Emily Flora | SWoCo

Master Sean Elliot coaches a student during one of his karate classes.

Master Sean Elliot oversees some of his students' practicing during one of their classes at Elliot's Family Karate Academy.

Master Sean Elliot was born in New York and raised in Lynchburg, where he spent most of his younger years growing up. And he still calls Lynchburg his home. Elliot has over 30 years of karate experience under his belt and at one time was the highest black belt at the 7th degree. He is currently Senior Master and has won hundreds of first place and grand championships in local and national martial arts competitions.

In 1994 he joined the DKT Force Once National Karate Team (Trinidad) and won his first official title. In 2003 he won 2nd place world title with the National Black Belt League (MBL). He's won two international titles, one in 1994 and 1996.

"I never pushed for a world title," Elliot said. "I just pushed to be my best. Starting in martial arts was something I always wanted to do. I was fascinated with it."

Elliot said that at one point his mom decided to sign him up for classes when he was 8 or 9 years old, but when he saw a man get slammed on the floor, he quickly changed his mind.

But martial arts came back into his life through a friend, who introduced him to it. For a while he taught at Top Ten Karate, now called Super Kicks. But in December, Elliot opened his own academy on Starkey Road, Elliot's Family Karate Academy.

"Karate business is tough," he said. "It's hard to manage everything having a family and trying to be a good dad. Running a school became a career choice. It's just something I love to do. They say you should do something you love. The only thing that keeps me in martial arts are the students."

Not to mention that he travels six days a week to his studio to teach Southwest Roanoke County students the art of karate.

He currently has about 40 students that come to learn from him and he teaches beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes, including a Tiny Tiger class for four to 7-year olds. He runs two programs, a basic (level 1) Introductory program and a Leadership program.

"I care about each one of my students that come," Elliot said. "I know all my students by name. I don't want to have so many students I can't teach them. I'm just trying to push them to be their best."

"My experience in different arts and different people, and competition gives my academy an edge to some degree."

Elliot said that he teaches some curriculum, but also teaches different arts and strategies.

"It's very family oriented. We are more of a leadership school. I want them to get leadership skills and learn courtesy and respect. Some students compete, but I tell them if they are serious about ti and want to compete they need to train," he said.

Elliot said that the structure and organization of what goes on in the classes helps the students learn how to focus their thoughts and attention. Some students, he said, he knows have some sort of learning impairment, but he works with them and sees them grow and overcome it.

"I don't mind having fun, but not all the time. There is a time for discipline," he said. "I give them the opportunity to grow and learn."

If interested in signing up for a class, Elliot said that you can enroll at anytime. Call to schedule an appointment at 540-772-2641.