Athens Karate School
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Athens Karate School
Athens Karate School is located approximately 3 miles south of the East Texas Medical Center in Athens, Texas. Founded in 1994 by the owner and chief instructor, John Shipes, we have brought traditional Okinawan Karate and Kobudo to the Athens area for going on 20 years in one continuous location.

We are proudly affiliated with Grandmaster Fusei Kise's Okinawan Shorinryu Matsumura Orthodox Karate and Kobudo Federation and Mr. Shipes has served as one of two US Director's in this organization since 1996.Holding an 8th degree black belt (Hachidan) from Grandmaster Kise, Sensei Shipes is one of the senior students of Master Kise in the world.
Reviews (3)
Anthony Pirot
Anthony Pirot
Nov 05, 2020
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Real karate from a real Sensei who has many years of experience and training with our Grandmaster Fusei Kise (Father) and Grandmaster Isao Kise (son). He is a leader in the OSMKKF organization. He is a gentle Texan giant in stature. As a person, no finer individual who exudes confidence and cares for each student. As a humble teacher, he is a skilled Martial artist. He is a lifelong student of the arts himself. Thank You, Hanshi.
Nathan Batson
Nathan Batson
Feb 02, 2018
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Hands down the best traditional martial arts training to be found in East Texas. I have trained here for two decades and wouldn't hesitate to recommend this school for anyone looking to learn martial arts, for whatever reason.
Jim Ogburn
Jim Ogburn
Sep 16, 2017
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Hanshi John Shipes is an outstanding martial arts instructor. Really good with children. Always has the best interests of his students at the forefront. The best martial arts instructor I have ever learned from. He is kind and thoughtful and absolutely is committed to his art. A true treasure.