Green's Karate

Joel does it again! 2nd year in a row making Team USA/ United States Karate Team. Congratulations Joel! We are so proud of you!

The judges never knew she was blind Part 2 of 2

The day before the competition, we walked every step from the staging area to the ring so she could find her way without assistance. She performed in front of a completely fresh panel of judges who had no idea she couldn't see.

They judged the kata not the disability.
When the scores were announced, Katie Whipple became the first blind female to win a silver medal in a non-disabled division at USA Karate Nationals. History was made.

The judges never knew she was blind. Part 1 of 2

The day before the competition, we walked every step from the staging area to the ring so she could find her way without assistance. She performed in front of a completely fresh panel of judges who had no idea she couldn't see.

They judged the kata not the disability.
When the scores were announced, Katie Whipple became the first blind female to win a silver medal in a non-disabled division at USA Karate Nationals. History was made.

5 Martial Arts Schools Said No... Then History Was Made Part 1 of 2

Five martial arts schools turned her away because she was blind.

I said yes.

Seven months later, she became the first blind female in American history to qualify for and compete at the U.S. Karate Nationals.

That's what happens when someone looks past the disability and starts seeing the person's potential.

Sometimes changing history starts with one person willing to give someone a chance.

Five martial arts schools said no because she was blind. I said yes.
What happened next changed history.
In less than a year, she was competing on the national stage, proving that disability does not define potential—only the willingness to teach does.
This is why I do what I do.
Watch until the end.

For nearly 30 years, I've dedicated my career to teaching karate to students with special needs.

Today, that journey enters a new chapter.

I'm officially opening the door to a limited number of Founding Pilot Schools for the Green Methods™ Licensing Program.

The Green Methods™ have been developed through decades of hands-on instruction and have contributed to 23 historical milestones in karate. Along the way, I've had the privilege of helping develop the AAU National Para Karate rules, and I've been offered the opportunity to teach Level 2 Green Methods™ at next year's AAU Nationals.

So, what are the Green Methods™?

🥋 Level 1 – Traditional karate instruction.

🥋 Level 2 – Green Methods™: Teaching strategies that help instructors successfully teach students with special needs.

🥋 Level 3 – Green Methods™ Licensing: A complete implementation system for martial arts schools that want to build and grow a successful special needs program.

🥋 Level 4 – That's a conversation for another day.
If you're a martial arts school owner who wants to expand your impact, serve more families, and build a successful special needs program, I'd love to talk with you.

Founding Pilot Schools will receive early adopter incentives before the public rollout.

Send me a message at 423-405-3656 or email at [email protected] if you'd like to learn more.

20 years ago, a student from Green's Karate would go on to make US Karate history. This would alter the direction of the dojo. We would go on and make history 22 more times. It all started with Brandon Earnshaw. He started the worldwide conversation about what people with autism could do. This would inspire millions of others and instill the belief in them that anything is possible, if you put your mind to it.