A disciplined force trained in martial arts has descended upon Edgefield’s American Legion Post 30, much to the pleasure of our military veterans. Local resident Shawn Risher approached the veteran organization about relocating his rapidly growing karate class to Post 30 from the former Boy Scout hut next door.

As a result, every Tuesday and Thursday evening, Risher schedules a couple of one-hour classes: the youth class arrives at 6 p.m. followed an hour later by the adult participants. It’s a great opportunity for veterans who are members of Post 30, because they may enroll at no cost, Risher’s generous expression of appreciation for their service and use of the facility. He assured Post 30 members at their August meeting that he could individualize training, regardless of age or physical limitations.

After opening his school a few months ago at its original location, Risher quickly realized he needed more space. Two weeks after setting up at Post 30 --and with no marketing-- attendance is close to double, approaching an average 20 kids and 8 adults. Once his new website is operational with online enrollment, he expects to add a second youth class.

September 3, 2025, marked the first day Risher’s operation convened at the Penn Street location. Parents and children poured through the doorway of the spacious, historic WPA building, scattering in all directions to explore the military memorabilia on the walls and to read the names of Post leadership going back to 1919. Cliques of boys and girls dotted the room, clothed in white gi, the traditional karate uniform, joking or practicing the movements they will be called upon to demonstrate during the class. Brand new students were paired with higher-ranking members who show them how to line up in rows and to perform the “cadence and calls” that are integral to martial arts training.

A firm command from the sensei, or teacher, quickly transformed this boisterous group of chattering 6–12-year-olds into neat rows, ready to practice the discipline of karate. “I’ve worked with kids all my life,” said Risher, “I’m a big kid at heart.” “I want the class to be fun and entertaining while having discipline and teaching respect,” he added before leading his charges through a series of stretches and strength-building to ready them for the vigorous martial arts movements that will follow.

Throughout the session, Risher delivered a steady stream of encouragement and praise, occasionally dispensing the right amount of gentle reprimand should their attention wander. Every interaction is calibrated to guide them toward greater confidence and self-discipline, using techniques acquired during 25 years of teaching martial arts. Upon Risher’s command, the class engaged in a series of quick movements, kicks, or slicing actions with their arms, all while advancing forward in unison. The air was punctuated with a chorus of traditional shouts marking the end of the sequence as they freeze into their final poses.

You could say that working with kids is a family business. Risher is married to Kristin Risher, the new superintendent of Strom Thurmond High School. Shawn Risher’s own career included 17 years as Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club in Aiken and before that, 4 years as Parks and Recreation Director for Saluda County. Now, in addition to being majority owner of this martial arts academy in Edgefield, he is the Community Engagement Manager for Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, primarily as a fundraiser. Risher’s two children are also involved in martial arts and, he recounts, at home they proudly display their certificates and belts tied in the traditional manner, each color signifying an advanced level of expertise.