Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheri Angwin.
Hi Sheri, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in the dojo , literally. My parents founded Ingram’s Karate back in 1977, so from the time I could walk, I was surrounded by the sound of kiais, discipline, and family. What started as my parents’ dream to share traditional Okinawan karate with our local community became the foundation of my entire life.
Over the years, I trained, competed nationally and internationally, and learned that karate is about so much more than punches and kicks, it’s about respect, perseverance, and character. Eventually, I knew it was my turn to carry on what my parents began.
Today, I’m proud to lead Ingram’s Karate alongside an incredible team of instructors and families who share the same passion. We’ve grown to multiple locations, most recently expanding to a brand-new dojo in Carrollwood, and yet the heart of what we do has never changed , helping students of all ages become confident, disciplined, and strong, both on and off the mat.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road , but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. Growth, both personally and professionally, happens in the challenges. When you run a family business that’s been around for nearly five decades, you experience every season , from economic shifts and unexpected setbacks to the daily juggling act of running multiple dojos, raising a family, and keeping the energy and passion alive.
We’ve weathered storms , literally and figuratively, but every obstacle has strengthened our foundation. Even during the hardest times, like rebuilding after the pandemic or renovating our new Carrollwood location from the ground up, our dojo family always showed up. Volunteers painted walls, laid mats, and supported each other in ways that reminded me why we do this in the first place.
Those moments of teamwork and perseverance are what define us. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been meaningful , and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Ingram’s Karate, we teach traditional Okinawan Isshin-ryu Karate, the same style my father began sharing with the community back in 1977. But what we really teach goes far beyond martial arts techniques. We specialize in building confidence, discipline, and respect in students of all ages, from preschoolers taking their first bow on the mat to adults rediscovering their strength and focus.
We’re known for our family atmosphere and the sense of belonging that comes from training here. Our students don’t just attend classes, they become part of a legacy. We’ve had generations of families train together, and many of our black belts started with us as children. That full-circle journey is what I’m most proud of.
What sets us apart is our commitment to tradition and community. We still teach the same core values my parents emphasized nearly fifty years ago, but we combine that with modern teaching methods, positive leadership, and a focus on personal growth. At the end of the day, our goal is simple, to help every student become stronger, kinder, and more confident both on and off the mat.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen without risk, whether it’s stepping onto the mat for your first karate class or signing the lease on a new building. I don’t think of myself as a reckless risk-taker, but I absolutely believe in taking purposeful risks when your heart and vision align.
Opening our first Carrollwood location 17 years ago was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. It meant expanding during a time when many small businesses were still finding their footing, and it required faith in our team, our students, and the legacy we’ve built. There were moments of fear and uncertainty, but I’ve always believed that courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s moving forward anyway.
In martial arts, we teach our students to face challenges head-on, to trust their training, and to never back down when things get uncomfortable. I approach business the same way, with preparation, perseverance, and a deep belief that the reward is worth the risk when you’re fighting for something you love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ingramskarate.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ingramskarate?igsh=MWsyZjAwYzJ3eTh2aQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1d8dve7Y6k/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ingramskarate7313?si=nApTkchFkl6gVMG-
Image Credits
Perfect Angle Photography
