About Us
Billy Kingsley began studying Wado Ryu karate 12 years ago under the direction of Master Wayne Tyler. Mr. Kingsley brought his son to a program because of the positive principals he had heard about. As a result of being a conscientious parent, he discovered something in himself and felt a strong desire to try the sport.
He began his journey in 1997. During this journey he discovered the art of Karate and his love of the art form. He also discovered he possessed a natural ability to teach through attending up to 6 classes a week. He learned everything he could and freely shared his knowledge with fellow students.
Mr. Kingsley began assisting instructors as a green belt, working with classes of all ages. He received his black belt in 2001 as a member of the U.S. Eastern Wado Ryu Karate Federation under instructors Mr. Wayne Tyler and Mr. David Deaton.
Mr. Kingsley then began leading classes and teaching introductory and private classes to new students, eventually working as a full-time staff instructor at the Mt. Juliet David Deaton Karate School before taking a job as a photojournalist for the Tennessean newspaper in Nashville.
Currently a second degree black belt, Mr. Kingsley continues to train and teach Wado Ryu karate and occasionally supplements his martial arts training with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Mr. Kingsley launched Rising Sun Karate Club and the Karate Kubs program in order to share his knowledge and the benefits of Wado Ryu Karate with children.