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\u201c[Butler] was all about the basics,\u201d Williams said. \u201cDoing things correctly, not taking shortcuts and putting in the time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By age 11, after six years of intensive training, Williams earned his black belt, an unusually young age for the achievement at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBack then, there were no junior black belts,\u201d he said. \u201cYou either were, or you weren\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, Williams holds an eighth-degree black belt in Isshinryu, a distinction that reflects decades of dedication to both the art and the students he has mentored over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs you get older, it\u2019s not really about competition anymore,\u201d he said. \u201cIt becomes about what you\u2019ve done for the style, the people you\u2019ve helped bring up, and the time you\u2019ve put into it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1996, Williams opened The Lebanon Dojo at just 23 years old. He credits local businessman Bob Lowe with giving him his start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe gave me a chance on a handshake deal,\u201d Williams said. \u201cIf he hadn\u2019t done that, things would\u2019ve been a lot harder.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nearly 30 years later, Williams is still teaching classes several nights a week while balancing other work outside the dojo. Unlike many large commercial martial arts studios, The Lebanon Dojo has remained intentionally modest and community-focused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen you come into my karate school, it smells like sweat,\u201d he joked. \u201cThere might be cobwebs in the corner. But we\u2019re here to work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Williams, martial arts has never been primarily about money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have to make money to keep the doors open,\u201d he said, \u201cbut I try not to make it about that. If somebody gives me effort and they\u2019re genuine, I\u2019ll work with them.\u201d Williams now teaches children of former students and, in some cases, even grandchildren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m almost into the third generation now,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While students certainly learn physical skills at The Lebanon Dojo, Williams said he believes the most important lessons happen beyond the punches and kicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe biggest thing is helping someone realize, \u2018I can do this if I work hard,\u2019\u201d he said. \u201cOnce that clicks, it becomes contagious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Williams emphasizes focus, emotional control, integrity, and discipline in every class. Students stand quietly at attention before lessons begin, practicing patience and self-control in a world increasingly filled with distractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cKids today struggle with attention span,\u201d he said. \u201cLearning to focus and push through mentally is huge.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Williams also works with many students who have attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder, learning differences, or confidence struggles. He said martial arts often provides structure and encouragement that they may not find elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSome of the most talented kids have the shortest attention spans,\u201d he said. \u201cThe kids who really have to work at it usually gain the most from it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He is especially passionate about helping young girls build confidence and self-worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnybody raising a girl wants them to be confident,\u201d Williams said. \u201cYou want them to know their value and not settle later in life. A lot of that starts with confidence and discipline.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Williams recently launched a 50-plus neuromotor training program designed to help older adults improve mobility, balance, and coordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The idea grew from research Williams encountered involving Parkinson\u2019s patients and movement-based training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/lebanon\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/08\/4-4-1024x683.jpg\")
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