Check our Reviews

 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.

DRU MITCHELL

Sensei O’Riley is an excellent instructor, he teaches the excellence of Wado-Ryu. Although I have not been in here 3 years I have to say this was a good learning experience for myself, because I have learned discipline very well and learned how to defend myself. Sensei O’Riley is also a great leader, he was stern to me at times but it benefited me a lot. The katas are truly beautiful as well. Overall I’d say this would be a wonderful investment! - Dru Mitchell (former student)

Jimmie Foster

I have know Mr. O'Riley for many years and have watched his progress from a young Black Belt to a seasoned Instructor. He exemplifies a true traditional Karate Sensei. If you are looking for excellence you couldn't find a better Instructor. I highly recommend his schools.

ruschariya khomkao

I’ve been training here for 6 years and I think it’s help me build my confidence. Karate has been great for me, physically and spiritually. Also, Sensei is a good martial arts instructors, he do care all of his students and I’m really thankful that I got an opportunity to training here.

Thu Nguyen

This karate dojo has greatly improved my self-esteem and way of thinking. Although training is a self venture, I still feel the motivation and support from the teacher and my fellow students. I highly recommend anyone to join us!

johnny hancock

Steven O'Riley has been practicing , training , and instructing the martial arts for 40+ years that I can testify to. Extremely well trained and qualified. If you're seeking a place to start your child or to advance your own skills O'Riley is IT !!

Sandy Crabtree

Excellent Instructors. Family environment. Sensei O'Riley is definitely one of the most respected and talented Martial Artists in the Wado Ryu Karate Do system. It is an honor to train here. Rei.

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.

Joshua Fontana

This place is a great dojo for teaching kids respect or just learning how to defend yourself. everyone is family there no ones judging you and great teachers. i'm a student there and iv'e been going probably 7 years now i'm a 3 degree brown belt 12 years old. and no matter how old you are iv'e seen sensei o'riley turn people completely around from little kids running around to kids being still and listening with respect for the teachers. i highly recommend this dojo for anyone.

MagicL Ransom

The dojo is an amazing place to get stronger and better as a person and sensei is the best teacher to ever have. Please give karate a try, you'll love it.

Sparkie

Great instructors definitely worth it. My sons have learned alot from them not just karate but confidence, respect and love for others.

Barry Steelman

I have trained with Sensei O’Riley for 15 years now. When I decided to return to martial arts I was looking for a traditional dojo with a dedicated traditional teacher. I found that with O’Riley Karate Centers. You will have to work for your black belt and you will have to be dedicated. Not only will you get a black belt with Sensei O’Riley, you will get the tools to be successful in life and in business. You will be given the tools to overcome adversity and to thrive where others fail. You will learn dedication, perseverance, discipline and gain a confidence in yourself that others will see just by the way you carry yourself. This is something you should want for yourself and your kids and family. Training at O’Riley Karate Centers was the best decision I have made, and I gained another family.

Roxanne Babin

Very attentive to his students... My daughter has anxiety and snycope, which makes her light headed and at risk to passing out. Mr O'Riley, along with his instructors, have all done an excellent job at not only looking out for warning signs to her snycope but have also boosted her confidence which has helped her anxiety. He has never failed to return my phone calls and take the time to discuss her progress with me along the way. She loves it here and I know she is in good hands. O'Riley Karate Centers is definitely worth checking out!

Chris Ousley

I decided to get back into martial arts after 40 years and chose O'Riley Karate Centers after reading good things about the dojo. The instruction is excellent from Sensei O'Riley and his black belt instructors. Very attentive. This dojo is the real deal. Come train with us!

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.

Brent Lyons

I have my daughter who is 16 and my son who is 8 training here. I train here as well and I am 48.  Sensei O'riley is an exceptional Wado Karate instructor that teaches all levels and ages. You will learn the how and the why we are doing what we are doing. The history and the respect are an essential part of the art that is being taught by Sensei O'riley and all of his instructors. Stop by and see for yourself, because you won't be disappointed.

