"The main objective of Sam Chapman's American Karate is to keep the basics of Karate alive while adding to them the concepts that have been proven in competition, the school, and the streets. None of the combinations, theories, or techniques taught in Sam Chapman's American Karate are set in stone. The style is a living, growing system designed to stimulate a student's mind, to challenge him or her to think and grow as a human being, and to master the ability to learn.
No belt advancement is automatic. It must be earned. All students testing for Black Belts must be tested by a panel of qualified Black Belts. No individual has the authority to promote any student above the rank of 1st Kyu Brown Belt.
I have often heard a potential student make the statement: "I'd like to try a little Karate." You don't try Karate. Karate tries you. Karate has been around for over a thousand years. It has been proven to be exactly what an individual makes of it. As to the "little" they would like to try, what little part would that be? You must practice the whole of Karate. It cannot be sliced up like a piece of pie. So be patient, don't give up, work hard, and down the road you will be a better human being."
- Sam Chapman