Anderson Shotokan instructors

Chief Instructor / Sensei Margaret Williams
Godan (5th degree black belt)

Sensei Williams, an ISKF and JKA-certified C-level instructor, began training in 1985 at Auburn University under Mikami Sensei (one of the first karate teachers sent to spread Shotokan to the U.S.). Sensei Williams later trained in the US Karate Federation, earning her first Sandan in 2000. She has been named to several national karate teams, notably the USANKF in 1998 and the JKA/AF in 2008. As a member of the US Team Pool, she also trained at the US Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY. Sensei Williams trained under Takashina Sensei in the South Atlantic Karate Association, earning such honors as 2012 Top Competitor. After Takashina’s passing, Sensei Williams returned to the All South region, earning her Yondan from Mikami Sensei in 2014. In 2023, Sensei Williams moved to Ohio and transferred to the ISKF. She is a certified level C tournament judge, level C instructor, and level D examiner. A professional educator and a retired journalist, Sensei Williams also teaches writing at UC Clermont College. The art and science of karate, she says, fosters lifelong learning.

Assistant Instructor / Sempai Adam Piccirillo
Nidan (2nd degree black belt)

Sempai Piccirillo began training in 2003, earning his Shodan (1st degree) in 2012 and his Nidan in 2022. Sempai Piccirrillo competes regionally and nationally; for many years, he been named to the Mid-America team. Sempai Piccirrillo is also D level certified tournament judge, and he is enrolled in the ISKF Instructor Trainee Program. In 2025, Sempai Piccirrillo earned his massage therapist certification. Sempai Piccirrillo says he loves Shotokan not only for its physical challenges, but also for the mental aspect as well.

Sempai Len Gordon
Yondan (4th degree black belt)

Sempai Gordon started training in 1991. After an eight-year absence, he returned in 2003 and focused upon obtaining his first black belt in 2005. Sempai Gordon received his Nidan in 2008, at age fifty, his Sandan in 2015, and his Yondan (4th degree). Sempai Gordon, a photographer in his spare time, says he loves karate for its emphasis on regular self and regional training. Competing both regionally and nationally, Sempai Gordon says he has reaped the benefits of Karate-Do. Len is a level D certified tournament judg

Sempai Caleb Horner
Nidan (2nd degree black belt)

Sempai Horner serves as a junior assistant instructor at Anderson Shotokan Karate, where he has been dedicated to karate since November 2017. He earned his Shodan (1st-degree black belt) in October 2021 and advanced to Nidan (2nd-degree black belt) in December 2024. A national champion, Sempai Horner represents our dojo at regional tournaments and the Mid-America region at national events. His passion for karate stems from its ability to challenge him both physically and mentally, skills he applies to other pursuits such as cross country, track, and marching band.

Sempai Beverly Pugh
Sandan (3rd degree black belt)​

Sempai Pugh, an ASK assistant instructor, began training in 2000 under the SKJF, then joined the ISKF in 2006. She tested for and transferred her Shodan to ISKF in 2009 and obtained Nidan in 2010. Sempai Pugh received her Sandan in 2018 at age 59.  She is also a level D tournament judge. Both the physical and mental challenges of karate keep her engaged, says Sempai Pugh; she finds many ways that her karate training has benefited her outside of the dojo.

Sempai Richard D. Williams Sr.
shodan (1st degree black belt)​

A retired law-enforcement officer, Sempai Dick Williams started training at Anderson Karate in 2019. He earned his shodan in 2024 at the young age of 75. Sempai Williams has competed regionally and nationally; served as an announcer at the ISKF nationals; and helps Anderson Karate maintain a welcoming atmosphere. He says it’s his pleasure to instruct beginners of all ages.