Nicholas (Nick) Vaughan
2nd Degree Black Belt

“The United States Karate Center offers everyone a chance no matter who they are. It is an authentic, rather than corporate experience. The focus is on camaraderie over competition. For me, it gave me the best version of myself. If it can be said that all of us by our existence leave a legacy that ripples far beyond ourselves, I can say that what I learned at USKC is the tool I use to forge that. Nothing good, and of consequence, is left without it leaving its mark.”

Laya Murali
1st Degree Black Belt

“The United States Karate Center is a dojo that has fostered lifelong relationships while incorporating an authentic style of teaching. The unique blend of mixed martial arts based on Master Thomas’ extensive training background is what makes this dojo different than many others. You can learn techniques that are traditional, effective, and engaging all why getting in a fitness routine. Over the course of my training, Master Thomas also helped me learn the importance of self-awareness and respect for oneself as well as others. Definitely the best school around!”

Sule K. Welch (Sifu/”Coach Sule”)
President & Founder – The Welch Martial Art Experience

“As a 1st Degree Black Belt in the first graduating class of 1989 I can’t say enough about the personal development lessons of discipline, honor, self respect and self confidence I learned to apply in my daily life. The values USKC reinforced mirrored the core values my parents stressed growing up: kindness, service to others, leadership, education and discipline. The role models USKC provided inspired me to travel far and wide to countries around the globe to research martial art while building my career as a financial services and consumer products executive: honesty, integrity, compassion for fellow competitors. Lastly the lessons USKC provided gave me a solid foundation to achieve my dream of owning and operating my own martial art school full-time in Atlanta, GA to provide for my family: self-defense, make health and happiness a priority, indomitable spirit, and a black belt means you are ready to learn by becoming and remaining a student who embraces the never-ending journey of learning.”

Shruthi Murali
1st Degree Black Belt

“The lessons I have learned throughout my training at USKC are applicable to all aspects of my life. The most important lesson I’ve learned is perseverance to accomplish my goals one day at a time. I am a more confident and disciplined woman thanks to Master Thomas and the entire USKC family.”

Doug Cox
1st Degree Black Belt

“USKC is a self-defense oriented hapkido school that specializes in teaching practical and effective self-defense techniques. All classes are taught by Master John Thomas, a full-time martial arts instructor who has dedicated his life to teaching martial arts. The range of skills taught are truly impressive, and include an array of joint locks, take downs, throws, weapons (nunchucks, staff, sai, escrima sticks), ground fighting (chokes, locks, sweeps, arm bars, leg locks, positional dominance and transition, etc.), as well as kicking and punching techniques.
Master Thomas’ depth of knowledge, good-humor, patience, and amazing teaching skills make every class memorable and enriching. His school is extraordinary, and I say that having trained at multiple other excellent schools during my military career. If you are looking to become a well-rounded martial artist training in a school that has been teaching generations of students the real thing, this is where you want to train.”

Jacob Norrgard
1st Degree Black Belt