Headmaster / Owner
Kyoshi Charles Lingerfelt Kudan 9th Degree Black Belt
Kyoshi LIngerfelt became Headmaster of the Freestyle Karate Dojo of Fort Mill in 1983, accepting this role from founder Danny McCall. Now a Charter Member of the American Academies National Association (AKANA), Kyoshi Lingerfelt grew up during Karate’s ‘point fighting era’ made famous by such Karate legends as Chuck Norris and Bill (Super-foot) Wallace. Kyoshi Lingerfelt has incorporated techniques from Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Jiu-Jitsu and boxing into his school’s training program. (Bruce Lee was the originator of advocating the mixing of traditional styles of Martial Arts.) Much of Kyoshi Lingerfelt’s training program is directed towards children, with the goal of developing both their bodies and minds. Like no other athletic approach, Martial Arts is one in which an individual can participate for their entire life. His teaching approach has been molded by many different instructors as he rose through the ranks to 9th Degree Black Belt. He credits Mr. Von Hilton, Grand Master Danny McCall and O’Shihan Jerry Piddington (founder of American Open Style Karate under USKA) for the impact each had on his style of teaching. Kyoshi Lingerfelt is of the opinion that the personal discipline of Karate leads to constant improvement of both body and mind. He also insists on a “relationship of respect” between the teacher (Sensei) and student. Senseis show the deepest respect towards their students who come to class to improve themselves. This respect stems from a basic realization that all of us are on a journey of growth. In the words of Bruce Lee, “I cannot teach you, only help you to explore yourself.”
Karate, (but) I can and will share it with you.”