Develop more than just fighting skills

About
Atlanta Shotokan Karate

Shotokan Karate is the most common style of karate in the world and became an Olympic sport for the first time in the Tokyo 2020 games. Now YOU can learn this art regardless of age or experience!

Dr. David Renner (above right) has been training since 1985. He has been a national champion and successful Senior Instructor with the Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs until moving to the Atlanta area in 2022. During that time, he also built a holistic health practice and regularly worked with Team USA Karate.

If you are looking to improve focus, discipline, and self-confidence in a fun and safe environment register now through the Decatur Parks and Recreation Department! Classes are Tuesdays at Oakhurst.

Meet Dr. Renner

Sensei David Renner began training in 1985 with the Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs-the largest independent karate organization in the United States. Dr. Renner was a national champion by age 10 and began assisting classes at age 11. He achieved blackbelt at age 13 and was given his own classes. By the age of 18 he was running 2 park district programs for the organization (24 classes per week), examining students for belt promotions, gaining international experience competing, and running rings at local tournaments.

It was also at this time that Sensei Renner began training in Iai-the Japanese art of wielding the katana and then Cha-no-yu (the Japanese tea ceremony). Dr. Renner maintained this grueling schedule while graduating with a B.A. in International Business and Japanese. He has extensive knowledge of Eastern religion, philosophy, culture and history. He has experienced karate, judo, and kendo over multiple trips to Japan. He also trained in kung fu at the Shaolin temple in 2005. Through those years Sensei Renner realized the greatest rewards come from building strong individuals and that fighting never really solves anything. It is this guiding principle which led him to become a doctor and share his personal journey with patients as well as students.

Meet Mrs. Sheldrick

Rachael Sheldrick started training with Sensei Renner in 2001, earning her Sho Dan (1st degree black belt) in 2013. During that time, she participated in local tournaments, both as a competitor and volunteer. She and her family moved from Illinois to Georgia in 2018 and karate was put on a brief hold as they settled into their new home and life here.

What she’s always loved about Shotokan karate is the opportunity to grow and learn in so many ways, from the challenge of learning a new move, to increasing confidence and focus, to learning the history and philosophy behind the art. Assisting in classes will give her the opportunity to give something back to our karate family and help students develop their skills and abilities, while continuing to grow and improve herself. She’s thrilled to be back in Sensei Renner’s classes!

SiDe SErvices

Learn Shotokan Karate!

Beginning/Continuing Pre-Karate (ages 5-7)



Is designed to hold children’s attention for 45 minutes of interactive learning, physical activity, and fun! Basic class concepts and techniques are covered. (Limit 5-20 participants) Class is 4pm to 4:45pm.

Beginning/Continuing Youth (8-15yo) and Parent-Child Karate


Is a basic, family-oriented introduction to Shotokan karate. Each family member participating must register. (Limit 5-20 participants) Class is 4:50pm to 5:50pm.

Beginning/Continuing Adult Karate (16yo and over)

Is a faster-paced introduction to Shotokan Karate which focuses on movement applications as a means of self-defense. (Limit 5-20 participants) Class is 5:50pm to 6:50pm.

Adrian LOR

McClintock LOR

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Shotokan Pre-Karate (Ages 5-7yrs)

Shotokan Youth/Parent-Child Karate (8-15yrs)

Shotokan Adult Karate (16 and older)

Atlanta Shotokan Karate Student Testimonial

    “Dr. Renner is an OUTSTANDING instructor! As an academic physician I do quite a bit of teaching and can clearly tell when someone else has the knack for instructing others. Dr. Renner has just that skill and to run a class with adults and kids and make it a worthwhile for all of us is truly remarkable. I couldn’t do that! He is infinitely patient and concerned, yet invokes the right amount of discipline. Encouragement and support is constant in his class and no one is EVER belittled or castigated.                                                                                                         I rate Dr. Renner an 11 on a scale of 10 and find him one of the main reasons my children and I have stuck with karate and enjoy it as much as we do.”

    Michael D. Brown, M.D.

    (Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center)

      “Sensei David Renner is a truly genuine and knowledgeable instructor and excellent role model.”

      Janet and Pete Petruzzi

      (Bollingbrook, IL)

        “Some instructors may have the skills to teach, but very few can pass on ambition. His gentle, yet firm example is an inspiration to all that know him. He has been assisted by many instructors-in-training, but none could match his enthusiasm. He has the unique ability of understanding each students individual needs/strengths, and aspires to guide them in achieving their goals. Dr. Renner is a dedicated, well organized professional who takes great pride in his art.”

        Anonymous

          “Since my son (Parker) and I began training with Sensei Renner, I’ve noticed Parker’s confidence grow. We have had some previous exposure to karate instruction, but the quality, structure and discipline of this training is much better than either of us has received before. I have seen Parker transform from not being able to handle the slightest correction to actively looking for feedback. Well-placed compliments by Sensei Renner have been very impactful to Parker and that is carrying over into other areas of his life.”

