★ 5

My grandson has been a member of Vanguard Karate for over a year and a half. During this time, I have found that Sensei Gary is an excellent teacher who deeply cares for his students. My grandson’s confidence has skyrocketed and he is challenging himself to be better not only in karate but in other areas of his life as well. Vanguard Karate gets an A+ in my book!

Source: Google

★ 5

Vanguard Karate is truly one of kind! So happy we found this dojo a few months ago. You can tell how much love and genuine care Sensei Gary has for every one of his students. Whether there’s 5 students in a class or 15, he finds a way to make it engaging and inclusive for all. Sensei Gary teaches so many valuable lessons while making class fun at the same time. I love the accountability, self-discipline, respect, confidence, and so much more that is taught here. My 7 year old loves karate nights and we couldn’t be happier!

Source: Google

★ 5

My son's confidence has grown tremendously since he's been a student. He enjoys himself, has learned a lot and loves Sensai Gary!! VANGUARD KARATE IS THE BEST!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I am retired military veteran, being new to the area, I searched for a karate instructor (sensei) for almost a year and I finally found someone who seemed very knowledgeable and willing to work with young kids. Right off the bat my daughter established an instant connection with Sensei Gary. This has been a fantastic experience and journey thus far for my 5 year old daughter!!! Gary has a unique connection with kids and he knows how to unite parents from all walks of life! As a prior military member it was imperative for me to find someone with similar morals, values and a high level of integrity. Gary you are doing a phenomenal job and “WE”applaud you!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I would highly recommend. Gary is amazing with the kids. Not only teaching them karate but respect, discipline and kindness towards others. Gary and all the kids were very welcoming to my son when he started.

Source: Google

★ 5

Both of my daughters have been going here for about 3 months. Sensei Gary can be hard on the kids, but in a good way. He knows what each child is capable of doing and expects them to do it. After every class most of the kids run and give him a hug. It has been a good experience for us so far.

Source: Google

★ 5

Sensei Gary has brought out both of my daughters voices and confidence. The martial arts skills and life lessons he teaches all the kids are amazing. He meets every kid at their level and encourages them to become the best they can be. In and out of the dojo Sensei is a wonderful teacher and person!!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is a wonderful location to learn Karate. It’s evident that Sensei Gary is passionate and truly cares about teaching the students. We are happy here and will continue recommending to others.

Source: Google

★ 5

Un buen maestro, exigente y muy disciplinado, mi hijo está contento de estar allí

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter loves Karate and Sensei is great with the kids!

Source: Google

★ 5

Vanguard Karate is a buried treasure in the Clayton, Town Centre Plaza and I believe Sensei Gary wouldn’t want it any other way. I am in awe of the skills that Sensei G and the others he has taught possess… If you are seeking a deeper meaning in life, inner/outer strength or simply want to feed your soul, look no further. I initially signed my 10 yr old son up for classes and joined the adult class two weeks later. We highly recommend these classes to anyone of any age that is interested in adding an extra layer of light to their lives.

Source: Google

★ 5

Sensei Gary has been an amazing teacher, role model, and so much more to our son! He's grown tremendously under his leadership. We are so thankful for Sensei!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This has been such a great experience for my son! He’s on the spectrum and homeschooled, and sensei Gary has made him feel so welcome. He’s learning so much and having fun, and I love that he’s pushed! Couldn’t recommend more

Source: Google

★ 5

Best of the best! If you’re looking for a place to feel like a member of the family, Vanguard Karate is it!! Sensei Gary welcomed our entire family. Our daughter has found her voice finally, learned to hold her head up high with confidence, and feels loved. Sensei Gary takes time to meet with each student individually asking how their week is going. He cares about their academics equally. He requests to see grades, out of genuine care. I could go on forever how his character pours into his students and the community making the world a better place! Thank you for letting Fuego know she is loved and instilling life skills into her!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

He's AWESOME, stern yet encouraging!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I can’t thank Sensei Gary enough for the work he’s done with my daughter. I believe what sets him apart is his ability to adjust to each kid’s individual personality and still teach the entire class collectively. Best decision my husband and I made!

Source: Google

★ 5

Sensei Gary is one of the most humble, humourous, kind spirited, tough love beings. He truly cares about his students and wants them to succeed in all aspects of life.

