Columbia Dojo

Columbia, SC Dojo

Chief Instructor

John Carter, owner and chief instructor, has 22 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 A. Weber in the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido and has additional training in Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Brazilian 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 his training 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 on WACH FOX 57, WIS TV Channel 10 and in the Carolina Reporter 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 a member of the Columbia, SC community for 15 years. Values such as honor, loyalty, respect, hard work, and fair play are found in his teaching methods. Mr. Carter teaches all the classes at the main academy in Lexington, SC and has hand picked and supervises the staff instructors at the Irmo,SC location.