Huntersville Dojo:
Events & Community
Location
The Dance Spot
122 Commerce Centre Dr,
Huntersville, NC 28078
Schedule
Tuesday: 6:30PM – 8:15PM
Thursday: 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Saturday: 9:45AM – 1:15PM
Contact Us
If you have questions about training, classes, or getting started we are happy to help!
Huntersville Instructors
Meet the instructors who lead our training at the Huntersville dojo, along with guest USIK instructors joining us for special sessions and seminars.
Learn more about Master McLaughlin
BEGAN ISSHINRYU
1986 Buffalo, NY
Gary Castanza
DATE OF SHO-DAN
March 1989
DATE OF PRESENT RANK
Hachi-Dan September 2021
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES
USIK
Former member of American Okinawan Karate Association (AOKA)
Former member of Okinawan Isshinryu Karate & Kobudo Association (OIKKA)
Former member of Professional Isshinryu Karate Federation (PIKF)
USA National Karate Federation (USANKF) Coach
Judge Level D
Member Shurite Bujutsu kai
AWARDS
World Head of Family Sokeship Council – Outstanding Student 1997
Learn more about Master Smyth
BEGAN ISSHINRYU
1997, Buffalo, NY
Gary and Patrice Castanza
DATE OF SHO-DAN
May 2007
DATE OF PRESENT RANK
Roku-Dan July 2025
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES
USIK
Former member of American Okinawan Karate Association (AOKA)
AWARDS
Apex Martial Arts male instructor of the year
Learn more about Sensei Hariaczyi
BEGAN ISSHINRYU
June 2009, Huntersville, NC
Master H.C. Butch McLaughlin
DATE OF SHO-DAN
December 2014
DATE OF PRESENT RANK
Yon-Dan August 2022
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES
USIK
Former member of American Okinawan Karate Association (AOKA)
AWARDS
n/a
Learn more about Sensei McLaughlin
BEGAN ISSHINRYU
October 1998 with Sensei Butch McLaughlin
DATE OF SHO-DAN
October 2009
DATE OF PRESENT RANK
Yon-Dan July 2025
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES
USIK
AWARDS
n/a
Learn more about Sensei Al-Khalil
BEGAN ISSHINRYU
June 2010 with Sensei Butch McLaughlin
DATE OF SHO-DAN
May 2016
DATE OF PRESENT RANK
Yon-Dan July 2025
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES
USIK
AWARDS
n/a
Learn more about Sensei Esper
BEGAN ISSHINRYU
June 2006 with Sensei Butch McLaughlin
DATE OF SHO-DAN
October 2011
DATE OF PRESENT RANK
September 2017
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES
USIK
AWARDS
n/a
Learn more about Sensei Heise
BEGAN ISSHINRYU
Began training with Sensei McLaughlin in 2002
DATE OF SHO-DAN
July 2007
DATE OF PRESENT RANK
June 2014
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES
USIK
AWARDS
n/a
Learn more about Mr. Burkinshaw
BEGAN ISSHINRYU
August 2011
DATE OF SHO-DAN
August 2022
DATE OF PRESENT RANK
Ni-Dan August 2024
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES
USiK
AWARDS
n/a
Learn more about Mr. Loydpierson
BEGAN ISSHINRYU
April 2005
DATE OF SHO-DAN
November 2010
DATE OF PRESENT RANK
Ni-Dan August 2013
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES
USIK
AWARDS
n/a
Learn more about Mr. Bravo
BEGAN ISSHINRYU
September 2006
DATE OF SHO-DAN
July 2010
DATE OF PRESENT RANK
July 2010
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES
USIK
AWARDS
n/a
Isshinryu is rooted in lineage and guided by discipline
Learn about its history and the codes that shape its character