Who is the instructor

Instructor Bio – Carl Zane McCoy

Carl Zane McCoy is a lifelong martial artist whose journey in traditional Goju-Ryu Karate is rooted in family, discipline, and respect. Introduced to karate at an early age, Carl was strongly influenced by his father, a black belt in Goju-Ryu, who instilled in him the importance of hard work, humility, and preserving the traditions of the art. This foundation shaped Carl’s approach to both training and teaching and continues to guide his philosophy today.

Throughout his martial arts career, Carl has trained extensively and tested his skills in high-level competition. He has competed in two World Karate Tournaments, representing the United States on the international stage. These experiences helped refine his understanding of karate as both a traditional discipline and a practical, effective martial art.

Beyond competition, Carl has dedicated himself to service and leadership within the karate community. He previously served as the USA Southeast Regional Coordinator, a role in which he supported instructors, schools, and regional events while helping uphold organizational standards and unity. His leadership reflects a commitment not only to his own growth, but to the growth of others within the art.

As an instructor, Carl emphasizes strong fundamentals, proper technique, and practical application while maintaining the values that define traditional Goju-Ryu—respect, discipline, perseverance, and self-control. He believes karate training should build character just as much as physical skill, helping students develop confidence, focus, and resilience that carry into everyday life.

Carl is passionate about providing quality traditional karate instruction to the community in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. His goal is to preserve the art of Goju-Ryu Karate while guiding students of all ages toward personal growth, self-improvement, and lifelong learning both on and off the mat.