O'Riley Karate Centers, LLC
About
O'Riley Karate Centers, LLC offers comprehensive martial arts training in both MMA and karate disciplines, with locations in Smyrna and Antioch. The gym is led by Sensei O'Riley, who actively instructs at both dojos and maintains a consistent teaching standard across all instructors. His approach blends serious martial arts expertise with engaging educational methods, including storytelling and life lessons that resonate with students of all ages. The curriculum emphasizes Wado Ryu karate principles applied to everyday life, fostering discipline, respect, and personal growth beyond physical training.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise Sensei O'Riley's exceptional instruction, describing him as knowledgeable, dedicated, and deeply caring about each student's development. Reviewers highlight how instructors accommodate individual needs, including health considerations, while still pushing students to achieve their best. The dojo is celebrated for building strong moral values, confidence, and camaraderie among students, with many noting positive impacts on their personal and family lives. Specific mentions include the high quality of black belt instructors and the welcoming, supportive atmosphere that makes students feel part of something special.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Patrick Stinson
3 months ago
Top notch instructor and school. I have personally trained with him as a child and as an adult and would not let anyone else instruct my children or myself. My whole family trains with him. He truly cares about every one of his students and wants them all to exceed and be the best that they can. He holds all of his instructors to the same standard.
Scott Burchyett
6 months ago
Amazing karate dojo owned and operated by a very knowledgeable and dedicated Sensei! Sensei O’Riley truly cares about passing along his knowledge to the next generate of karate students and wants each to perform at their best. His keen eye to detail and instruction are incredible. The black belt instructors are also top notch. They all do great teaching all ages; from the kids to adults.
Michael “Mike” Thompithak
2 months ago
Our son started here in July 2025 after being inspired by a popular karate show, and the experience has exceeded our expectations. Sensei is the perfect blend of serious martial arts expertise and an engaging educator. He has a unique gift for storytelling, using humor and life lessons to connect with kids in a way that truly resonates today. Most importantly, his teachings focus on strong moral and ethical values that align perfectly with our own. It’s clear he deeply cares about his students' well-being and personal growth. Highly recommended for any parent looking for quality instruction with heart.
Makayla Babin
3 months ago
Joinning this dojo has made a massive positive impact on my life. I used to attend back in middle school, but due to health issues I eventually had to withdrawal while i got better and figured out how to handle it. However years later, I still found myself thinking about it and missing the dojo. Once I turned into an adult, got a job, and understood my health better, I went back to it and it's genuinely made my life have a spark to it that it was missing. Despite my health issues, Sensei O'Riley and the other instructors take the time to understand it and work with me while also pushing me to my limits, helping me grow and push through the hard times. (My mother, Roxanne Babin, actually left a review 4 years ago referencing this as well). If I need to stop and take a moment when I'm feeling particularly bad, they fully understand and accomodate that. On top of being martial arts training that teaches you self defence, it also is a great workout and helps to build your confidence. I look forward to every class, because for me it genuinely makes me happy and I feel like I'm apart of something special. It's great to watch yourself grow, build bonds with the other students, and get good quality training. I'm very grateful and happy to be back and I can't wait for my future here!
Bill Kinnard
4 months ago
Sensei O’Riley actively instructs at both dojo locations, Smyrna and Antioch, and finds ways to associate Wado-Ryu teachings to everyday life which is beneficial to his students. He holds his assistant instructors accountable for maintaining the same level of training that he provides to allow his students consistency in what they learn. The discipline and respect that his students learn and maintain is beneficial for their home life , careers, and for just being a responsible citizen. The commitment that is given from all the instructors to the student’s teaching is certainly appreciated. Lastly, the value that you gain and camaraderie among the dojo is certainly worth the investment; at least it has been for me. Do yourself or your children a favor and exercise the opportunity to experience it for yourself. You will not regret it if you are truly committed to becoming a better person physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Contact
12976 Old Nashville Hwy, Smyrna, TN 37167, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed