Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Perry.
Hi Robert, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started taking karate classes at 8 yrs old but didn’t stay very long.but at age 14 I joined a local Detroit Tae Keon Do class in October 7,1976 and have been involved in teaching and or competing in the Martial Arts now going on 50 years. I started teaching in Detroit at the Detroit YMCA on Detroit’s far southwest side. I competed in competitions starting in 1977 as a beginner and still compete as my last competition was in May of 2025 where i finished 1st in over 60dividion of sparring. I moved to CBUS in 2011 and opened my classes in 2015 in northeast Columbus, we are now located Team Perry American Karate/TKD in Reynoldsburg and have about 10 full time students. I was inducted into the USA Hall of Fame in 2011, I was inducted into the Miami Valley Tournament Association Hall of Honors in 2024. I also qualified for the 1995 USA WAKO World Championships in 1995 finishing 5th out of 65 countries competing. I also was awarded the 2024 The George J. Stebout Juneteenth Legacy Award, which I’m very proud of my record of treating everyone with equally and with dignity. I met and married my wife Irina and she has helped me to continue to learn and push through these later days. I love having a role in developing our young Champions in a way of life through the arts, a healthy, way of living. We have promoted the Klassic Kup Championships since 2011 and this year we will celebrate everyone that’s put 50 years in the Martial Arts on July 11,2026 , we look forward to hosting the Top competitors from across the nation. For more information on joining CBUS Top Team TPAK.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been easy from finding good affordable locations to hold classes, as well as dealing with a difficult economic environment. But we continue to push to get into our local after school programs. The next thing is in my position, I’m entrusted to teach each student to their needs, some need structure, some need strong corrections. My job is to first sell the parent the one who is financially responsible and also the transportation to and from classes. Today’s society is a I want it right now, right away! Well martial arts development takes time, strong commitment and a strong support system. It takes 3-4 year of committed training and learning. So a focused student ready for today’s challenges emerges after completing the course.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m teach American Freestyle Karate, we have a set curriculum that each student must follow to attain our white belt all the way to black belt. Within those teachings we hit points of responsibility, accountability, and self respect! These are our common core principles. I enjoy seeing that shy little clay turn into a well rounded human being that a community can be proud of.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as everyday getting yourself together to accomplish the goals set for that day. The focus on achieving those objectives become the target and completing as much as possible for that day is your daily duty. Being consistent in attaining those objectives determines the amount of success you will have.
Contact Info:
- Website: TeamPerryAmericanKarate/tkd@godaddy.com
- Instagram: Tpak213
- Facebook: teamperryamericankarate
- Youtube: Teamperryamericankarate
