School History & Lineage
Our History
Lion & Lamb Karate Kids was first opened in March of 2001. The original purpose of the school was to provide martial arts training for local home school students in the Big Stone Gap, VA area. Interest in the school turned out to be more than expected so it became necessary to move to a bigger location. The bigger space allowed us to provide more class times for potential customers and more workout space could be available for our students.
As class sizes and demand for more self defense material increased, the curriculum was expanded in order to better meet the demands of the school’s students and customers. The school moved again, this time to Building E5 in the Cloverleaf Square complex in Big Stone Gap, VA.
By God’s Grace, the school has continued to grow and currently has a facility with approximately 2000 square feet of workout space for our students.
It is our goal to provide top quality self defense and martial arts training for all of our students in a Christ centered family friendly environment that will be a place of encouragement and learning for all who attend.
Lion& Lamb Karate Kids has sought over the years to be a source of encouragement and inspiration to both our students and our community and it is our sincere hope that we can continue to do so in word and deed
Although the style of Heion Shin Budo is only a few years old, the accomplishments of the school and of the system are many.
On November 14th, 2003 the Kurisuchan Bujutsu Kai recognized Sensei Bandy as the Shodai Kaicho 初代 会長 (1st Generation President) of the Heion Shin Budo system.
On June 15th, 2005 the Heion Shin Budo system and Sensei Bandy became the first instructor and modern martial arts system to officially complete the new certification process as set forth by the Karate for Christ International (KFCI) organization.
On June 15th, 2006 the Nippon Kubudo Rengokai Kokusai recognized Sensei Bandy as Kaiso of the Heion Shin Budo and recognized him as the Shodai Soshi 初代 祖師 (1st Generation Founder) of the above-named Gendai Budo by the NKR.
The Heion Shin Budo system is also recognized by Shihan Mike Lewis and the Seishin-Do Karate Seishoku-Kai.
These are but a few of the accomplishments achieved over the brief history of Heion Shin Budo. We believe the most exciting part of our history is yet to come!