About Us
Since our inception, our unwavering commitment has been to positively impact the lives of our students, fostering transformation one individual at a time, by combining the elements of martial arts, education, and coaching.
A FAMILY THAT KICKS TOGETHER
STICKS TOGETHER
OUR STORY
We resided in Taylors, SC, and trained under Master Joe Scota. Master Rodriguez harbored a longstanding dream of establishing his own karate school. In 2018, we sold our cherished home in Taylors and acquired a property in Duncan, SC. What made this property special was its unique combination of a house and a commercial building. Both structures, dating back to the 1950s, required substantial renovation. Despite skepticism and accusations of not thoroughly thinking it through, we were driven by our vision and determination to bring our dream to fruition.
Upon closing on the property in Duncan, the reality of the endeavor hit us, and the overwhelming task of turning our dream into reality began. Over six intense months of hard work, day and night, we prepared the commercial building for its grand opening on December 16, 2018. This involved installing new windows, updating floors, remodeling the bathroom, and more. The inaugural class took place on Monday, December 17, 2018, with a Tiny Tiger class that saw two attendees. Despite a modest start, our student numbers grew steadily until the unexpected disruption caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We faced a setback, losing approximately 40% of our students. However, we quickly rebounded, not only regaining the lost numbers but surpassing them in the subsequent years.
Presently, we boast around 50 students at any given time, with aspirations to grow our community to reach 100 or more students. Our ongoing dream is to further expand our academy in Duncan by relocating to a larger building.
Meet The Team
Master Carlos Rodriguez Jr.
Senior International Master Instructor
Master Rodriguez holds the esteemed rank of 5th degree master and serves as the chief instructor at Rodriguez Karate Academy. His journey in Tang Soo Do commenced under the tutelage of Master Joe Scota until 2018 when he and his wife relocated to Duncan, SC, and established Rodriguez Karate Academy. Achieving his black belt in 2004 marked the beginning of his impressive progression. He further earned his 2nd degree black belt in 2006, followed by his 3rd degree black belt in 2009. The year 2016 witnessed his attainment of a 4th degree Master belt, and in 2023, he proudly earned his 5th degree Master belt. In addition to his role as a owner and chief instructor at Rodriguez Karate Academy, Master Rodriguez holds a full-time position as the Director of Operations at Wrap & Roll Graphics in Greenville, SC. During his leisure moments, Master Rodriguez finds joy in quality time with his wife and their three children. His interests extend to activities such as watching action movies, hiking, running, biking, archery, and shooting.
Mrs. Misty Rodriguez
Certified Instructor
Mrs. Rodriguez, a 2nd-degree black belt, holds the role of a certified instructor at Rodriguez Karate Academy. Her venture into Tang Soo Do began in 2013 under the guidance of Master Joe Scota when she and her eldest child, Lucas, transitioned to the youth class. Achieving her black belt in 2017 marked a significant milestone, and in 2022, she proudly earned her 2nd degree black belt. Currently, Mrs. Rodriguez is dedicated to furthering her skills and is actively training for her 3rd degree black belt, with plans to undergo testing in the spring of 2025. Apart from her position as a martial arts instructor, Mrs. Rodriguez takes charge of the business operations at Rodriguez Karate Academy. Her responsibilities include but is not limited to social media, managing finances, scheduling, and handling data-related tasks. During her leisure hours, Mrs. Rodriguez delights in quality moments with her husband and their three children. Her interests include activities like walking, watching movies (with a special fondness for Hallmark ones), traveling, swimming, and playing with her dog, Luna.
Mr. Gabriel Rodriguez
Instructor Trainee
Mr. Rodriguez, a 1st-degree black belt, serves as an instructor trainee at Rodriguez Karate Academy. As the second son of Master and Mrs. Rodriguez, his martial arts journey commenced at the age of 6 in 2013. He joined his father, mother, and older brother Lucas in training under Master Joe Scota in the Tiny Tiger program. Progressing through the ranks, he transitioned to the youth class in 2016. At the age of 13 in 2022, Mr. Rodriguez achieved his black belt, and he is currently engaged in training for his 2nd-degree black belt, with plans to undergo testing in the spring of 2024. In addition to his role as an instructor trainee, Mr. Rodriguez is a full-time freshman student enrolled in K-12 online school. During his free time, when not engaged in school or teaching, Mr. Rodriguez enjoys playing video games, conversing with friends, biking, running, swimming, and watching action movies with his brothers and father.
Mr. Miguel Rodriguez
Instructor Trainee
Mr. Rodriguez, holding a 1st-degree black belt, serves as an instructor trainee at Rodriguez Karate Academy. As the third son of Master and Mrs. Rodriguez, his martial arts journey began at the age of 6 in 2016, training alongside his father, mother, and two older brothers, Lucas and Gabriel, under Master Joe Scota in the Tiny Tiger program. Progressing to the youth class in 2018, his training faced an unexpected hiatus when he broke his right femur bone while playing football with his brothers in the yard. After almost a year of recovery, he resumed training with the doctor's approval. At the age of 12 in 2023, Mr. Rodriguez achieved his black belt, and he is currently dedicated to training for his 2nd-degree black belt, with plans to undergo testing in the spring of 2025. In addition to his role as an instructor trainee, Mr. Rodriguez is a full-time eighth-grade student at D.R. Hill Middle School. During his leisure hours, when not immersed in school or teaching, Mr. Rodriguez indulges in playing video games, biking, running, swimming, and watching action movies with his brothers and father. Quality family time remains a cherished aspect of his free moments.
Mr. Lucas Rodriguez
Instructor Trainee
Mr. Rodriguez, currently a cho dan bo- blue belt, serves as an instructor trainee at Rodriguez Karate Academy. As the first son of Master and Mrs. Rodriguez, his martial arts journey began at the age of 6 in 2011, training alongside his father under Master Joe Scota in the Tiny Tiger program. Transitioning to the youth class in 2013, he achieved the cho dan bo- blue belt status in 2017. During middle and high school, Mr. Rodriguez developed a keen interest in soccer, temporarily pausing his journey towards achieving his black belt. However, he remains steadfast in pursuing that dream. In 2023, he successfully graduated from Byrnes High School. In addition to his role as an instructor trainee, Mr. Rodriguez holds a full-time position at Michelin. During his leisure hours, when not occupied with work or teaching, Mr. Rodriguez finds joy in various activities related to his car, including driving, washing, and enhancing it. He is passionate about soccer, enjoys running, talking with his mother, engaging in video games with his younger brothers, watching action movies with his brothers and father, and spending time with his dog Ace.