1st Degree Black Belt
My name is Emily Jimenez, I am a 1st Degree Black Belt. I was born and raised in Oxnard, California a small town 30 minutes from Los Angeles. I was born to a lovely family who love me so dearly. Both my parents showed me hard work and dedication will take me far in life and never make the same mistakes they did. My mother and father are both from Mexico and moved to the United States in the 1960's when they were in their early 20's so that my siblings and I can have a better future. My oldest sister Brenda is 39 and proud real-estate agent here in Georgia. My brother, Ricardo 37, is a Chief in the United States Navy located in Ventura, California. My older sister Mary 30 is a proud business owner and part time baker in Los Angeles, California. I am the youngest of my family but I am happy for who I am and the family I have. I attend Central Gwinnett High School and soon to attend GGC (Georgia Gwinnett College). I currently am an honor roll student since 6th grade and enlisted in many clubs and organizations in school. I am also the manager for two teams, cross country and wrestling. I have been training in martial arts since I was 11 here at the Appalachian Karate Academy of Atlanta with Mr. Larry Bullard. When I am here at the karate school teaching I get a feeling of accomplishments. I get even a bigger feeling when I see my student's belts getting darker and seeing that I am helping them reach black belt and beyond. They are all giving me a sense of encouragement to succeed in life and in my future. I hope to be the one to help your son, daughter, or yourself reach black belt one day.
- Emily Jimenez
I have 3 children enrolled and they have a blast here. They are in the Basic Class and have learned to not only be better listeners, they have learned basic self-defense, stranger defense, and self-esteem.
I’m grateful that the truly professional staff works individually to make sure everyone understands the drills as well as making sure the group is on the same page. The staff is patient, knowledgeable and works well with all ages. We’ve told several friends about the facility. Thanks for the great experience!
- Christopher Culberson
I am mother to an 11 year old son, Said. You are one of the best teachers for 3 years. He practices at home a lot and he tries as hard as he can. He loves karate and he can’t wait till he gets his black belt.
- Zilha Gajip
I am a mother to a 9 year old boy and a 6 year old boy. Like my boys, they are very energetic. Both boys played soccer for several years, but it never really clicked. We were looking for an activity that would foster discipline, self control, and confidence. This is what we have found with Mr. Larry.
My boys love attending class. They love the flexibility of activities and the schedule. The classes are always different so they don’t get burned out. Some weeks they attend many classes, and other weeks we can only make two classes. As a mom, I appreciate the flexibility and availability of classes.
My 9 year old especially is more “book smart” than athletic. I appreciate that karate fosters his athletic ability, his discipline, and his mind. Our family was so impressed that my husband began attending classes as well. We love that this is an activity that father and sons can do together. We have a two-year old daughter and we can’t wait for her to be big enough to be a “Little Dragon”! Thank you Mr. Larry and AKAA!
- Alexi Harsh
The Appalachian Karate Academy Atlanta has been one of the best programs for my grandson. Since starting the academy he is becoming such a little gentleman. His room is staying clean without us telling him. His grades are very good and even the little struggle he had with math has improved. I usually sit in on every class and the instructors are awesome. The way they interact with the students is great. I would recommend this program for all students and parents because it really makes a difference. Keep up the good work Appalachian!
- Leisa R. King
Our son has been coming to Appalachian Karate Academy since June of 2011. We have seen a great improvement in his confidence and his ability to defend himself. When he went from the basic club to the Black Belt Club, he improved even more.
- John Sanborn
I wanted my 13 year old son to learn some self defense so as we were going down Sugarloaf Parkway coming from the mall, we noticed karate things outside the building. We stopped and went inside to see what was going on. After watching the class, I was convinced that this was the place to be. Not only did I sign my son up for classes but also myself after watching Mr. Larry move around thinking that I can learn Karate as well. The classes are well taught to where you can understand them. If you never ever learned how to fight, Mr. Larry will teach you. You will also get a history class as well from all the people he came into contact during his fighting karate years. As you move up in belts you will learn more of the different styles of karate. There is this guy that claims he knows boxing. When I reach black belt I want to know how much boxing he knows. I can’t wait to be a Black Belt.
- Rudell Wilson
Sensei Larry Bullard has been my long-time friend and martial arts teacher. We met when I was a very young underbelt competitor on the DOJO and USJKC Circuits in the Carolinas. His suggestions and encouragements following judging me in those competitions were very helpful in my growth as a martial artist. Those early years of competition are some of my fondest martial arts memories.
Sensei Bullard recruited me as a "Dream Warrior" and together we worked on a number of martial arts performances which encouraged my interest at a young age in acting and perfoming professionally. I pursued that dream and appeared on The Tonight Show and in several feature films by the age of twelve. At present I am continuing my acting career and credit Sensei Larry Bullard as one of my early martial arts mentors who inspired me to attain black belt level and beyond.
I continue to practice my martial arts daily- always striving to learn new systems and improve my art. I was recently honored to be invited to teach weapons forms to a 7th dan TKD black belt who is also on the U.S. Olympic Coaching staff and a 17-time S. Korean National TKD champion! Sensei Bullard will always be listed in my personal "Who's Who" in martial arts.
