About Us

Master instructor Rob Killebrew has been training in Martial Arts since age 9, and has taught professionally for over twenty years. He specializes in Children and Family martial arts training, as well as adult self-defense.  He holds a 5th degree black belt in Taekwondo and has training in Small Circle Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo, Hapkido, Kickboxing, and Silat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Karate & Martial Arts Training

What is the best age to start karate?

There isn't one perfect age to begin martial arts. Children develop at different rates, so the best time to start is when they're ready to listen, participate in a structured class, and enjoy learning new skills. Martial arts provides age-appropriate challenges that help students develop coordination, confidence, respect, and self-discipline while having fun. Whether your child is just starting school or is already a teenager, it's never too early—or too late—to begin their martial arts journey.

Am I too old to start martial arts?

Not at all. Many of our adult students begin with no previous martial arts experience. Whether your goal is improving your fitness, learning practical self-defense, reducing stress, or simply trying something new, martial arts can be adapted to your current ability and fitness level. Progress is measured against your own growth, not someone else's.

Do I need to be in shape before I start?

No. One of the biggest misconceptions about martial arts is that you need to get in shape before joining. Training itself helps improve strength, balance, flexibility, endurance, and coordination over time. We encourage students to begin where they are and improve through consistent practice.

What happens during the first class?

Your first class is designed to be welcoming and informative. You'll meet your instructor, learn some basic techniques, become familiar with the structure of class, and experience the positive atmosphere of our school. The goal isn't to test what you already know—it's to help you discover whether martial arts is a good fit for you or your family.

What should I wear to my first class?

Comfortable athletic clothing is all you need for your first visit. Once you decide to continue training, we'll help you select the appropriate uniform and explain everything you'll need moving forward.

Is karate good for kids?

Martial arts offers children much more than kicking and punching. Students learn how to follow directions, set goals, solve problems, work through challenges, and treat others with respect. As they earn new skills through consistent effort, many children naturally develop greater confidence and independence that can carry into other areas of life.

Can martial arts help build confidence?

Yes. We believe genuine confidence comes from accomplishing difficult things—not simply being told you're capable. Every new technique learned, every challenge overcome, and every belt earned reminds students that growth comes through consistent effort. That confidence often extends well beyond the training floor.

Can karate improve focus and self-discipline?

Martial arts provides an environment where students practice listening carefully, paying attention to details, and following through on instructions. Over time, many parents notice improvements in responsibility, perseverance, and self-control because these skills are practiced every class.

Does karate help with bullying?

Our goal is to help students become confident, aware, and respectful individuals. Martial arts teaches students how to avoid unnecessary conflict, use good judgment, communicate confidently, and stand up for themselves appropriately. While no program can guarantee specific outcomes, these are valuable life skills that can benefit children in many situations.

What are the benefits of martial arts for adults?

Adults often begin training for fitness or self-defense but discover many additional benefits along the way. Martial arts challenges both the mind and body while providing opportunities to reduce stress, improve physical health, develop confidence, and continue learning throughout life.

How often should I train?

Consistency is one of the biggest factors in long-term success. Regular attendance allows students to retain techniques, continue building confidence, and make steady progress. Like learning a musical instrument or a new language, improvement comes from practicing over time.

How long does it take to earn a black belt?

A black belt is not earned quickly, and that's intentional. It represents years of learning, personal growth, and consistent effort. Every student progresses at their own pace, and the journey toward black belt teaches lessons that are just as valuable as reaching the destination.

Do beginners train with advanced students?

In many cases, yes. Training alongside more experienced students creates a positive learning environment where newer students can observe good technique and receive encouragement, while advanced students continue developing leadership and mentoring skills.

Is sparring required?

Sparring is one part of martial arts training, but it is introduced appropriately and safely based on a student's age, experience, and readiness. Students first build strong fundamentals before participating in more advanced training activities.

Is martial arts only about self-defense?

No. Self-defense is an important part of martial arts, but it is only one piece of a much larger picture. Traditional martial arts also teaches perseverance, respect, discipline, humility, goal setting, leadership, and personal responsibility—qualities that benefit students throughout their lives.

Safety

Is karate safe?

Safety is always a priority. Classes are taught in a structured environment with qualified instruction and age-appropriate training. Students learn proper technique before increasing difficulty, helping them develop skills while minimizing unnecessary risk.

What if my child isn't athletic?

That's perfectly okay. Martial arts is designed to help students improve over time, regardless of their starting point. Every student begins as a beginner, and consistent practice is far more important than natural athletic ability.

Can families train together?

Absolutely. Training together gives families a shared activity where parents and children encourage one another, celebrate achievements together, and build lasting memories. Many families enjoy setting goals together while learning valuable life skills side by side.

Do I need previous martial arts experience?

No experience is necessary. We regularly work with complete beginners and guide them through every step of the learning process.

About Southern Indiana Karate

What makes Southern Indiana Karate different?

We believe martial arts is about developing people—not just teaching techniques. While students learn effective martial arts skills, our greater mission is helping them become more confident, disciplined, respectful, and resilient. Every class is designed to challenge students while encouraging steady personal growth in a positive environment.

Why choose traditional martial arts?

Traditional martial arts has stood the test of time because it develops both character and skill. Students learn practical techniques while also building habits such as perseverance, respect, humility, responsibility, and self-control that continue to serve them long after class ends.

Do you only teach children?

No. We welcome children, teens, adults, and families. Martial arts is one of the few activities that can be enjoyed throughout life, regardless of age or previous experience.

Why should I choose a local martial arts school?

Choosing a martial arts school is about more than convenience. It's about finding instructors who care about your goals and a community where you feel encouraged to succeed. We are proud to serve families throughout Jeffersonville, Clarksville, New Albany, Sellersburg, Charlestown, and the greater Louisville area by providing traditional martial arts instruction in a supportive, family-friendly environment.

How do I know if martial arts is right for me or my child?

The best way to find out is to experience a class. Watching or reading about martial arts can only tell you so much. Training firsthand allows you to meet the instructors, experience the atmosphere, ask questions, and decide whether our approach is the right fit for your family.

What we teach

Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do is a form of “Korean Karate”

It’s an old style that is distinctly different from modern Olympic Taekwondo.

The result is Taeknowdo that resembles Kyokushin or Shotokan.

-We teach so much more than Martial Arts-

Bruce Lee once said that unless someone grew an extra limb there’d never be a new way to fight. There is a limited number of ways to throw a kick or a punch but you can learn that from YouTube. At Southern Indiana Karate we teach life skills through Martial arts training. Self Discipline, Focus, Goal Setting, Courage, Respect. and more.  By building black belts we’re building capable strong people.

The physical and mental benefits of traditional martial arts training are for everyone regardless of age. Physically you’ll gain balance, coordination, and flexibility, while mentally you’ll learn to push yourself to excel and achieve new goals.

Classes

Monday/Wednesday

Trial Class (By Appointment Only): 5:00

Children: 5:45

Adult Class: 6:30

Trial Class (By Appointment Only): 7:30

Tuesday/Thursday

Tuesday Trial Class (By Appointment Only) / Thursday PreK : 5:00

Kids Class: 5:45

Family Class: 6:30

Trial Class

(By Appointment Only): 7:30

Saturday

PreK 9:30

General Class: 10:00