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Vanguard Karate
4.9 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Clayton, North Carolina
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule vanguardkarate.club — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (919) 616-9899
Hours
| Monday | 3–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 3–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–9 PM |
| Thursday | 3–9 PM |
| Friday | 3–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Although my son loves his karate journey, the families and the Sensei Gary are what keep us coming back.”
“I initially signed my 10 yr old son up for classes and joined the adult class two weeks later.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“I don’t think I can express in words how thankful we are to have found Vanguard Karate and Sensei Gary 7 years ago. He is the best role model for these kids.”
“Gary and all the kids were very welcoming to my son when he started.”
“One of the most meaningful milestones for our family is that our son has improved so much that he has graduated from his school’s IEP program.”
“He prepares his students very well for tournaments and championships, while still building strong fundamentals, discipline, and confidence.”
“Although my son loves his karate journey, the families and the Sensei Gary are what keep us coming back.”
“My grandson’s confidence has skyrocketed and he is challenging himself to be better not only in karate but in other areas of his life as well.”
From the reviews
So glad we made the decision to join the Vanguard family so many years ago. Although my son loves his karate journey, the families and the Sensei Gary are what keep us coming back. Gary is a wonderful teacher who truly loves his students.
Best of the best! If you’re looking for a place to feel like a member of the family, Vanguard Karate is it!! Sensei Gary welcomed our entire family. Our daughter has found her voice finally, learned to hold her head up high with confidence, and feels loved.
I am retired military veteran, being new to the area, I searched for a karate instructor (sensei) for almost a year and I finally found someone who seemed very knowledgeable and willing to work with young kids. Right off the bat my daughter established an instant connection with Sensei Gary.
Vanguard Karate is truly one of kind! So happy we found this dojo a few months ago. You can tell how much love and genuine care Sensei Gary has for every one of his students. Whether there’s 5 students in a class or 15, he finds a way to make it engaging and inclusive for all.
Your first Karate class at Vanguard Karate
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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