If you are one of his students, count yourself blessed in many ways.
- Matthew Helms - 4th dan TAI Karate, 3rd dan Okinawan Kobujitsu, 1st dan Tae Kwon Do
Dear Mr. Bullard,
Just a simple note to express my thanks for the years of instruction I received from you back in the 1980's and 90's in Boone, N.C.
I can say that the basic to advance instruction and the honor I had assisting you in class was a priceless experience. That experience did not end at the end of our classes but the residual benefits of sticking to class into the black belt level still are with me today. I can say that your instruction and motivation and confidence in motion that I obtained from you has kept me secure through situations that demanded concentration, agility, decision making, coordination and mental control.
Traveling around the world to civilized, uncivilized and dangerous environments has been a comfortable experience. Dealing with those who spend their life intimidating others or in the company of successful people from billionaires to leaders of a country has not been a uncomfortable experience. Your training experience has improved nerve pathways that control action and reaction and has stayed with me today in my 50’s. Your instruction has provided me with a life devoid of the feeling of aging. I can say that if someone chooses your instruction, stays with it over a few years and uses this skill to stay fit they will benefit enormously till the lights are turned out.
Thank-you brother,
- Brad Batchelor,D.C.
“My kids loved it from the moment we walked in the door!”
…I heard that Appalachian Karate was unlike any other program for kids -- but I was skeptical…
I mean, who would think that my sons and daughters would develop focus, concentration,
confidence, respect for others, plus… the “inner strength” to overcome life’s challenges?
Well, since we decided to start karate – a lot has changed for the better! I just got their report
cards… and the results were amazing! Their teachers are saying great things about their
progress: Improved grades, better cooperation, 100% effort, and… my eldest son made the
honor roll! That’s a first for our family!
Here’s why it happened… Of course my husband and I always enforce good habits upon our
kids… We nag, coax, plead, and demand… you get the idea! But sometimes it helps to have another “voice” backing us up… Appalachian Karate is that voice.
In fact, he makes a lot of sense. He says that a child has to WANT to live up to their full
potential! And isn’t that true? We find ourselves always wondering what’s missing in our kids
lives… thinking to ourselves: “They could be doing better; they are capable of so much
more…”
Well, Appalachian Karate teaches not only the physical skills that will last the rest of their
lives BUT ALSO the mental skills! He has a system for developing a deep-seated, genuine
WANT for improvement in our children! In less than a month my kids applied themselves
more in all areas of their lives. I have seen it with my own eyes! We’ve been in the program
eight months now, and it keeps getting better and better! This is one of the best life-choices
we’ve made for our kids!
- Mrs. Robson, Mother of four karate kids – ages 5, 7, 10, and 13.
I am pleased to offer this testimonial to Sensei Larry Bullard, a highly talented
karate instructor and a true friend.
I trained with Mr. Bullard in Boone, North Carolina during the eighties and
nineties. Our dojo reflected his teaching philosophy: the students were as diverse as
that mountain community and college town, young and old, from all walks of life, all
levels of physical readiness, striving for themselves and helping each other. When I
became one of “Larry Bullard’s black belts” I became part of a unique, hard-won,
family. I saw doors opening where before there were only walls.
Black belts in the area, some “Larry Bullard’s” and others from different styles,
often came to train in our dojo after classes, setting the example for achieving
excellence, for continuing to hone skills and for sharing. After each promotion the
process continues. As interim goals are met, new goals are set. The training is
applicable to life, school, work, and even dreams. Integrated in the training were
crucial anti-bully, pro-tolerance standards. We celebrated progress but never rested on
our laurels. Everyone learned karate skills commensurate with their effort. From effort
came skill, from skill came confidence, from confidence came success.
Thank-you Sensei.
- Jeanne M. Lieberman, Attorney at Law, Burlington, VT
Dear Sensei,
I have been a student of the Martial Arts since I was 13. I started studying Karate with Larry Bullard at the Appalachian Karate academy in 1990. Sensei Bullard not only taught us Karate but also shared his experiences, both good and bad and allowed us the opportunity to learn from his successes and from his mistakes. Sensei Bullard quickly became a mentor and friend to all his students passing on his love of the martial arts, zest for life and intricate knowledge of Karate. Since leaving Boone NC I have had the privilege to study the Martial Arts in England, Korea, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Whales and Scotland. I have learned that whatever style you learn the principles are the same. The question is how good are your basics. Thanks to the training techniques of Sensei Bullard my abilities were recognized and praised no matter where I went. Sensei Bullard has the capability, knowledge and desire to ensure that his students learn the very best they can, and in doing so continues to be one of the very best the Martial Arts world has to offer.
Very Respectfully,
- SFC Casey P. Lynch - US Army Paratrooper - Shodan, American Open Style Karate
My grandchildren, boy – 12, girl – 10, have progressed very nicely. They are a lot stronger and more disciplined. I am very happy with all of the instructors. They are attentive and involved. The children get the personal attention that they need to progress. I also like the opportunity to attend class 6 days a week. By the way, the spring mounted floor mat is an outstanding surface to work out on. The Dojo is a good, safe place for the children to be in.
- Roy Cabral
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