Karate International of West Raleigh

Congratulations to our newest Gold Belts! Exciting to earn a new belt based on your newly learned skills.

Our Little Samurai (ages 3-5), work on gross motor skills, listening, respect, and fun all class long! Congratulations to our newest promotees.

July Promotions were amazing. Many pictures to follow. We introduce our newest Black Belt, Mr. Clarke.

O'Sensei Wellendorf was Karate International's founder and the man in the logo. His vision and dedication to the art shaped the lives of THOUSANDS! Thank you O'Sensei. Please join us at the North Raleigh location to say goodbye.

At the request of his family, a memorial service will be held in his honor at Karate International on July 10, 2026, at 4720 Hargrove Road, Raleigh, NC 27616 at 4:00 pm. All are welcome!

Obituary
https://www.triadfuneralservice.com/obituaries/Jansen-Dennis-Wellendorf?obId=48903955&utm_source=copy+url&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=obituary-share&utm_content=copy+url

From North Raleigh location: We have lost our founding father, O'Sensei Wellendorf.

With heavy hearts, Karate International shares the passing of our beloved O’Sensei, Grand Master Jan Wellendorf, at 86 years old.

O’Sensei wasn’t just our senior instructor — he was the visionary mind behind the Karate International system itself. His genius for innovation and his endless creativity shaped the very foundation of what we teach and how we teach it. Generations of students have trained in a system built on his ideas, his discipline, and his deep love for the art.

To so many of us, he was far more than a teacher. He was a guiding presence, a mentor, and for many — including our own family — something like a father figure. His wisdom, humor, and unmistakable spirit touched every dojo and every life he was part of.

His legacy lives on in every technique passed down, every student he shaped, and every instructor who carries his teachings forward.

We will miss him beyond words. 🙏

If you trained with O’Sensei, knew him, or have a photo with him, please share your stories and photos in the comments below. Let’s celebrate his life together. We posted our favorite photo here because it shows his true personality. We will post more in the comments over coming days.

Rob and Kathy Olevsky

Mindset is so important in martial arts. Physicality is important as well, but nothing is stronger than our mind. Words are the foundation of our mindset, so positive verbiage is a key to success. We can!

Somehow this seems relevant to our Shihan.

Honoring those that came before us, fought, and gave all they had in this world. We honor you warriors!

Amazing student that brought Karate International of West Raleigh with them while on vacation. Share your vacation pictures this summer and take KIWR with YOU!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms and women who are mothers to others, by blood or not.