Welcome to the fascinating art of Karate (Japanese and Okinawan version of self-defense with an approximate 50-50 split between hand and foot techniques), and Tae Kwon Do (Korean version of self-defense with 90% kicking techniques). These martial art forms are many things: An art of preparedness for protecting one's self and family; A physical aesthetic art benefiting health through breathing and strengthening exercises; A sport, divided into two divisions for the student - Form competition, where the student performs a solo routine of Karate technique and free-sparring point contest that stresses strategy rather than contact. Different forms of this kind of competition is practiced by millions of martial arts students worldwide. With competitors starting as young as 5 years old.
The Greensboro Karate Institute's American Karate System is a modern art taught with today's practitioners in mind, but focuses on traditional values. This includes practicing the physical aspects of Kata, pre-arranged forms, Waza self defense sets and free-sparring Kumite. Karate is also the practice of Kime focus uniting the physical movement, breath, and complete concentration towards a positive goal with a persistent attitude.
One of the main differences between the martial arts in the U.S. and the orient is the individualizing of each student technique. Starting in the intermediate levels all aspects in the art are taught taking body size, strengths, weakness and overall purpose and motivation into consideration. Combined with the traditional practice of leading less experienced students by example in technique and attitude. And in turn following the example of senior students is very much a part of the GKI program. The following of traditional values with the individualizing intermediate and advanced instruction is what sets our program apart.
The chief instructor of GKI's technical programs is Sensei Bill Osterholt. Bill Osterholt is a 9th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and in 9th degree in American Isshin Ryu Karate, Kudan by the board of Legends of Carolina, and Nikyu in Judo by the United States Judo Federation. In December 2016 Mr. Osterholt was recognized as the highest level of instructor - Grandmaster, by GM Duk Gun Kwon. On July 31, 2022 Mr. Osterholt was promoted to 9th Degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, certified by Grandmaster Instructor Kwon & the United States National Tae Kwon Do Federation. The promotion was held on Illinois - Chicago Tae Kwon Do Day. Master Instructor Kwon introduced Bill Osterholt as his first student, and first black belt. In 2020 Mr. Osterholt was honored to be inducted in the Legends of Carolina. is a non-political organization created to honor, each year, a small group of Blackbelts (from the 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s) who have impacted Martial Arts through the Carolinas in a positive manner! Board of Directors: Sam Chapman (SC), Jerome ‘Magic’ Johnson (NC), Marty Knight (SC), Danny McCall (NC), Brian Pena (SC), Ricky Smith (NC). On July 29, 2023, Mr. Osterholt was promoted to Kudan (9th Dan) by the Legends of Carolina board of directors.
Bill Osterholt began his training in 1970 under Master Instructor Kwon. He assisted in the remodeling (more like construction), of the current location in 1974. Mr. Kwonś resume is extensive, including good will tours to China, hosting city, regional, national, and international competitions and leading the movement towards Olympic Tae Kwon Do. (Mr. Osterholt coordinated the 1987 Olympic Festival under his guidance). Mr. Kwon is certified international instructor Olympic coach and referee, and Vice President of the United States Tae Kwon Do Union, and Founder of the United States National Tae Kwon Do Federation. Mr. Osterholt is fortunate to begin his training under such a fine instructor. Mr. Kwon is a 9th degree in Hapkido, a Korean joint locking art, and 9th degree in TKD. Mr. Kwon is our organizations example of excellence in teaching and leadership.
In 1977 Bill Osterholt was appointed chief instructor of Karate International's Greensboro branch. In 1978 he was promoted to black belt in the American Karate System. In 1991 he was promoted to the rank of 6th degree Master Instructor. In 2003 he was recognized as 8th Degree Master Instructor. From 1976 to 1983 Mr. Osterholt instructed as part of Karate International. Mr. Osterholt organized and conducted the first Children Only Karate class in North Carolina in 1977. During this time the Greensboro school was undefeated in competitions with the entire Karate International organization. Mr. Osterholt opened the Greensboro Karate Institute in Jan 1983.
Mr. Osterholt has promoted 100+ students to black belt ranks, 25 to 2nd degree, 12 to 3rd degree instructor, 8 to 4th, senior instructor, 4 to 6th master instructor and one 7th degree senior master instructor. All black belt are instructed to teach as part of their training and seven of the black belts have opened their own classes.
Mr. Osterholt has competed in Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Judo competition winning over 200 awards including overall Kata champion for North Carolina in 1982. Mr. Osterholt has served as Co-founder of the Child Awareness Safety Class for children self defense, former Vice President of Safety NET serving as technical director, Instructor of Enrichment programs for Greensboro PTA and NC School of the Deaf, N.C. State Secretary of TKD in 1986, Sport Coordinator for TKD at the United States Olympic Sports Festival '87 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and State Games Coordinator in 1988-1990. In 1991 Mr. Osterholt was appointed Karate coach at Oak Ridge Military Academy. Mr. Osterholt was on the staff of Jefferson Day School in Winston-Salem. JDS specialized in children with learning differences. He taught the martial arts and social studies at JDS from 1999 to 2010. Deciding to return to school he enrolled full time in 2010 as a 55 year old freshman. Mr. Osterholt has earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lenoir-Rhyne University - 2017, BA in history from Guilford College w/minors in religious studies and education -2015, and AA from GTCC where he studied astronomy, history, literature, and religion- 2015.
The Greensboro Karate Institute has many family activities to keep enthusiasm high. One of our goals is to involve all types of people in the arts and to keep them active and progressing as long a possible. There are annual campouts and tournaments and we attend some of the best run tournaments in the area. Our organization is open to accepting knowledge from other arts and clinics are held periodically by guest instructors.
Our students are also encouraged to achieve their very best in school. The Academic Awards program motivates the students to perform their school work assignments and to maintain their studies. They are to serve as examples for each other, as well as their classmates.
If you are like 99% of the beginners you probably feel completely uncoordinated and confused during the first few weeks. Don't worry you are not the only one. It will all start to fall into place in only a few weeks. The most important thing for any Martial Artist is to set realistic goals. The first promotion in Karate is Gold belt which usually takes 6-8 weeks to achieve this level. The next two ranks, Blue and Green, are based on learning and developing speed, power, and balance in the fundamentals. This is the most important time in your training because all advanced Karate is built on the basics. Set your goals.
The Greensboro Karate Institute is a group of classes offered throughout Greensboro. The program has had ongoing classes since 1976. Instruction is in Tae Kwon Do and Isshin Ryu Karate emphasizing self discipline and control. Ages range from 5 years old and up. Instruction is provided at the following locations: Brown, Griffin, Lindley and Leonard Recreation Centers.
We hope that everyday is great, and wonderful for you.