Carolina Karate Academy, LLC

"I did karate here all throughout high school and it was one of the most rewarding experiences I had throughout those four years. Not only learning how to defend myself, but also learning valuable life lessons as foundational character traits were instilled in me. I would not be where I am without having stepped into Carolina Karate Academy (at the time Karate International) freshman year of high school. When Sensei Eller took over, he made Carolina Karate Academy his own and teaches such valuable skills. He has an incredible background in martial arts and there is so much to learn from him. Once I received my black belt, I was still just as eager to continue to learn from him and explore the vast knowledge he possesses on martial arts. I would highly recommend Carolina Karate Academy to anyone looking to learn to defend themselves, build strength, develop foundational character traits or just to simply have a blast!"

"My kids (ages 8 and 6) have been coming here for over a year and we love it! It's not only a great way for them to get some exercise and make friends, it also has done so much to teach them about respect, leadership, and hard work. It's truly such a healthy and positive environment and is well worth the time and money."

"My son has been in this dojo ( karate school) for 4 years. He loved it and I had a great experience with the overall education and discipline provided by the school. Mr. Chris, the sensei is a very well disciplined instructor with full energy and is always there to help young students. My son won 11 trophies by attending different tournaments. I am so proud of my son and Mr. Eller and all supportive team. I recommend this Dojo to everyone who wants their kid to be highly disciplined and successful in their life."

"We have been at karate international for the last seven months I have three kids that go here and it has been A great experience for my kids to learn self-discipline as well as respect! What really caught My Eye was the way that they announce themselves walking in and out of the building:)I thought it was quite honorable! My daughter is very shy so this class helps build a great confidence in her personality around other children! The Sensei is always very helpful since day one! And even in a group setting still gives one on one to the kids while teaching the entire class! You can see black belts all around still working with others they’re helping improve their skills and my kids love it ! Everything speaks for itself! Totally worth the time and effort! And reasonably price as well!! That’s always a deal!!"

"Karate International--its leaders, staff, and programming--have been outstanding for our daughter. She has realized and developed leadership capabilities, assertiveness, and friendships that are shaping her whole person. Everyone here embodies and expects the discipline and perseverance spoken of in their creed. Incoming KI families need to know that this is a family endeavor. Parent coaches are important supports; this is not a drop-and-go program for kids, nor do they hold a "trophy for everyone" mentality here. Every belt is earned through time and high quality practice; I have consistently seen teachers take an equitable approach to ALL students in meeting their goals. Most importantly, if an issue arises, Hanshi Bowen and the staff have been extremely responsive to concerns. He has taken the time after class, for example, to provide extra guidance to my daughter in appropriately using her self-defense in real life situations. Because he has daughters himself, I have found him to be attentive to the unique needs of girls, as well as very inclusive and equitable to all races, religions, and cultural backgrounds. Affordability is relative in situations like this. When I look at value, we are absolutely getting the most value possible from this program. We attend regularly, are proactive, take advantage of discount offerings, and prepay in advance if that is available.The kids are developing into top-notch, disciplined, very worthwhile leaders. KI is a real gem in Durham."