Chief Instructor

John Carter, owner and chief instructor, has 21 years of experience in the martial arts and is currently the rank of San-Dan (Third Degree Black-Belt).  He received his finest training from Sensei Steven Weber in the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido and has additional training in Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Aiki Jiu-Jitsu and Karate. To further his knowledge of the martial arts, Sensei Carter has also studied Hombu Aikido, Tomiki Aikido, Kempo and Tai Chi.  Mr. Carter continues to train with Sensei Weber in advanced defensive tactics.

Mr. Carter graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and also earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  Additionally, he has conducted classes and courses for law enforcement professionals from Richland & Lexington County Sheriff’s Departments, SC Highway Patrol, Myrtle Beach Police Department, South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, SLED S.W.A.T team members and private security personnel.  Sensei Carter also provides martial arts and self-defense programs for The University of South Carolina, Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission, Fort Jackson, The Girl Scouts Council of Columbia, SC, and numerous Richland and Lexington county school districts. Sensei Carter continues to conduct self-defense classes and courses for numerous women's groups, after-school programs, boy scouts, girl scouts, church groups, civic organizations and corporations.  Mr. Carter also donates his time and self-defense knowledge to support organizations such as "V-Day" - a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. Sensei Carter has also been featured in the Carolina Reporter and on WIS TV Channel 10 giving practical self-defense advice, techniques and tips. 

Upon completion of college, he established The Aikido Academy of Self-Defense dojo in Columbia, SC.  Mr. Carter is the senior representative of the Nihon Goshin Aikido Association in Columbia, SC and his dojo is the only academy authorized by the Nihon Goshin Aikido Association to teach the art in the Midlands.  Mr. Carter is a husband and father, and has been an upstanding member of the Columbia, SC community for 14 years.  Values such as honor, loyalty, respect, hard work, and fair play are found in his teaching methods.                       

 THE SCHOOL 

The Aikido Academy of Self-Defense, LLC was established in Columbia, SC in January of 1997.  Since its inception, the Aikido Academy has been a center where students receive a first-class education in the martial arts.  Men, women and children throughout the Columbia metropolitan area travel to the academy for the best self-defense techniques from Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Karate.  Our dojo maintains a staff of dedicated and highly educated assistant instructors.  These mature and competent men and women are required to meet high standards when achieving and maintaining their instructor certifications.  All of our senior instructors are college educated, some with master level degrees, and have had many years of Aikido and self-defense training. At our academy we take great pride in the quality of our instructors.  

Our school offers a professional, safe, and enjoyable method of learning and teaching martial arts and is the only academy authorized by the Nihon Goshin Aikido Association to offer this authentic art in the Columbia Metropolitan area. The academy is open daily and evenings, Monday through Thursday, and Saturday mornings.  We offer month to month memberships, have an easy sign-up process, and keep classes small for personalized attention.  If you are considering joining our school, please accept our invitation to come by and watch a class, meet the Chief Instructor, and see our training facility.  We look forward to meeting you soon.

We are conveniently located off Interstate I-20, and Highway 1 (Augusta Highway), in the Lexington, SC area.  The school is 10 miles from downtown Columbia and USC, 12 miles from Irmo, and about a 20 minute drive from Northeast Columbia, as well as the Forest Acres/Southeast Columbia areas. 

                                  School Location  (Main)

                               203-B Dooley Road

      Lexington, SC 29073  [show map]

                         (803) 951-3559

                                      email: senseicarter@gmail.com

                Hours of Operation

                               (*Private classes available by appointment)