Three Generations, One School: What 29 Years of Families at Competitive Edge Karate Says About Martial Arts in Henrico VA
Some martial arts schools open and close within a few years.
Others become something different entirely a fixture in a community, a place families return to not just once, but across decades. Across generations.
Competitive Edge Karate in Short Pump has been that place for 29 years.
And the stories that have come out of this school from the families who keep coming back say more about what happens here than any program description ever could.
When a Family Comes Back After 34 Years
In 1988, a young girl started training at Competitive Edge Karate in Henrico VA.
She earned her belt. She grew up. She moved on.
Years later, she brought her own daughter to the same school. That was 2004.
Now it’s 2022, and her son the original student’s grandson is training with Kyoshi Dabney.
Three generations. One school. Thirty-four years.
Lynn Silver, that original student’s mother, put it simply:
“Absolutely the best! Kyoshi Dabney is a wonderful teacher of martial arts skills. He keeps it fun while still teaching technique and skill. Wouldn’t trust my grandson with anyone else!”
— Lynn Silver | CEK family since 1988 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ via Google
Think about what that means for a moment.
A family trusted this school enough to return not once, but twice more. Through different decades, different children, different stages of life. The instruction was good enough in 1988 that when it came time to choose a program for the next generation, there was no search. No comparison. Just a return to the place that had already proven itself.
That doesn’t happen by accident. And it doesn’t happen at schools that are just going through the motions.
Ten Years and Counting
Molly Cheek’s son didn’t train at CEK for a season. He didn’t try it for a year.
He’s been coming here for ten years.
“My son has been coming here for 10 years. Along with the amazing karate skills, combat training, self defense and kickboxing he has learned kindness and compassion. Kyoshi Dabney exudes a gentle but firm leadership style and pushes the kids to reach their full potential. He has been an amazing presence in John’s life. I am so grateful for this place. Can’t recommend enough.”
— Molly Cheek | CEK parent, 10+ years ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ via Google
Ten years is a long time for a child to stay committed to anything. It spans elementary school through high school. It covers the years when peer pressure kicks in, when schedules get complicated, when a hundred other things compete for attention.
And he stayed.
What Molly describes isn’t just a karate school that taught her son to kick and punch. It’s a place that shaped his character his kindness, his compassion, his sense of what it means to push through something hard. She calls Kyoshi “an amazing presence in John’s life.”
That’s not a review of a class. That’s a testimony about a relationship.
What 29 Years Looks Like in a Community
Competitive Edge Karate has been serving families across Short Pump, Glen Allen, Tuckahoe, and Henrico County for 29 years. In that time, Kyoshi Roger Dabney has awarded more than 650 black belts.
Six hundred and fifty students who stayed long enough, worked hard enough, and believed enough to reach the highest standard in the program.
Here’s what families across the West End of Richmond consistently say about what that journey produced:
“CEK is a great place to provide life lessons for your kids. Karate is not the only thing taught there… respect, discipline, mindfulness, and manners are emphasized. Our son got his black belt at CEK and I can truly say Roger Dabney had a huge influence on our both our kids who have developed into responsible adults.”
— Cherie Tew | CEK parent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ via Facebook
“Kyoshi is the best instructor and mentor in the RVA area. There’s no comparison. He’s effective and thorough. My little girl looks forward to the discipline and structure he provides in each class — which says a lot for a 7yr old.”
— Indygo Bleu | Short Pump VA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ via Google
“Best karate studio! Kyoshi is a master at his craft and passionate in all he does. My teenage daughter is almost a 3rd degree black belt with his guidance and I couldn’t be happier. I highly recommend Competitive Edge Karate to anyone who has a child interested in karate or who is an adult looking to learn and get fit.”
— Jeanne Willson | CEK parent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ via Google
“Charlotte has been with Kyoshi for 3 years now and the advancement in her skills is amazing. She was just awarded her 2nd degree black belt and we couldn’t be happier. Charlotte has just started her 3rd degree training and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s going.”
— Matthew Willson | CEK parent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ via Google
What Keeps Families Coming Back
After 29 years, the question worth asking is: what is it, exactly, that makes families stay?
It’s not just the curriculum. There are other martial arts schools in Henrico and Short Pump with solid programs.
It’s not just convenience. Families drive past other schools to get here.
What the reviews point to consistently, across years and families is Kyoshi himself.
His ability to challenge each student as an individual. His patience with children who are struggling and his push for students who are ready for more. The way he builds relationships with families, not just students. The consistency of his instruction across 29 years not a rotating staff of young instructors, but the same experienced coach who has been doing this long enough to have taught the parents of current students.
That’s rare. And families in this community recognize it.
A Program Built for the Long Term
At Competitive Edge Karate, we don’t measure success by how many students sign up.
We measure it by how many stay. How many earn their black belt. How many come back years later with their own children.
Whether your child is 6 years old and just starting out, or a teenager looking for a real challenge, or an adult who wants to train in a program that will still be worth showing up to five years from now this is that program.
We serve families across Short Pump, Glen Allen, Tuckahoe, West End Richmond, and Henrico County VA and we’ve been doing it for 29 years.
Start Your Family’s Story at CEK
The best way to understand what these families are describing is to experience it yourself.
Your free trial week includes:
- Beginner-friendly instruction from Kyoshi
- Personal attention and individual challenge
- A real introduction to the discipline, focus, and confidence our students build every day
No contracts. No pressure. Just one week to see why families keep coming back.
📞 Call: 804-346-4235 💬 Text: 804-496-9898
Mention “free trial week” when you reach out.
Competitive Edge Karate — 3500 Mayland Court, Henrico VA 23233 Serving families across Short Pump, Glen Allen, Tuckahoe, West End Richmond, and Henrico County VA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Competitive Edge Karate been open in Henrico VA? Competitive Edge Karate has been serving families in Henrico, Short Pump, and the West End of Richmond for 29 years under the instruction of Kyoshi Roger Dabney.
How many black belts has Competitive Edge Karate produced? Kyoshi Dabney has awarded more than 650 black belts over the course of CEK’s 29-year history.
Is Competitive Edge Karate good for kids in Short Pump & Glen Allen VA? CEK has been a trusted program for families across Short Pump, Glen Allen, Tuckahoe, and Henrico County for nearly three decades. Families consistently highlight the individual attention, structured progression, and character development their children experience.
What ages does Competitive Edge Karate serve? CEK offers programs for kids ages 6–12, teens, and adults including dedicated kickboxing, self-defense, and Filipino Martial Arts / Kali classes.
How do I get started at Competitive Edge Karate? Call or text us to claim your free trial week. No commitment required.
📞 804-346-4235 | 💬 804-496-9898