Karate

Karate

LEARN SKILLS AND GAIN CONFIDENCE

Our Style
Uechi-Ryu (pronounced way-chee-roo) is a traditional style of karate from Okinawa, Japan. Students of this style will develop a variety of karate techniques and applications, physical and mental toughness, and grow in personal character. Training in martial arts also teaches many practical life skills including self-defense, teamwork, and leadership traits. Students do not need to be young and naturally athletic to be successful; instead, we simply ask that students arrive with an open mind and an eagerness to learn.
Head Instructor: Rachel Lowe
Sensei Rachel is a 3rd degree black belt in Uechi-Ryu Karate, having been training and teaching since 2017. She has also trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2023 and Mixed Martial Arts since 2025. Rachel is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with education in anatomy, biomechanics, and progressive functional training. More importantly, she is passionate about empowering students to become the best possible version of themselves. With her knowledge and experience, she is an expert at providing safe, effective, and engaging instruction for students of all ages.
Assistant Instructor: Aly Lowe
Sensei Aly has studied Uechi-Ryu karate since 2018 and is a second-degree black belt. With a background in competitive team sports, first aid, and group fitness, she was also a teacher in the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system before becoming a tutor home educator. Her passion is sharing what she has learned with the next generation in a way that is fun and inspirational.
Assistant Instructor: Ryan Nadel
I have been practicing Uechi Ryu Karate for 7 years. I have been teaching Karate with Sensei Rachel at the Y for 1 year now. I really enjoy the confidence and physical fitness that Karate has given me. I want to teach others the skills, confidence, and physical fitness to lead healthy, more empowering lives. I enjoy showing students what is possible with martial arts and helping achieve their goals through martial arts practice. It is a great feeling to see them grow in skill, ability, and fitness. 

Cost: $100 per month/members   $200 per month/non-members

Testing Dates:

Testing will be available if the student is ready (Readiness is determined by the senior instructor).

Uniform and Additional Gear:

  • A uniform will be required to be purchased prior to the first testing. Information will be provided to you on where to purchase.
  • Additional gear may be needed after yellow belt.

Belt and T-shirt:

T-shirts and Belts will be provided, as well as equipment needed during class. Full uniforms are optional for class.

Questions or concerns? AJ Johnson, Sports Director at [email protected]

Baxter Close Ages 7-12 (All Levels)

Baxter Close YMCA
12/1/25 - 12/30/26
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Available Sessions

Date(s)
12/01/25 - 12/22/25
no class December 23-31 - Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Registration
Closed on
12/01/2025
01/05/26 - 01/28/26
Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Closes
01/05/2026
02/02/26 - 02/25/26
Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Closes
02/02/2026
03/02/26 - 03/30/26
Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Closes
03/02/2026
04/01/26 - 04/29/26
no class April 6-12 - Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Closes
04/01/2026
05/04/26 - 05/27/26
Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Closes
05/04/2026
06/01/26 - 06/24/26
Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Closes
06/01/2026
07/01/26 - 07/29/26
Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Closes
07/01/2026
08/03/26 - 08/31/26
Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Closes
08/03/2026
09/09/26 - 09/30/26
no class September 7 - Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Closes
09/09/2026
10/05/26 - 10/28/26
Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Closes
10/05/2026
11/02/26 - 11/30/26
no class November 23-28 - Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Closes
11/02/2026
12/07/26 - 12/30/26
no class December 21-27 - Mo,We - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Closes
12/07/2026

Baxter Close Teen/Adult (13+) All Levels

Baxter Close YMCA
12/1/25 - 12/30/26
VIEW

Available Sessions

Date(s)
12/01/25 - 12/22/25
no class December 23-31 - Mo,We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Registration
Closed on
12/01/2025
01/05/26 - 01/26/26
Mo - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
01/05/2026
01/07/26 - 01/28/26
We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Closes
01/07/2026
02/02/26 - 02/23/26
Mo - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Closes
02/02/2026
02/04/26 - 02/24/26
We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Closes
02/04/2026
03/02/26 - 03/30/26
Mo - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Closes
03/02/2026
03/04/26 - 03/25/26
We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Closes
03/04/2026
04/01/26 - 04/29/26
no class April 6-12 - We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Closes
04/01/2026
04/06/26 - 04/27/26
no class April 6-12 - Mo - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Closes
04/06/2026
05/04/26 - 05/25/26
Mo - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Closes
05/04/2026
05/06/26 - 05/27/26
We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
05/06/2026
06/01/26 - 06/29/26
Mo - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
06/01/2026
06/03/26 - 06/24/26
We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
06/03/2026
07/01/26 - 07/29/26
We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
07/01/2026
07/06/26 - 07/27/26
Mo - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
07/06/2026
08/03/26 - 08/31/26
Mo - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
08/03/2026
08/05/26 - 08/26/26
We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
08/05/2026
09/07/26 - 09/28/26
no class September 7 - Mo - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
09/07/2026
09/09/26 - 09/30/26
We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
09/09/2026
10/05/26 - 10/26/26
Mo - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
10/05/2026
10/07/26 - 10/28/26
We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
10/07/2026
11/02/26 - 11/30/26
no class November 23-28 - Mo - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
11/02/2026
11/04/26 - 11/25/26
no class November 23-28 - We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
11/04/2026
12/02/26 - 12/30/26
no class December 21-27 - We - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
12/02/2026
12/07/26 - 12/28/26
no class December 21-27 - Mo - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Register  
Closes
12/07/2026