Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerry Hinton.
Hi Jerry, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been studying Martial Arts since 1989 and have been instructing both children and adults since 1998. Since leaving the US Army Infantry in 2001, I have continued to work both as an instructor and as a manager of martial arts schools in Florida and Georgia.
In 2015, I opened my own karate school, All Star Karate, in Lawrenceville, GA. All Star Karate is a Fusion Martial Arts school, combining a mixture of martial arts, gymnastics, parkour and dance. In addition to both adult and child karate classes, we teach kickboxing and self-defense seminars.
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 definitely has not been smooth!
I was fortunate enough when I had the vision for All Star to have an investor who got me started. We started small and within two years, moved to a facility four times the size and continued to grow.
In 2018, I had a personal setback with a torn ACL and meniscus knee injury. The Doctors advised me to give up teaching and karate altogether. Thankfully I had (and continue to have) talented and dependable instructors who kept classes going and took some of the pressure off of me. And I’m happy to say that I continued doing karate as my physical therapy and did not need to have surgery!
In 2020, everything closed down, and we had to close the studio. But with a combination of technology and amazing clientele, we were able to keep teaching from our home via Zoom. We were able to come back after a few months but had to drastically reduce class sizes to keep safety protocols in place. We are thankful for the families that kept us afloat and allowed us to focus on what we do best.
Three years later, we are stronger than ever.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
All-Star teaches the basics of fitness and self-defense with an interpersonal approach; that everyone is different, with their own unique skills and traits. We teach everyone to use what they are capable of doing to their fullest potential.
In addition to our karate program, we host self-defense seminars for teens, school and scout groups. We also have school break camps.
All-Star has had the honor of twice appearing on the hit Netflix shows Cobra Kai as part of the All Valley tournament. One of our students, Owen Morgan is on the cast and we have several students that have been background performers!
What matters most to you?
Instilling knowledge and self-confidence. I got started with martial arts because I was bullied at school and suffered abuse at home. Giving other people the power to stand up against situations like this gives me a reason to get up every day and keep going. There is a great sense of purpose when someone tells me that my lessons have had a great impact in their lives!
Contact Info:
- Website: allstarkarateatl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/all_star_karate_atl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/askatl/