          Thomas Drake

          (Gurnee, IL)

            “I am always impressed by the quality of instruction that Dr. Renner provides the children. In a time when sports heroes are in short supply, I am grateful to have Sensei Renner. I know that Dr. Renner respects his place as a role model to kids. It shows in everything he does. He and his team demand excellence and respect for themselves, the kids and karate. They are always kind and yet always demonstrate and expect hard work.”

            Marni Kilzi

            (Gurnee, IL)

              “Sensei Renner is a wonderful teacher. He has an empathetic manner toward his younger students. My daughter, Marissa started almost 2 years ago at the age of 6, and my youngest daughter recently joined the program. Marissa is extremely shy, but she loves karate because of the excellent teaching by Dr. Renner. He is kind and gentle towards her, yet he pushes her to be better and better. We look forward to working with him for a long time to come.”

              Lisa DePino

              (Dunee, IL)

                “Dr. Renner’s attention to detail, real life lessons, and technique was a perfect complement to our son’s education. He sets the bar high and almost every child in class reaches it. Our son loves his strict yet humorous approach to teaching. Sensei Renner’s attention to detail has rubbed off on Brandon as he is constantly checking his stances and arm positions during practice and has become very detailed in his everyday life. He even quoted some of the life lessons Dr. Renner has taught him! We feel fortunate that people who are at the top of their game are training our son. We are confident the positive influence that they have on our son will help mold him into a young man we can be proud of. We have already seen the difference since the first day of class.

                Tom and Cheryl Sidor

                (Dundee, IL)

                  Sensei is an excellent teacher and, most importantly, a strong role model not just for kids but for adults as well. He has so much knowledge about karate and Japanese culture, patience when teaching people of all ages and abilities and he really invests time in his students to help them succeed. Sensei Renner is not only a remarkable teacher but a wonderful person who my family and I also consider a friend for life. My son and I worked hard over the years and we both became black belts in the last few years.

                  Tony Adrian

                  (Geneva, IL)

                    Dr. Renner is a true professional and master instructor. He has the unique ability to connect with students of all ages and skill levels using a variety of drills, challenges, and games. He provides excellent instruction, honest critique, and guidance to his students. He provides a good balance between praise and criticism, allowing students to accept the good with the bad, and an opportunity for future growth and development of their karate skills. Sensei embodies the personal characteristics associated with martial arts by blending the philosophical and mental components of karate along with the physical components, specifically: respect, dedication, perseverance, loyalty, a strong work ethic, and personal inner strength. He is an exemplary role model and mentor to his students. My family and I are forever grateful to have had him as a mentor and a part of our lives. He has become not only a role model but a dear and respected friend. With Dr. Renner’s leadership, you cannot fail! Respectively Submitted,

                    Scott McClintock and Family

                    (Park Ridge, IL)

                      My son, Andrew, is language delayed and a little “behind” other children his age. He has to work harder to grasp concepts. Last year, we enrolled him in a soccer class for kindergarten children and after the coach’s son called Andrew lazy and stupid, my husband and I decided that soccer wasn’t for Andrew. I had my reservations about karate working for him. I hoped and prayed that karate would be a positive experience for him and it has. Dr. Renner treats his students with respect and positive guidance. I also applaud his ability to give every child a fair chance. Because of Andrew’s classification as ‘special needs,’ I’ve gotten to know other special needs children. Some of these children can be quite a handful, but Sensei Renner has a tremendous amount of patience with them. Just last week, Sensei and I encountered a situation with Andrew and he handled Andrew and my concerns with such compassion and dignity that both I and my son felt grateful. Dr. Renner is truly a ‘class act’.”

                      Peggy DeLacy

                      (Park Ridge, IL)

                        “As a mother to 4 boys, I have had my sons in a variety of activities and have seen the effects that teachers and coaches can have on them and their motivation to continue that activity. It makes a huge difference when teachers are not only very skilled in their field of expertise but also talented at working with kids. Dr. Renner is authoritative with the class, yet he also knows the little ones need to have fun to stay motivated and does such a great job with that. I am always impressed with how Sensei Renner works with the parents and the children. One of my other sons enrolled in karate class some years ago, and while that teacher was skilled at karate, he did not have the touch that Dr. Renner has with the younger ones. I also appreciate the respect that Dr. Renner shows to the parents that are taking the class. I had considered taking karate way back when my son was in it but felt a bit goofy when I mentioned it to that other teacher-I felt like I was just some middle-aged dorky mom. What a difference I discovered this time around! When I found out on the first night of my son’s class that it was not only a youth class, but a parent-child class, I mentioned to Sensei Renner that I would consider taking the class with my son. I really appreciate the way Dr. Renner responded. I signed up for the class and am so glad I did since I am really enjoying it. Sensei Renner is a gem!”

