Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Mount Pleasant, SC
Mount Pleasant Karate was founded in 2003 by Master Glenn Arnold to improve lives through traditional martial arts training. As the Lowcountry's only traditional martial arts school, we emphasize character development, discipline, and mutual respect alongside technical proficiency. Our academy has earned recognition through awards like Charleston's Choice and Moultrie News Best of the Best, while maintaining a commitment to community service through initiatives like the Board Break-a-Thon for St.Jude Children's Hospital. With over 40 years of combined experience among our instructors, we offer authentic Tang Soo Do training for students of all ages, fostering personal growth in a safe, supportive environment that extends beyond physical techniques to cultivate humility, perseverance, and self-awareness.
Services
Karate Classes
Kids Karate
Adult Karate
Self-Defense Training
Martial Arts Instruction
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We are the Lowcountry's only traditional martial arts school
- Our instructors have over 40 years of combined experience
- We've raised $25,000+ for St. Jude Children's Hospital
- We offer age-specific programs from Lil Dragons (3-4) to adult classes
- Our academy has won Charleston's Choice and Moultrie News Best of the Best
What people say
Amazing with kids
Positive mindset
Confidence and skills
Truly passionate
Wonderful experience
Services
Kids Karate
Our Kids Karate program (ages 5-11) builds confidence, discipline, and focus through traditional Tang Soo Do training. Students develop physical skills while learning respect, safety awareness, and perseverance. The curriculum addresses modern challenges like bullying and screen addiction through structured lessons that foster personal growth and community connection.
Adult Karate
Adult Karate classes (ages 12+) combine self-defense training with physical fitness and mental wellness. Participants improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health while learning practical defense techniques. The program emphasizes stress reduction, emotional stability, and character development through traditional martial arts principles.
Self-Defense Training
Our self-defense instruction teaches situational awareness and practical techniques for real-world scenarios. Students learn to de-escalate conflicts while developing physical skills for protection. The training builds confidence through realistic practice while maintaining martial arts principles of respect and responsibility.
Lil Dragons Program
Designed for ages 3-4, the Lil Dragons program develops motor skills, focus, and safety awareness through age-appropriate martial arts training. The curriculum uses playful instruction to introduce discipline and respect while building foundational physical coordination in a supportive environment.
Community Programs
Beyond martial arts instruction, we offer community-focused programs that build character and social responsibility. Initiatives like after-school classes and outreach to at-risk youth demonstrate our commitment to using martial arts as a tool for positive life transformation in the local community.
People
Master Glenn Arnold
Senior Instructor / Owner
With over 40 years of martial arts experience, Master Arnold founded Mount Pleasant Karate in 2003. A student of Grandmaster C.S. Kim, he emphasizes traditional Tang Soo Do values while maintaining a modern approach to character development.
Master Crystal Estey
5th Dan Instructor
Training since age 3, Master Estey brings decades of experience to her classes. She emphasizes technical precision and breath control, having tested for advanced ranks in South Korea and maintained teaching excellence since 2014.
Master Diane Bise
4th Dan Instructor
Starting in 2007, Master Bise became the first student to achieve 4th degree black belt under Master Arnold. She specializes in after-school programs and curriculum development, bringing Eastern wisdom to practical martial arts instruction.
Master Jack Pretorius
4th Dan Instructor
With over 10 years at MPK, Master Pretorius transformed from a shy student to a confident instructor. He leads after-school programs and teaches character development through martial arts principles, emphasizing personal growth through discipline.
Master Mohammed Daoud
4th Dan Instructor
Training for 14 years under Master Arnold, Master Daoud combines technical expertise with community outreach. He works with at-risk youth in North Charleston, demonstrating martial arts' transformative power through practical application of respect and discipline.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer programs for all ages including Lil Dragons (3-4), Kids Karate (5-11), and Adult Karate (12+).
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide a free trial lesson with 2 weeks of training for just $49.00.
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in traditional Tang Soo Do with instruction from certified black belt instructors.
How do you ensure student safety?
Our instructors prioritize safety through controlled practice environments and proper technique instruction.
What community involvement do you have?
We've raised over $25,000 for St. Jude Children's Hospital through our Board Break-a-Thon events.
Do you offer family discounts?
Yes, we provide discounted rates for families enrolling multiple members in our programs.
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