Harlem Karate Institute

The Origins and Explanation of "Hardstyle" Kettlebell Training The roots of the RKC kettlebell system are explained. What does Hardstyle mean? Learn RKC's lineage in hand-to-hand combat, karate, and the Russian kettlebells themselves.

Throw back Thursday.
Miss you Doc. HKI4Life 😎

Had a great time at the tourney today. HKI moving forward. HKI4Life 😎

https://youtu.be/8IaoNCMp1hY
GG Dr. Ernest Hyman demonstration at Oriental World of Self Defense. Wow!!!
Best of the best!!! Miss you Doc. HKI4Life😎.

GREAT GRANDMASTER E.HYMAN Description

GG Dr. Ernest Hyman helps child build confidence and self-esteem. Awesome teacher!!!
Best of the best. Miss you Doc. HKI4Life 😎.

HKI Black History Month Tribute to Masters of the Martial A Child asks "What will happen if I fail?" Board breaking

Absolutely Amazing story about GG Dr. Ernest Hyman early days. (Clip from online indiegogo promo).

Our Story

Founder of Harlem Karate Institute, Grandmaster Dr. Ernest Hyman, was bullied himself in school & had to run home everyday after 3:00. Fortunately, a classmate of Ernest's who witnessed the bullying began teaching young Ernest some karate moves in the bathroom. That was Grandmaster Hyman's first encounter with the art that would shape his life and the lives of so many others for decades to come.

“NO is not an Option. Can't is not an Excuse.” That is the mantra that Grandmaster Dr. Hyman lives by and what he teaches the children and youth he serves.

In 1980, Grandmaster Ernest Hyman, (then Sensei Hyman) found the ideal space to build a school for his students. A dilapidated 2nd floor 16,500 sq foot loft, located @ 2233 Third Avenue, between 122 & 123rd Street in El Barrio (Link). Without 2 nickles to rub together, Sensei Hyman stepped into the real estate office and announced to the agent that he wanted to lease the property. The agent informed Sensei that the property was uninhabitable and asked how he would manage to restore it for use, if she gave him the spot. With determination in his heart & a will to succeed young Sensei Hyman boldly replied, “I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I WILL!” At that moment, the phone rang. The agent picked it up. Ernest overheard the woman inform the party on the other end that the space was already rented. Confused & dismayed, Ernest wondered why the woman had him apply for the space if it was already rented. The agent hung up and tossed Ernest the keys. That's when Harlem Karate Institute was born & the history began.

The space was a complete nothing. Sensei had to renovate the entire loft in & out, from top to bottom. Bathrooms, light fixtures, wall sockets, junction boxes, floors, electrical work, plumbing, everything. When Sensei looked up, he saw the sky. He had to put the roof on, too. With the help of his children, who were very young, and a group of summer youth workers, Sensei got the work done. Together, they renovated 16,500 sq feet of nothing and created what became one of the most legendary dojos in New York City history.

Harlem Karate Institute was instituted and became incorporated as a not for profit organization in 1980. But we have provided service to the East Harlem community since 1968. Our general methodology has always been serving the community's youth and providing family oriented, multicultural and intergenerational programs.

Our facility at 2233 Third Avenue in East Harlem, New York, was very special and endearing to everyone who knew us because it was a sanctuary that remained open and accessible to the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We made ourselves available to anyone who had a problem, who wanted to practice or learn or just come by for friendship or help. It was a place where kids knew they were accepted and belonged because HKI belonged to them. Kids could come after school and do their homework, find safety, guidance, compassion, make friends, practice and play. It was a community hub where all were welcome to come and share positive energy and resources. Parents would come for support & help when they were having educational or behavioral issues with their children. Dr. Hyman took a hands on approach to helping children and families as if each were his own. He would go up to school visits & speak to teachers with the parents to work on action plans to get kids back on track. No child was promoted to their next color belt unless they were getting A's in school. Kids who were being intimidated by gangs would come to Dr. Hyman and be helped. It was an amazing place for everyone.

In September of 2007, because of rent hikes, we were priced out and lost our beloved Third Avenue space – home of so many victories – so many memories - our place where hope and friendships were born and dreams realized. The emotional impact on all of us was devastating.

Down but not out, still living up to his mantra, “NO is not an Option! CAN'T is not an Excuse!” Grandmaster Dr. Hyman continues his work in a classroom that he transforms into his dojo three evenings a week for two hours each evening at Tito Puente School, located at 240 East 109th Street, 3rd Floor, in East Harlem, New York City.

https://youtu.be/5Rqua1kjC3s