Karate

Karate

AMERICAN FREESTYLE KARATE DOJO OF FORT MILL

HOME OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIORS

Established in May 1977, the American Freestyle Karate Dojo of Fort Mill teaches traditional Japanese-style karate to students age 4-99.  Hanshi Danny McCall started and ran this school until turning it over to Kyoshi Charles Lingerfelt in March 1982.  Kyoshi Lingerfelt still runs the oldest American Freestyle Karate Dojo to date.  The Dojo is a Lifetime Charter Member of American Karate Academies National Association, (AKANA).

Karate class will teach participants respect, self-discipline, self-defense, integrity, focus, life skills, and how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Instructors:

Kyoshi Charles Lingerfelt holds the rank of (Kudan) ninth degree Black Belt in American Freestyle Shorei/Shorin Karate-do.  Kyoshi Lingerfelt started training in 1972 with Von Helton under the Dave Adams – Korean Jee Do Kwan Karate System.  Kyoshi Lingerfelt is a Legends of Carolina Martial Arts inductee in the Class of 2018, Jerry Piddington’s Hall of Fame inductee with the Golden Lion Award March 16, 2019, and is a certified Fire Walker.  Mr. Lingerfelt is a Lifetime Yudansha Member of AKANA (American Karate Academies National Association) since September 28, 2022.

Kyoshi Neil Godfrey holds the rank of (Hachidan) eighth degree Black Belt in American Freestyle Shorei/Shorin Karate-do, and is a Legends of Carolina Martial Arts inductee in the Class of 2020.  Mr. Godfrey started martial arts training in 1977 at the Leroy Springs Recreation Complex (presently know as Upper Palmetto YMCA at the Complex) with Hanshi Danny McCall after the Open House demonstration in the Gym of the Complex.  Mr. Godfrey is a Lifetime member of AKANA (American Karate Academies National Association) since May 25, 2022.  He was inducted to the World Karate Union Hall of Fame June 29th, 2008 as Instructor of the Year.  Mr. Godfrey is a certified Fire Walker, and is also a Lifetime Member of the International Shuri-Ryu Association under Hanshi Robert Bowles of Arizona, and Lifetime Member of the Shuri-Te Bujutsu-Kai under Kyoshi Troy Price.

Sensei Richard Pattison holds the rank of “Yondan” fourth Degree Black Belt in American Freestyle Shorei/Shorin Karate-do.  He started his training in 1981 under Instructor Rick Moore – American Open Style Karate Association.  He is a standing member of AKANA (American Karate Academies National Association).

Senpai Josh Neely holds the rank of “Shodan” first Degree Black Belt in American Freestyle Shorei/Shorin Karate-do, and is a standing member of AKANA (American Karate Academies National Association).  Mr. Neely also holds the rank of Shodan in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do.  Mr. Neely started his martial arts training in 2003.

Assistant Instructor:

Mr. Ernie LaCasse holds the rank of Brown Belt in American Freestyle Shorei/Shorin Karate-do.  He also is a standing member of AKANA (American Karate Academies National Association).

  • Special Note: All uniforms and equipment MUST be purchased through Mr. Lingerfelt.

To learn more about the American Freestyle Karate Dojo – Fort Mill:   https://afskfortmill.com/

Rates$100 member rate/$115 non-member rate

Ages and Times:

  • Fighting Tigers – Ages 4 to 6 – 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
  • Junior Class – Ages 7 to 12 – 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
  • Adult Class – Ages 13 to Adult – 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Adult 13 to Adult

Fort Mill YMCA at the Complex
4/1/25 - 12/31/25
VIEW

Karate class will teach participants respect, self-discipline, integrity, focus, life skills, and how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

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Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
1/1/25 12/31/25 Online / Front Desk $ 100.00$ 150.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
04/01/25 - 04/30/25
- Tu,Th - 7:30 pm - 1 hr
Register  
Closes
04/15/2025
05/01/25 - 05/31/25
- Tu,Th - 7:30 pm - 1 hr
Register  
Closes
05/15/2025
06/01/25 - 06/30/25
- Tu,Th - 7:30 pm - 1 hr
Register  
Closes
06/15/2025
07/01/25 - 07/31/25
- Tu,Th - 7:30 pm - 1 hr
Registration
will open on
05/02/2025
08/01/25 - 08/31/25
- Tu,Th - 7:30 pm - 1 hr
Registration
will open on
06/02/2025
09/01/25 - 09/30/25
- Tu,Th - 7:30 pm - 1 hr
Registration
will open on
07/03/2025
10/01/25 - 10/31/25
- Tu,Th - 7:30 pm - 1 hr
Registration
will open on
08/02/2025
11/01/25 - 11/30/25
- Tu,Th - 7:30 pm - 1 hr
Registration
will open on
09/02/2025
12/01/25 - 12/31/25
- Tu,Th - 7:30 pm - 1 hr
Registration
will open on
10/02/2025

Fighting Tigers 4-6 year old

Fort Mill YMCA at the Complex
4/1/25 - 12/31/25
VIEW

Karate class will teach participants respect, self-discipline, integrity, focus, life skills, and how to lead a healthy lifestyle.


