Hall County Karate is the only traditional Japanese school in Gainesville, Georgia
We specialize in teaching traditional Japanese Karate for our modern world. We have classes for children and adults, and for any level of fitness. While Karate focuses on teaching self-defense, it has many other rewards, too. Karate teaches focus, goal setting, mental and physical discipline, and develops an individual's confidence as they master these traits. Karate also can be a fun activity that can help anyone reach their fitness goals, such as weight loss, strength training, or improving endurance.
Hall County Karate is veteran-owned and its chief instructor, Todd Irvine, is committed to serving his community. We offer classes through the City of Gainesville's Department of Recreation so that the highest quality instruction at very affordable rates to the Gainesville and Hall County community.
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Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 2013
What is your primary product or service?
Hall County Karate teaches traditional Japanese Karate.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I started training Karate when I was a kid, and have kept going for 30 years. My father had trained in Aikido and Karate while stationed oversees while in the US Marine Corps, and began training me. When I was a teenager, I started formal training in a true dojo (school), and have continued to train and to teach ever since.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Hall County Karate is the only traditional Japanese Karate school in Gaineville, GA. We focus all training on developing the ability to defend one's self. Through our partnership with Gainesville Parks and Recreation, we can offer very affordable pricing, about half of the cost of most other martial arts schools in the area.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We currently have classes at the Gainesville Civic Center, and plan to offer classes in Flowery Branch in 2017.
What type of payments do you accept?
Payments are made to the Gainesville Parks and Recreation Department. They accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards
Which areas do you service?
We serve Gainesville, Georgia and surrounding areas.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Sensei Irvine has trained in various martial arts for over 28 years. He began training in Aikido and Karate with his father, who had trained in Japan and Okinawa after World War II while serving in the US Marine Corps. In high school, Sensei Irvine began training Shito-Ryu with Kevin Gurganus in Durham North Carolina. Aside from his time in the Marine Corps, Sensei Irvine trained with Sensei Gurganus until 2001. Since that time, work obligations have required Sensei Irvine to move around the country several times, including another enlistment after 911. He has trained with several traditional Karate instructors since then, and has become exposed to several different styles of Karate. Since moving to Georgia, Sensei Irvine has committed to remaining in North Georgia, and has begun teaching in Shito-Ryu again.
What are your hours of operation?
We have classes at the Gainesville Civic Center on Monday and Thursday from 6:00p.m. to 7:15p.m.