Source: Google

★ 5

So glad we made the decision to join the Vanguard family so many years ago. Although my son loves his karate journey, the families and the Sensei Gary are what keep us coming back. Gary is a wonderful teacher who truly loves his students. That loves carry on outside of the dojo as he is actively involved in his students education, kids get stickers on their belts for good grades, he shows up to graduations, and even stops by for lunches at school (with parents permission). He encourages kids to support each other and become leaders early on. Inside the dojo classes are fun and full of energy. Kids learn forms, speak in Japanese and play games. He is truly all in and is determined to be a part of your child's success on and off the mat. There is truly no other place like Vanguard.

Source: Google

★ 5

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Sensei Gary is the best! I can tell that he loves all of his students as if they were his own. My 10yr was very shy and she has gained so much confidence since she started I couldn't be any happier. Thank you Sensei 😊

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

It's a great place for personal development. If you sign your child up they will grow.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great dojo and Sensei!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

My son just started here and he has already shown signs of confidence and discipline. Sensei Gary is AMAZING with him and all the kids. He's firm but loving and encouraging! My son is excited to continue and my husband and I are extremely pleased!

Source: Google

★ 5

Gary is absolutely amazing. We started off with one kid signed up and now we have all 3. My kids are stepping out of their comfort zone and proud of every accomplishment! Without Gary, they would still be sitting on the sidelines watching. He is amazing at what he does and highly recommended!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My two sons have been going to Vanguard for about two months now. Sensei Gary is exactly the teacher that they needed. Before I actually joined I called and left a message. He called me back the same day and we had a long conversation where he explained exactly the type of teacher he was. I knew immediately after that phone call and the first day when we brought them in that they would be in the right place because we both had the same requirements and expectations for my sons. His passion and intensity are unmatched. Sensei Gary pushes every student he has to try to get each one to realize and reach their full potential. He tries to talk to every parent before or after each session. He teaches encouragement, self-confidence and mental and physical strength during each session while weaving in fun exercises with the students that breaks up the sessions, but still builds endurance and stamina. If you or your children want to learn from someone who I believe truly cares about each and every person that walks through the doors of his dojo and that gives a100% of himself then Vanguard is where you want to be.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has been going here for over two years. She has learned so much about strength and perseverance. Sensei Gary is an amazing teacher and cares about his students.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Me and my sister actually go here and it is a family here you make a family here and lots of people. It's amazing and I love coming.

Source: Google

★ 1

This is my first review ever and it saddens me that it’s not positive at all. My husband and I was searching for a school for my grandson. So, he registered my grandson for this school in Clayton. I’m at work so I send my phone to voicemail and this was the voicemail message the owner left me.

Jeremiah has been registered or his name has been submitted to attend classes at my karate school. My name is Gary Crawford, Vanguard Karate is the name of the school and I called to huh find out if you had questions about the classes um obviously you do not or are not interested um my number is huh that’s ok you can lose my number . Thank you.

So, I call my husband to find out what was going on couldn’t reach him so I assumed his phone died and called the owner back myself. Worst decision ever this owner has no customer service skills he was rude and wanted to offer a weak apology like it was ok to leave a message on my phone like that when we have never spoke to each other prior. I offered him advise for dealing with issues like this in the future being that this was our first encounter and he proceeded to tell me that he has been doing this for 20 years and hangs up in my face.

Parents FYI.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Kids are enjoying it, learning alot and that's the point

Source: Google

★ 5

I was a student of Gary when i was younger, Gary is one of the most influential men ive had in my life. He taught me life lessons that will stick with me for the rest of my life

Source: Google

★ 5

Sensei Gary holds respect and tradition as highly as he holds his own standards of teaching. He’s able to break down the art of karate into practical methods that are easily applicable to the outside world. I recommend Vanguard for anyone who wants to actually be challenged and believes belts are earned, not given due to an amount time or money spent.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this place

Source: Google

★ 5

My son has been attending Vanguard Karate for just over 3 years. Since attending he has shown tremendous growth in leadership skills as well as self confidence. He thrives under Sensei Gary's leadership. Sensei Gary is also WONDERFUL!! He gives our kids the tough love they need in order to survive this big bad world we live in, because as we all know America just isn't as cruelty free as we once thought and felt that it was. They aren't only our kids they are Sensei Gary's kids as well. He shows up for them and he helps us help them stay on the right path. If you are looking for a family friendly dojo this is definitely the place!

Source: Google