The definition of Vanguard is to be a leader! The brand emphasizes character, personal development and discipline. Our dojo respects the individual, what that student brings and how we can fit into and alter their lifestyle. We’re not cookie cutter martial arts and everyone comes for various reasons. Our goal is to assist them in their personal journey.

Our brand is individualized instruction towards the greater goal of accomplishment, goal setting and the concept of “Kaizen”- incremental progress towards a greater purpose/goal.

How did I become the “Sensei” of a dojo🤦🏽‍♂️? Again, I never considered it or wanted to own a school, but when I was given the opportunity to assist in teaching, I realized I actually had a gift. I feel the gift of communication is a strong suit for me. I have the ability to disseminate info in a non threatening,ground level manner through humor and vulnerability. I don’t take myself so seriously that I’m afraid of mistakes. We’re spirits having a human existence and the only way to exist it’s to live, grow and be our best.

Karate is a way of life for me. It saved me, not discounting family and friends, when I was at a very low point after the death of my wife in 2015. I closed the dojo for a week, then realized I needed to be on the mat for the structure, challenge and gratification it brought to me. If one is in an activity for 26 yrs and there’s no gain/value , I suggest a new activity.

Martial arts is ever growing, changing and acclimating and we must adjust to the times we currently live in. Thus the term “the never ending student” hold true. If we don’t keep a flame under our training, our training becomes cold”.