                        Kathy Marchuk

                        (St. Charles, IL)

                          “My family has known Dr. Renner for approximately 5 years through the karate program in which he is an instructor within our community. Throughout this course of time, I have observed him in several different roles within the context of being a teacher. His role ranges from teacher and referee to friend and mentor to his students more directly. He not only has an excellent knowledge base as it relates to the mechanics involved in performing karate safely but demonstrates a broader vision in terms of the history and philosophy of the Japanese and other martial arts. Furthermore, his ability to identify strengths within students individually has proven to be motivating in areas of both physical and emotional development.”

                          Chris Quinlan, RN

                          (Park Ridge, IL)

                          Atlanta Shotokan Karate Student Testimonial

                            “Dr. Renner is an OUTSTANDING instructor! As an academic physician I do quite a bit of teaching and can clearly tell when someone else has the knack for instructing others. Dr. Renner has just that skill and to run a class with adults and kids and make it a worthwhile for all of us is truly remarkable. I couldn’t do that! He is infinitely patient and concerned, yet invokes the right amount of discipline. Encouragement and support is constant in his class and no one is EVER belittled or castigated.                                                                                                         I rate Dr. Renner an 11 on a scale of 10 and find him one of the main reasons my children and I have stuck with karate and enjoy it as much as we do.”

                            Michael D. Brown, M.D.

                            (Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center)

                              “Sensei David Renner is a truly genuine and knowledgeable instructor and excellent role model.”

                              Janet and Pete Petruzzi

                              (Bollingbrook, IL)

                                “Some instructors may have the skills to teach, but very few can pass on ambition. His gentle, yet firm example is an inspiration to all that know him. He has been assisted by many instructors-in-training, but none could match his enthusiasm. He has the unique ability of understanding each students individual needs/strengths, and aspires to guide them in achieving their goals. Dr. Renner is a dedicated, well organized professional who takes great pride in his art.”

                                Anonymous

                                  “Since my son (Parker) and I began training with Sensei Renner, I’ve noticed Parker’s confidence grow. We have had some previous exposure to karate instruction, but the quality, structure and discipline of this training is much better than either of us has received before. I have seen Parker transform from not being able to handle the slightest correction to actively looking for feedback. Well-placed compliments by Sensei Renner have been very impactful to Parker and that is carrying over into other areas of his life.”

                                  Thomas Drake

                                  (Gurnee, IL)

                                    “I am always impressed by the quality of instruction that Dr. Renner provides the children. In a time when sports heroes are in short supply, I am grateful to have Sensei Renner. I know that Dr. Renner respects his place as a role model to kids. It shows in everything he does. He and his team demand excellence and respect for themselves, the kids and karate. They are always kind and yet always demonstrate and expect hard work.”

                                    Marni Kilzi

                                    (Gurnee, IL)

                                      “Sensei Renner is a wonderful teacher. He has an empathetic manner toward his younger students. My daughter, Marissa started almost 2 years ago at the age of 6, and my youngest daughter recently joined the program. Marissa is extremely shy, but she loves karate because of the excellent teaching by Dr. Renner. He is kind and gentle towards her, yet he pushes her to be better and better. We look forward to working with him for a long time to come.”

                                      Lisa DePino

                                      (Dunee, IL)

                                        “Dr. Renner’s attention to detail, real life lessons, and technique was a perfect complement to our son’s education. He sets the bar high and almost every child in class reaches it. Our son loves his strict yet humorous approach to teaching. Sensei Renner’s attention to detail has rubbed off on Brandon as he is constantly checking his stances and arm positions during practice and has become very detailed in his everyday life. He even quoted some of the life lessons Dr. Renner has taught him! We feel fortunate that people who are at the top of their game are training our son. We are confident the positive influence that they have on our son will help mold him into a young man we can be proud of. We have already seen the difference since the first day of class.

                                        Tom and Cheryl Sidor

                                        (Dundee, IL)

                                          Sensei is an excellent teacher and, most importantly, a strong role model not just for kids but for adults as well. He has so much knowledge about karate and Japanese culture, patience when teaching people of all ages and abilities and he really invests time in his students to help them succeed. Sensei Renner is not only a remarkable teacher but a wonderful person who my family and I also consider a friend for life. My son and I worked hard over the years and we both became black belts in the last few years.

                                          Tony Adrian

                                          (Geneva, IL)

                                            “My family has known Dr. Renner for approximately 5 years through the karate program in which he is an instructor within our community. Throughout this course of time, I have observed him in several different roles within the context of being a teacher. His role ranges from teacher and referee to friend and mentor to his students more directly. He not only has an excellent knowledge base as it relates to the mechanics involved in performing karate safely but demonstrates a broader vision in terms of the history and philosophy of the Japanese and other martial arts. Furthermore, his ability to identify strengths within students individually has proven to be motivating in areas of both physical and emotional development.”

                                            Chris Quinlan, RN

                                            (Park Ridge, IL)

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                                            2 Old Decatur Circle, Decatur, GA 30030

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