A good place to learn traditional karate. Sensei Noel is extremely insightful, open-minded, and patient. Everyone is friendly and inviting. The curriculum focuses on self-defense stuff, with an emphasis on Kata, the application of Kata, and pressure testing through sparring. A wonderful experience all told, and great fun as well.
Jake Rosson
Mar 2025
This is the perfect school to learn traditional Okinawan style Karate that is more self-defense focused than sport-focused. Some of our members to compete in tournaments also. Sensei Noel is a seasoned veteran of Uechi-Ryu karate and teaches in a way that everyone can learn. If you are a martial artist that enjoys traditional styles, this is the place for you. Many of our members have trained or currently train in other arts including: Shorin Ryu, Isshinryu, BJJ, Judo, Kung Fu, HEMA, Kickboxing, Escrima, and Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. We have a solid, diverse group that truly helps each other learn and progress on our martial arts journey.
Dave Robison
Apr 2023
Great place to learn traditional Okinawan karate. Bob is a great instructor that truly has a desire to pass on his art. He accepts all regardless of organization or previous training, and believes that past training can bring valuable perspectives into our own art.The school has become like a second family (even if it is one that likes to fight with each other). The training is rigorous, but we have a lot of fun. If you interested in learning a traditional martial art come check it out.
Erin Seto
Dec 2020
Started training here back in October 2019. Sensei Noel is an amazing instructor and the group who studies under him have become like a second family. If you've ever been curious about karate, this is definitely the place to start. It's kid and family friendly as well.
David Higgins
Dec 2019
I'm not from Knoxville and trained down in Florida for a long time in traditional Okinawan Karate. I had a really hard time finding a karate home up here. So naturally when I found this dojo I was really happy. The space is a bit small but I always have a great class on Saturday morning. Sensei Noel is an excellent teacher with 40 years of experience and it shows. I'm happy to call this my new karate family!
Turk Underwood
A good place to learn traditional karate. Sensei Noel is extremely insightful, open-minded, and patient. Everyone is friendly and inviting. The curriculum focuses on self-defense stuff, with an emphasis on Kata, the application of Kata, and pressure testing through sparring. A wonderful experience all told, and great fun as well.
Jake Rosson
This is the perfect school to learn traditional Okinawan style Karate that is more self-defense focused than sport-focused. Some of our members to compete in tournaments also. Sensei Noel is a seasoned veteran of Uechi-Ryu karate and teaches in a way that everyone can learn. If you are a martial artist that enjoys traditional styles, this is the place for you. Many of our members have trained or currently train in other arts including: Shorin Ryu, Isshinryu, BJJ, Judo, Kung Fu, HEMA, Kickboxing, Escrima, and Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. We have a solid, diverse group that truly helps each other learn and progress on our martial arts journey.
Dave Robison
Great place to learn traditional Okinawan karate. Bob is a great instructor that truly has a desire to pass on his art. He accepts all regardless of organization or previous training, and believes that past training can bring valuable perspectives into our own art.The school has become like a second family (even if it is one that likes to fight with each other). The training is rigorous, but we have a lot of fun. If you interested in learning a traditional martial art come check it out.
Erin Seto
Started training here back in October 2019. Sensei Noel is an amazing instructor and the group who studies under him have become like a second family. If you've ever been curious about karate, this is definitely the place to start. It's kid and family friendly as well.
David Higgins
I'm not from Knoxville and trained down in Florida for a long time in traditional Okinawan Karate. I had a really hard time finding a karate home up here. So naturally when I found this dojo I was really happy. The space is a bit small but I always have a great class on Saturday morning. Sensei Noel is an excellent teacher with 40 years of experience and it shows. I'm happy to call this my new karate family!