Bringing Traditional Martial Arts To A Modern World
We are the bridge between tradition and modernity in martial arts. Our passion is bringing the age-old wisdom of traditional martial arts to everyone, from families to individuals, seeking personal growth and empowerment in today's world.
EMPOWERMENT
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COMMUNITY
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FAMILY
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PERSONAL GROWTH
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EMPOWERMENT ☯ COMMUNITY ☯ FAMILY ☯ PERSONAL GROWTH ☯
OUR MISSION
At Vanguard Karate, our mission is driven by a profound purpose - to preserve the rich traditions of martial arts while infusing them with a fresh, approachable and innovative perspective. We exist to empower individuals and families alike, providing a unique gateway to personal growth and transformation in the contemporary world.
VANGUARD FAMILY REVIEWS
“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. Sensei Gary takes time to meet with each student individually asking how their week is going. He cares about their academics equally. He requests to see grades, out of genuine care. I could go on forever how his character pours into his students and the community making the world a better place! Thank you for letting Fuego know she is loved and instilling life skills into her!”
- Barbara Aust
“Best decision my husband and I made!”
“I can’t thank Sensei Gary enough for the work he’s done with my daughter. I believe what sets him apart is his ability to adjust to each kid’s individual personality and still teach the entire class collectively.”
- Mrs. Hawkins
“LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Sensei Gary is the best”
“I can tell that he loves all of his students as if they were his own. My 10yr was very shy and she has gained so much confidence since she started I couldn't be any happier. Thank you Sensei”
- Betty Hernandez
DOJUKUN
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THE FIVE PRINCIPLES OF KARATE
DOJUKUN ☯ THE FIVE PRINCIPLES OF KARATE
Seek perfection of character
JINKAKU KANSEI NI TSUTOMURU KOTO (人格完成に努むること)
At Vanguard Karate, we believe that the journey of martial arts is not just about physical skill but also about nurturing the virtues of character. This principle serves as the foundation for personal growth and sets the tone for our martial arts practice.
Be faithful
MAKOTO NO KOKORO (誠の心)
This Japanese term encapsulates the essence of loyalty and sincerity, values that hold great significance in martial arts. At Vanguard Karate, we emphasize the importance of unwavering commitment to our practice, our community, and ourselves.
Endeavor
DORYOKU NO SEISHIN' (努力の精神)
We embrace the spirit of unwavering effort and continuous improvement. At Vanguard Karate, we recognize that the path to mastery is marked by persistence and a commitment to always strive for greater heights in our martial arts journey.
Respect others
REIGI O OMONZURU KOTO (礼儀を重んずること)
'Respect Others,' we embrace the profound value of respect in martial arts. At Vanguard Karate, we uphold the tradition of showing respect to our fellow practitioners, instructors, and all individuals. This principle is the cornerstone of our dojo's culture, fostering a spirit of harmony and unity among our martial arts community.
Refrain from violent behavior
KEKKI NO YU O IMASHIMERU KOTO (血気の勇を戒めること)
We emphasize the paramount importance of self-control and responsible conduct in martial arts. At Vanguard Karate, we take to heart the value of restraint and peaceful resolution, ensuring that our martial arts practice is not only a physical discipline but also a path to inner balance and serenity.
MEET THE FOUNDER
SENSEI GARY CRAWFORD
At Vanguard Karate located in Clayton, North Carolina, we're more than just a martial arts school; we're a community of individuals on a shared journey of growth, empowerment, and connection. My own path in martial arts started with a simple fascination, but it quickly evolved into a profound passion for blending tradition with modernity. This journey led me to create Vanguard Karate, a place where we honor the wisdom of ancient martial arts while infusing it with fresh, innovative energy.
What drives me every day is the belief that martial arts can be a powerful tool for personal transformation. It's not just about self-defense or physical prowess; it's about unlocking your inner strength, building unwavering confidence, and nurturing a sense of belonging.
► 26 Years of Experience
► National Champion of Kata & Kumite
► 4th Degree Yondan
► Over 300+ Students Taught
WHERE FITNESS TAKES ON A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION
OUR OFFERINGS
Our fitness programs are a dynamic fusion of traditional martial arts discipline and contemporary workout techniques, designed to not only help you reach your fitness goals but also make the journey enjoyable and empowering.
We understand that staying fit is not just about physical strength; it's about cultivating mental resilience, boosting self-confidence, and fostering a sense of community. That's why our fitness offerings go beyond the conventional. Each session is a unique blend of age-old martial arts wisdom and innovative training methods, carefully crafted to challenge and inspire you.
KARATE CLASSES
With our karate class, students have the chance to exercise their mind in ways they never have before. We use only the best, and most advanced teaching methods to activate the minds of our students, and help them absorb all of the information presented. Learn and have fun all at the same time with Vanguard Karate.
Classes are available for anyone 4 years old to Adult!
KARATE LESSONS
Private lessons are designed solely with the student in mind. Our private lessons provide students with an individualized, thorough understanding of the material, so that they are able to tackle kata and kumite with confidence. We want our students to keep an open mind, and have fun throughout their experience at Vanguard Karate.
DOJO FAMILY EVENTS
Our Last Event(October): Spooktacular! 30+ families in attendance & gazillion smiles
We offer birthday parties with affordable packages to make a great party gift for your child. Ninja Nites are a dojo favorite! Games, food, snacks , movies and tons of activities to keep the kids busy and having fun while parents can have a great night out knowing the kids are safe and having a blast! Spooktakular!! Is our annual event that EVERYONE looks forward to. The entire dojo is transformed with decorations, loaded with Halloween games/activities, a bounce house, spooky walk and Trunk or Treat! Fun for the whole family!
COMING IN 2025!
Sensei Gary's Transformative Mindful Movement Course
TUNE INTO THE RDU BLK PODCAST
Dive into the world of Vanguard Karate as Sensei Gary, our esteemed owner and head instructor, takes the mic on the RDU BLK Podcast. In this engaging episode, he shares not just his personal journey within the dojo but also his profound impact on the broader community!
