CHAPMAN SHOTOKAN KARATE

I started in Shotokan karate in 1999 under the instruction of my father, Richard Chapman, in our home in Deptford, New Jersey. 

We then moved to Marietta, Georgia, where I attended college and continued my karate training. At the rank of brown belt (san kyu), I began teaching basic karate to children and adults at my father's dojo located at Atlanta Judo Midtown. 

In summer 2010, we then moved Tong Dojo Shotokan Karate to 2000 Faulkner Road in Atlanta.

On May 14, 2011 - after 12 years of training in traditional karate - I received the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt) under Sensei Chapman. I now currently hold the rank of Nidan (2nd degree black belt) under Sensei Chapman.

ABOUT MY SENSEI

3rd dan Richard Chapman is a 3rd degree black belt, and studied Shotokan karate under pioneers such as Teruyuki Okazaki, Kiyoshi Yamazaki and Leslie Safar. In April 1985, he founded Richard Chapman's American Shotokan Karate in Gibbstown, New Jersey, where he had more than 200 students. Sensei Chapman was also a member of the Japan Karate Association (JKA). He is currently the owner and chiaf instructors at Tong Dojo Shotokan Karate in Midtown Atlanta.

We mix traditional karate with throws, chokes and joint locks that were forgotten over the years but still reside within the katas. These techniques are known as bunkai. 

Our teaching system is divided into the three areas of karate: kihon, kata and kumite. This unique style of karate prepares our students for any combat situation that may present itself.  

• Modern-day street self defense focused on finishing the opponent with speed and power
• Rigorous training to build cardio and strength to develop explosive power
• Striking techniques (Atemi waza)
• Grappling techniques (Tegumi)
• Joint locks (Kanetsa waza)
• Weak points (Jintai kyusho)
• Throwing techniques (Nage waza)