My children (8 and 12) have been students of Sensei Vandenover since 2008. I cannot say enough about my experience with him and his dojo. I researched martial arts dojos around the area before selecting Rising Sun. Sensei Vandenover is a highly accomplished instructor well known in the martial arts community. He is active on the local and national level and has legendary instructors visit from time to time. Sensei Vandenover instructs ALL the classes. Students advance the old fashioned way- they EARN it. Black belts are not given away. However Sensei Vandenover manages to keep the atmosphere friendly and nurturing, even for the youngest children. Both of my kids started at the age of 6 but there are children who begin even younger. Beyond Karate, Sensei Vandenover gives children advice about avoiding smoking, drinking, and drugs. My wife and I are both physicians in the community and we are thrilled Sensei Vandenover has served as a role model for our kids. If you are considering learning Karate, is no other dojo that comes close.