co-founder of the American Independent Karate Association (AIKA) and Shurite Kempo Technique Association (SKTA), established in 1981.
He began training in 1972 and earned his black belt at a young age, continuing his development in traditional Japanese and Korean systems, including karate-do, Taekwondo, and Hapkido.
In 1981, he became the senior student under the late Sensei Stan Hart.
That relationship changed the direction of his training.
Sensei Hart introduced a different way of understanding kata—not as performance, but as a functional system of defense based on structure, timing, and control.
That foundation became Shurite Kempo.
Gary is also a 22-year U.S. Air Force veteran and former instructor, bringing a disciplined, real-world approach to both martial arts and training.
His teaching emphasizes:
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Structure over strength
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Timing under pressure
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Kata as applied method—not choreography
The goal is not to fight.
The goal is to end violence efficiently.
There is no second attack.