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Smyrna Karate, Martial Arts and Self Defense

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12976 Old Nashville Smyrna, TN

Martial Arts Classes in Smyrna


a man and a boy are practicing karate and the man has a black belt

Self Defense

Self-defense is a serious subject, but this is not the army, it is a classroom and we have fun while learning. Even the strongest building can’t stand on a weak foundation. That is why we support each other in class because you can only learn and grow if you have a strong support system to stand on. Come and meet like-minded individuals, engage with other members of your community, and have some fun!

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Classes for Kids

Children need lots of activity to use all the energy they have and grow up healthy and strong. But learning a traditional martial art system is much more than just an activity. Over time it will teach a young student to concentrate, focus and stay on task. Your child will learn to defend themselves yet go out of their way to stay out of fights.   It also starts a child on a lifelong path of enjoying physical activity in a positive atmosphere.

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Training Mind & Body


What do you want to gain from a martial arts system? Do you want to be in better shape, have more confidence, relieve stress, improve awareness, or learn a new set of self-defense skills? Are your 

Looking for life skills that can change your life and even last throughout your life? 


O'Riley Karate Centers, LLC is here to provide the people of Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Smyrna with a place to improve their health, have fun, and forget about the outside world for a while. Many people believe that joining a martial arts center is all about fighting. In some cases this can be true… You will sure learn to defend yourself. However it is much, much more that just fighting skills. You teach you to control your techniques in order to keep injuries from occurring.  Safety is a priority…


If you live in Davidson, Rutherford, or surrounding counties Smyrna and are looking for way to stay fit, meet new people, and improve yourself, or just want to try out a true Japanese Karate System, 

 contact us today to try our special trial program. 

Call or Text to set up a time to meet!  

615.310.3722

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Martial arts instruction Wado-Ryu-karate-Do

Antioch and Smyrna, TN


  • Sensei Steve O'Riley

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Founded October 1st, 1994, O'Riley Karate Centers in Antioch and Smyrna, TN are under the direction of founder and chief martial arts instructor Sensei Steve O'Riley. Beginning his training in Wado-Ryu in 1984, under the guidance of 7th Dan Taylor Hayden, O'Riley-San received his Black Belt in June of 1988, currently holds the rank of Roku-Dan (7th Degree Black Belt) and holds the honor of having trained personally under Shihan Cecil T. Patterson.


O'Riley-San was presented with the 1998 Associate Dojo of the year by Master Instructor Taylor K. Hayden, Chief instructor and Head of the board of directors/USEWF (United States Eastern Wady-Ryu Karate Federation).


An avid and successful competitor, Sensei O'Riley has earned title after title in both kata and kumite, most notably, winning the USEWF kumite Championships a record seven years, and being named fighter of the decade at the 2000 USEWF Championships. In addition, he holds the distinction of being a recipient of the President's Award in 1998 and 2002, one of the USEWF's most prestigious honors for service to the Federation, and awarded by Shihan Patterson himself. O'Riley Sensei fulfilled another chapter in his Wado career by traveling to England and participating in the 2004 Winter seminars under Grandmaster Hironori Ohtsuka II, Sensei Masafumi Shiomitsu and other dedicated Wadoka from around the world, for three days of intensive, advanced training.  Sensei O’Rikey has also trained in many seminars under the direct tutelage of the grandson of the founder of Wado-Ryu Karate… 


Sensei O’Riley has traveled and trained in Japan on (3) different occasions. 2009-2015 Competing on the US Team and in 2016 for 2nd Grandmasters Memorial Service. 

Other highlights include:

  • 2012 Dojo of the Year award
  • 2009 School of the Year award
  • Traveled to Japan as a member of the 2009 U.S. Wado-Ryu Team that
  • Competed in the 75th anniversary Wado-Ryu championships, Tokyo Japan
  • Competed in the 45th international Wado-Ryu world championships Tokyo Japan
  • 2009 U.S. Eastern Wado-Ryu Federation instructor of the year
  • Inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2007
  • Received Grand Master Otsuka Award in 2005 presented by Shihan Patterson
  • 2001 RSKC 3rd overall for the year after only competing in (3) tournaments
  • Instructor of the Year in 2000, by Master Instructor Taylor K. Hayden
  • U.S. Eastern Wado-Ryu Federation Fighting Champion of the Decade
  • Lifetime member of the Global Directory of Who's Who
  • Advanced training (4) times a day totaling (8) hours a day for (4) days in Brazil
  • Five days of advanced training in Europe
  • 2017 Received Authentic Wado Instructors Certification from 3rd Grandmaster
  • Promoted to 7th level Black Belt
  • 2019 Renshi Shihan ( 3rd level Master Teacher)
  • 2022 Kyoshi-Shihan (2nd level Master Instructor)
  • 2022 was Inducted into the US Eastern Wado Hall of Fame 
  • 2023 Awarded Assistant Chairman of the Board USEWKF by federation head John Patterson

As one of the USEWF's most respected instructors, O'Riley-San has dojo locations in Antioch and Smyrna and conducts both day and evening classes each week for adults and children. Sensei O'Riley is hands on when it comes to his students. Although not all classes are taught by the Sensei! All students are taught and overseen and all promotions are conducted by Mr. O’Riley himself. 


O'Riley Karate Centers offer complete martial arts training for the dedicated martial artist and athlete.

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Testimonials


 Bill Culbertson

My son has been training at O’Riley Karate Center for 9 years. I cannot say how grateful I am for the program. It has given him confidence and a sense of accomplishment. In addition, it has taught him perseverance and humility. He has had to work at everything and has not just been given his belts. Sensei O’Riley’s strict style of teaching is firm but loving. He sincerely cares about his students and not only how they do karate but how they do life.

Angela Vanderburg

My son has been training under Sensei O'Riley for over 2 years and I couldn't have chosen a better instructor. Not only are martial arts taught, manners and respect also are, especially for the kids. This is not a "you get promoted for showing up" program, you have to earn your rank here. I firmly believe that Sensei's methods truly prepare the students to defend themselves, learn the value of hard work, and give them a sense of accomplishment that would be lacking under other instruction.

Dena Jones

My two children have been attending this dojo for a little over 2 years now and we love it. All of the instructors are professional and knowledgeable.

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