Amerikick (formally known as American Karate Studios) was founded in 1967 by Grandmaster Dennis Tosten in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  For over 40 years Grandmaster Tosten enjoyed the title of being Philadelphia’s oldest established karate studio at the intersection of Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard. 

Grandmaster Tosten trained with and received his black belts from world famous martial artists including Joe Lewis (the first full contact heavy weight kickboxing champion of the world), Ed Parker (founder and Grandmaster of American Kenpo) and Remy Presas (founder and Grandmaster of Filipino Modern Arnis)

Dr. Maung Gyi (Founder and Grandmaster of the Bando system).  Grandmaster Dennis Tosten’s martial arts credentials are numerous.  He is a 10th degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, a 9th degree black belt in American Kenpo, a 5th degree black belt in Modern Arnis, a master level instructor in the Joe Lewis fighting system a black belt in Shotakan and Tae Kwon Do and a master level instructor in Judo.  Grandmaster Tosten has traveled the world teaching martial arts in many foreign countries including Canada, Mexico, Australia and Ireland.  Grandmaster Tosten is a former world champion competitor having competed on the national and international tournament circuits.  He was a top rated competitor in forms, sparring and weapons.  He also holds titles in Olympic style Tae Kwon Do and has fought and trained full contact fighting and boxing. 

Grandmaster Tosten has spent many successful years teaching martial arts to thousands of students.  In addition, Grandmaster Tosten has taught self defense to Philadelphia prison guards, police officers, elementary and high school teachers, DARE officers, WAR (women against rape) and countless other non profit organizations.  Grandmaster Tosten is also certified to teach the handicapable.  Grandmaster Tosten is a teacher of teachers.  He has promoted thousands of students to black belt and master levels of black belt including his wife Sharon Tosten, 7th degree black belt, Mark Russo, 6th degree black belt, Mike Semeriglia, 6th degree black belt, Mike Sautner, 5th degree black belt and Justin Smith, 4th degree black belt.  Many of Grandmaster Tosten’s students have become world champion competitors.  Black belts Nick Perdunn, Chris Millares, Mark Russo, Kevin Schlueter and Justin Smith have all achieved national and world sport karate titles.  They have, in turn produced national and world champion karate competitors. 

Today Amerikick operates in the Pennsylvania counties of Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, and the New Jersey counties of Burlington, Camden and Gloucester.  Amerikick also operates in Brooklyn, New York and Big Springs, Texas.  The Amerikick system of martial arts includes over 40 years of Grandmaster Dennis Tosten’s knowledge and experience.  The Amerikick system is one of the most effective self defense systems taught today and includes the best of Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Jujitsu, Arnis and kickboxing. 

Amerikick has been recognized both locally and nationally for its outstanding service and family values.  Amerikick has been recognized as one of the top marital arts schools in the United States by several Martial Arts organizations and has been rated by the National Black Belt League and the World Sport Karate League as one of the top 25 sport karate schools in North America.  Many of Amerikick’s instructors and students have appeared on television and news shows for the promotion of the martial arts.