Scota Karate Academy, Ltd. was started in 1993 in Greenville, SC. In the beginning classes were held in a local recreation center, ice skating rink and indoor tennis courts. The first night of operation saw four people try classes and become students of the academy. Two and one half years later the studio had 45 students and the need to move to a new location was evident. In June of 1996 the academy re-located to a commercial building located in Taylors, SC right in the middle of a local neighborhood. Remaining there until June of 1998 when an opportunity to purchase a home and building on the same property became available. Re-locating in July of 1998 to the present location, with 75 students, the academy has been grown to its present population of 189 students. The studio is now in the 15th year of successful operation.

Master Scota came to Greenville, SC in August of 1993 from Philadelphia, PA to pursue a better lifestyle for his family. When he moved to the south, he was a first degree black belt in the martial art style of Tang Soo Do.

• He started his school; Scota Karate Academy in 1993 which has been successfully operating for 15 years.
• He began teaching at Camperdown Academy for dyslexic children during the 2001-2002 school years as a third degree black belt. He has been teaching the "A" and "C" groups , First and Second Graders, for the last seven years.
• He has been inducted into the World Tang Soo Do Association's Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year for 2002.
• In 2005 his academy was awarded "Best in the Upstate" of South Carolina for martial arts instruction.
• In 2006, he achieved the rank of Fourth Degree Master. His master's research thesis was a twenty thousand word paper on the topic of "Sensory Integration Dysfunction and Tang Soo Do."
• Master Scota has received two Commendations from the WTSDA for service to Region 7 and the World Tang Soo Do Association.

The Scota Karate Academy, Ltd. was built on the principle of excellence. The school motto is "Expect Excellence". Students are trained to embrace the Traditionalism, Professionalism and Brotherhood of the World Tang Soo Do Association. Execution of technique and a high degree of physical conditioning are taught to the students of the academy. The academy strives to be a place where families can workout together while experiencing the best that Tang Soo Do has to offer. We consider ourselves to be a big family and we all look out for each other.

     After watching my son take Tang Soo Do classes for 9 months, I decided to give it a try. I am glad I did! Tang Soo Do has given me an opportunity to keep my brain active, to improve my cardio and strength levels, and allows me to relieve stress. The challenge of each class keeps me engaged and eager for the next class.
     When my son and I attended his first class at Scota Karate Academy, I knew we had found a "home" for Tang Soo Do. We were welcomed into the Karate family at this school from day one.
     I am now a big believer in what Tang Soo Do can do for everyone. From discipline to stress relief, Karate has it all!
Karen Ernest
9th Gup
Age: 41

     Tang Soo Do means a better way of life. It's a more fulfilling, lifelong adventure. A growth in the art that is always changing, it continues to challenge me in lots of different ways every day. Tang Soo Do has caused me to have a new outlook in my life. It's a challenge just to stay healthy. It's a way of life I pray will be a part of mine and my children for a lifetime. There is so much to learn, I look forward daily to what's ahead. I enjoy the friendships and close relationships I have made there. Tang Soo Do means so much to my life; spiritual, mental and physical, It has helped me to be a more in touch person in all ways. Tang Soo Do is and will be a part of my life a long time.
Dave Henderson
Cho Dan Bo #129129

     My daughter Casey and I drove by Scota Karate Academy for years saying, "We really need to check that out." I was fast approaching 40, was bored with my life and had no passion or focus. We finally turned in the drive 5 years ago and have been hooked ever since. We were simply looking for a fun way to stay in shape, having no idea that our TSD journey would be a life altering experience. Both Casey and I have learned great lessons about perseverance and pushing through when we've felt like giving up. We have gained confidence in ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally through the TSD practice and this has transferred into all areas of our lives. We have also had a ton of fun in the process. Casey and I received our Black Belts together in May 2007 and that was absolutely one of the most meaningful moments of my life. What I didn't bargain for was the new family we both were welcomed into. Casey's Dad passed away in 2002 and the mentoring and support of Master Scota has been invaluable. The martial arts have indeed become a way of life for us and I will be forever grateful to Master Scota and our TSD family!
Kathy Scully
Cho Dan #038046
Age: 44