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
1/1/25 12/31/25 Online / Front Desk $ 100.00$ 115.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
04/01/25 - 04/30/25
Tu,Th - 5:30 pm - 1 hr
9 / 12 Available Register  
Closes
04/15/2025
05/01/25 - 05/31/25
Tu,Th - 5:30 pm - 1 hr
12 / 12 Available Register  
Closes
05/15/2025
06/01/25 - 06/30/25
Tu,Th - 5:30 pm - 1 hr
12 / 12 Available Register  
Closes
06/15/2025
07/01/25 - 07/31/25
Tu,Th - 5:30 pm - 1 hr
12 / 12 Available
Registration
will open on
05/02/2025
08/01/25 - 08/31/25
Tu,Th - 5:30 pm - 1 hr
12 / 12 Available
Registration
will open on
06/02/2025
09/01/25 - 09/30/25
Tu,Th - 5:30 pm - 1 hr
12 / 12 Available
Registration
will open on
07/03/2025
10/01/25 - 10/31/25
Tu,Th - 5:30 pm - 1 hr
12 / 12 Available
Registration
will open on
08/02/2025
11/01/25 - 11/30/25
Tu,Th - 5:30 pm - 1 hr
12 / 12 Available
Registration
will open on
09/02/2025
12/01/25 - 12/31/25
Tu,Th - 5:30 pm - 1 hr
12 / 12 Available
Registration
will open on
10/02/2025

Junior Class 7-12 year old

Fort Mill YMCA at the Complex
4/1/25 - 12/31/25
VIEW

Karate class will teach participants respect, self-discipline, integrity, focus, life skills, and how to lead a healthy lifestyle.


Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
1/1/25 12/31/25 Online / Front Desk $ 100.00$ 115.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
04/01/25 - 04/30/25
Tu,Th - 6:30 pm - 1 hr
Register  
Closes
04/15/2025
05/01/25 - 05/31/25
Tu,Th - 6:30 pm - 1 hr
Register  
Closes
05/15/2025
06/01/25 - 06/30/25
Tu,Th - 6:30 pm - 1 hr
Register  
Closes
06/15/2025
07/01/25 - 07/31/25
Tu,Th - 6:30 pm - 1 hr
Registration
will open on
05/02/2025
08/01/25 - 08/31/25
Tu,Th - 6:30 pm - 1 hr
Registration
will open on
06/02/2025
09/01/25 - 09/30/25
Tu,Th - 6:30 pm - 1 hr
Registration
will open on
07/03/2025
10/01/25 - 10/31/25
Tu,Th - 6:30 pm - 1 hr
Registration
will open on
08/02/2025
11/01/25 - 11/30/25
Tu,Th - 6:30 pm - 1 hr
Registration
will open on
09/02/2025
12/01/25 - 12/31/25
Tu,Th - 6:30 pm - 1 hr
Registration
will open on
10/02/2025

 

Angie Smith

Angie Smith, is a gifted writer, encourager and loving mother of four. Together with her husband, former NFL player Steve Smith, they established The Steve Smith Family Foundation, which is dedicated to providing hope and inspiration to those in need while advancing causes  close to the family’s heart – Promoting family health & wellness as well as the awareness and prevention of domestic violence.

In 2022, The Steve Smith Foundation and Mecklenburg County partnered to create Charlotte’s first behavioral health urgent care, a 24/7, 365 urgent care facility dedicated to mental health and substance abuse needs.

Angie’s commitment to her family, transparency and unselfishness, by putting other’s needs before her own, is an inspiration to all of us!

Alan Tyson

Alan Tyson is the President Architech Sports and Physical Therapy. He was the former Vice President of Sports Performance and Rehabilitation for OrthoCarolina. He is a physical therapist board certified as a sports clinical specialist, a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist. He has worked with the Charlotte Knights (AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox) and continues to serve as a consultant to the team. Alan is also a consultant with the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Eagles.

Alan has spoken regionally and nationally on various training topics including the foot and ankle, spine care, hip and knee rehabilitation, and he has developed two continuing education courses on the shoulder. He has written 3 books and developed specific training programs for the female athlete, the baseball pitcher, and for football players preparing for the NFL combines. Alan is also an associate editor of the National Strength and Conditioning Journal. He co-hosted a weekly radio show “Health Headlines” on 1110AM WBT with Stacey Sims and Dr. Russ Greenfield for 3 years.

Antoinette Johnson

Meet Antoinette Johnson, the inspiring culinary star of “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation” Hailing from Lexington, KY, she transforms simple, humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes, all while championing the use of fresh, locally-sourced produce. Through her triumph on “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation,” Antoinette’s unwavering perseverance catapulted her career, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible. With a heart dedicated to community and a love for supporting local farmers, Antoinette’s journey is a testament to embracing change, fostering growth, and inspiring others to follow their culinary dreams.

Beyond her culinary triumphs, Antoinette is a firm believer in the power of evolution and perseverance. She stands as a shining example of how one can constantly evolve, change, and grow on their journey to success. Antoinette’s story is one of resilience and determination, inspiring others to follow their passions despite any challenges they may encounter.

Now, with a cookbook deal and cash grand prize, Antoinette is forging ahead on her culinary adventure, driven by the desire to prove herself and inspire her daughter.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Due to the current weather conditions, 

all facilities will open on 

Wednesday, January 22 @ 1:00pm

We have five Fitness+ locations that will be open for members who have signed up, with completed paperwork, for this member benefit. 

Download the YMCA360 app for future alerts and check out the on-demand videos for a workout on your schedule!