Legends of Carolina Martial Arts

Grandmaster Charles Burris — Hanshi Gastonia Karate — sits down to share 58 years of martial arts wisdom, beginning with the day in 1967 he walked into what he thought was a dance class and walked out a karate student. A conversation about humility, fair play, and the single word he's known for across the Carolinas: patience.

Senior Grandmaster Ernest White shares the untold story behind White Brothers Karate — from free Saturday morning classes at SC State, to teaching his brothers Nathaniel and James between visits home, to building one of the South's most respected martial arts families. A powerful conversation about brotherhood, discipline, and quietly leading from the middle.

From karate classes without safety gear to sparring legends and national fame, Bobby Tucker’s story is a powerful journey of resilience, rivalry, and legacy in the martial arts world.

From football dreams to karate legend, Ben Kiker built a legacy of resilience, faith, and leadership. Discover how one man turned heartbreak into purpose and shaped generations through martial arts.

Corky Sikes shares his inspiring journey from backyard training in Jesup, Georgia, to becoming a global martial arts champion and respected school owner. Mentored by the legendary Don Carter, Corky’s path took him from Shotokan karate to the dynamic world of Taekwondo, guided by influences like Cliff Yon and Ernie Reyes Sr. He recounts the thrill of competition, his first trophy win, and his relen...

In this episode, Tony Bell shares how a childhood choice between football and karate sparked a lifelong journey in martial arts. From training under Sensei Virgil Kimmey with his brother Melvin, to competing with the USC Karate Club, Tony reflects on the bonds, battles, and mentors—like Sam Chapman and Ronnie Barkoot—that shaped him. Beyond Karate, he opens up about caring for his elderly parents...

We talk with Ricky Taylor, a Legendary Carolina Martial Arts icon whose journey from fighting at the age of 15 to founding USA Karate in Lancaster, SC, reflects unmatched grit and heart. Trained under other legend Nathaniel White, Mr Taylor's story is one of transformation, brotherhood, and deep-rooted tradition. We explore his passion for teaching, his love of quiet motorcycle rides, and his...

From the baseball fields of Shelby, North Carolina, to the battlegrounds of Vietnam and the Dojos of Okinawa, the extraordinary life of Grandmaster Vic Coffin is nothing short of inspiring. Imagine navigating a promising baseball career at a young age old, only to find yourself enlisting in the Marine Corps and facing the harsh realities of war. Mr Coffin's story is a compelling blend of sport...

Join us on a journey through the fascinating world of martial arts with our guest, Mr Tony Thomas, one of the two most senior black belts in South Carolina. Listen in as Tony recounts his inspiring journey that began in 1966, sparked by Bruce Lee's performance in the Green Hornet television program. With no martial arts schools around, he and his friends trained in his backyard and at school w...

In this engaging discussion, we are joined by martial arts legend, Brian Pena, who opens up about his inspiring journey from a baseball-loving kid to a martial arts icon. Revealing how a passion for baseball led him to the world of Karate and how it became something he could truly own as a young boy. Listen as he shares his training experience as a young man, his competition days, his constant dri...

Welcome to a mesmerizing and enlightening conversation with a martial artist who has carved his name in history, John Chung. As he walks us through his incredible life journey from a 12-year-old immigrant from South Korea to a world champion martial artist in the US, you will find yourself captivated by his tenacity, resilience, and sheer love for martial arts. His childhood experiences, early com...

Episode with Tony Young, going through his career from the beginning to today. How he went from small Karate tournaments to sponosrships to fighting on the world stage. Tony Young began karate at the age of 12 and earned his Black Belt 4 years later. Tony Young is now a 7th degree Black Belt in the Goju Ryu style of karate. Tony Young was named the National Super Light Weight Karate Champion...

Episode with Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, going through his career from the beginning to today. How he started fighting sideways, where the nickname “Superfoot” comes from, phone calls with Elvis and some of his greatest. Bill “Superfoot” Wallace is a living legend in the world of martial arts and professional kickboxing. A pioneer in the sport, he began his martial arts career as a Karate point-figh...

In this Episode of the Legends of Carolina Martial Arts podcast we talk with the one and only Jay Bell and are joined by special guest Magic Johnson.

In this Episode of the Legends of Carolina Martial Arts podcast we talk with Lawrence McSwain and are joined by special guest Magic Johnson. Beginning Karate in 1966 and achieving Blackbelt in 1970 Mr. Lawrence McSwain is a true Legend of the Martial Arts in the Carolina's and beyond. 

The Legends of Carolina Martial Arts is a non-political organization created to honor, each year, a small group of Blackbelts (from the 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s) who have impacted Martial Arts through the Carolinas in a positive manner!

The Legends of Carolina Martial Arts is a non-political organization created to honor, each year, a small group of Blackbelts (from the 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s) who have impacted Martial Arts through the Carolinas in a positive manner!

The Legends of Carolina Martial Arts is a non-political organization created to honor, each year, a small group of Blackbelts (from the 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s) who have impacted Martial Arts through the Carolinas in a positive manner!

The history of Jerome 'Magic' Johnson, discussions on Karate-do, and other figures of Legend in Martial Arts.

The history of Hanshi Jerry Piddington, discussions on Karate-do, and other figures of Legend in Martial Arts.