KEITH MCCLARD

My son started training under Sensei O'Riley 5 years ago. I was so impressed by the discipline he gained under this man's tutelage, that I myself signed up 2 years ago. I am 42 years old and have learned more about myself in the last two years of training under Sensei O'Riley than I could have ever imagined. I signed my daughter up about 6 months ago. We absolutely love this dojo. The people in this dojo are a family...one that I am very proud to be a part of. My children get discipline at home, but the transition that they have undergone since starting training is staggering. Sensei O'Riley is one of the highest ranking black belts in the country, yet he takes the time to teach class every night. This is rare in the martial arts. Black belts of his rank rarely teach class. They are simply businessmen. Sensei O'Riley is very passionate about the martial arts and does not give away belts like some schools. Your rank must be earned in this dojo. In a world where everyone gets a"participation award " I find his style of teaching to be a breath of fresh air. I would HIGHLY recommend anyone who is considering martial arts training (or considering it for their children) to visit his dojo. Sensei O'Riley has changed my family's life. We are all better people since beginning training and a true karate family is something that I never knew I wanted, but am very grateful to have found.

Jacob Valladares

This is my first experience with Karate and it has been great for my daughter. I was hesitant at first, but this dojo is very structured and with a no nonsense approach and my daughter really enjoys it. The free $99 special was a great way to allow my daughter to determine if she liked it or not and I am glad he offered it. We have now been at this Dojo and with Sensei Oriley now for over a year and my daughter really enjoys the challenge, discipline and morale within the Dojo.

Charles Hall

My son and I have been training in this dojo for a year and a half combined. It is a no nonsense dojo where the Sensei and instructors are devoted to teaching you a martial art. Ranks come from Japan and you must EARN them. Students here care for each other and after some time you will feel the family atmosphere. The amount of confidence and discipline that my son has gained and I have been reminded of is priceless. I truly recommend this dojo and hope you will call it home.

Dane Harden

I've trained in martial arts since 1969 - and served in the military for thirty three years...I often like to stop in local Dojo. As I walked into this Dojo I was immediately greeted and asked if I'd "ever trained in martial arts before"..."I said a little"...the Sensei immediately responded with "that generally means a lot"...That impressed me...as I sat and watched what I saw was a classical martial arts teaching - real Karate - Do. Detailed explanations - English and Japanese interpretations and a rare deep "hirwasa suwasa" wider and deeper understanding of martial arts. He discussed lines of attack, Hip utilization, transition...all the things that truly matter in real combat...I've served in Combat many times...these are the lessons that many commercial Dojo no

Longer teach as they are tedious and detailed...however take it from me it is the lack of attention to details that will get you killed in combat settings. Personally - I wish I lived closer as I sensed a real kinship - brotherhood of the cloth as we say in the military. So if you live in Smyrna, TN...I recommend you train here as it's a real Dojo...not a MacDojo that's after your wallet. Good Job Sensei!

Osu!

Dane S. Harden

Colonel, SP

Senior Flight Surgeon

U.S. Army

ShockSurge

Sensei O'Riley excels at disciplining his students while teaching them karate. He is tough on his students for their benefit, and this is shown both on and off the training floor.

Mercedes S.

My nephews are so excited to start their 8 week journey tomorrow. I will continue to update my review as time goes on, but so far so good.

Man Cave

Sensei O'Riley instills discipline, character, and a lifetime of knowledge about martial arts. If you want to be the best,  train with the best.

Bethany Teahan

We were apart of this dojo for 3 years. We moved away and were not able to continue, but the skills my son learned while participating are life long skills.

Joey J.

Super excited to officially be an enrolled student at O'Riley karate.

Dihonov A.

It's more than just a dojo, it's a family. And family is the most important thing to have.

Lee Starnes

The best Dojo in Smyrna

Alex Rivas

I love this place! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 …

Alan Osborne

Simply the best!