The roots of Atemi-Ryu predate most Japanese martial arts. Its foundation was established in 230 BC, when fights to the death were performed for the emperor's entertainment. The techniques employed were very crude and remained that way until it was influenced by the Chinese boxing art of Dim Mak and Okinawan Te, a system of striking [vulnerable points of the body]. As the system became more refined, joint locks and throws were developed, which made it the predecessor of Jiujitsu. Legend says that a Jiujitsu master named Okayama Hochiroji, a wandering teacher, was once engaged in a battle with a hundred laborers. he and a single assistant were said to have easily put them to flight. It was Hochiroji who evolved the art of Atemi.

Atemi-Ryu's modern foundation is firmly entrenched through the martial arts of Karate, Judo and Jujitsu. The founder of Judo was Dr. Jigoro Kano who, at the time, was a master in the art of Tenshin Shin yo-ryu Jiujitsu, having been taught by Hachinosuke Fukuda and Masotome Iso. He incorporated the joint locks, throws and Atemi strikes of Jiujitsu and put them into his Judo. He had eliminated many of the killing techniques as taught to the samurai to conform to the new emperor's policy of pacification. Kano's friend, Gichen Funakoshi, who is credited as the father of modern Karate-do, assisted Kano by putting strikes into the Judo developed by Kano. Kano submitted his newly-formed system of Judo for approval by the Minister of Education. It was accepted as an art form and was taught in the schools, military and law enforcement of Japan.

In 1955, U.S. servicemen returning home from Japan and Korea formed martial arts schools across the nation, teaching the skills they learned while overseas. Fort Lauderdale, Florida was no different. A young man by the name of Daryl Sweany began his study in the art of Karate, Judo and Jiujitsu, which was offered at the Pompano Y.M.C.A.. These classes were taught by former soldiers Mel Wolfe (Karate), Hideo Sagita (Judo) and Jack Poski (Jiujitsu). Sweany earned fifth dan in the all three of the systems.

In 1959, Sensei Sweany started teaching, and realized the value in blending the three ancient systems together. The dynamic merger of these various styles was the genesis of Atemi-Ryu Karate. Sweany put his system on paper and submitted it for approval by Grandmaster Robert Trias of the United States Karate Association. The paperwork included the theory, strikes, locks, throws and forms. The U.S.K.A. accepted this new martial art form and named Sensei Sweany as its Grand Master.

Upon Sweany's death in 1992, Sensei Joseph Williams, his highest-ranking student, became Style Head of Atemi-Ryu. This title was presented to Williams by Grandmaster Trias of the U.S.K.A. and also by Executive Director Philip Porter of the United States Judo Association. Sensei Williams was then given the title of Grandmaster and was accepted into the World Head of Family Sokeship Council, which is the largest collection of Martial Arts Grand Masters in the world. In 2002, Sensei Williams was promoted to tenth degree by members of the council.

Sensei Williams continues the proud tradition of Atemi-Ryu Karate, and has instructed thousands of students in the ways of this powerful form.

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Atemi-Ryu's symbol is the Kin Hana, or Golden Flower
Each part of the Kin Hana has a special meaning which relates to Atemi-Ryu:
• Eight sides represent the Eight Points Of Balance
• The white hurricane in the center represents mobility and dynamic force
• Black represents stability
• Gold indicates that this art is precious to humanity