Elvis’ Karate School To Be Demolished

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One of the few remaining places with a true and solid Elvis connection in Memphis will soon be gone forever.

The building which housed the old Tennessee Karate Institute (TKI) on the Corner of N. Cleveland Street and Overton Park Avenue has just been purchased by the Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly and plans to demolish the entire building have been put in place. The current lease holder has been given 12 months notice to vacate the premises before work begins.

It was early 1974, Elvis’ friend & Grand Master established a new karate school in Memphis known as the Tennessee Karate Institute (TKI). Red West, another of Elvis’ buddies and fellow enthusiast, operated the school and acted as chief instructor along with national champion Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace.  '

Elvis was extremely excited about the new school, which was based on the entire top floor of this building, and he endorsed it willingly by appearing on posters displayed all over the city.

Get there while you still can.

_{Source; Andrew Hearn - Essential Elvis Uk / EpGold}