Samurai Institute

Voted Hickory’s favorite Martial Arts Studio

We Offer Three Programs

Lil Samurai

Aged 4-5 Years
Tuesday & Thursdays
5:30 – 6:00PM

Young Warriors

Aged 6-11 Years
Tuesday & Thursdays
6:00 – 7:00PM

Samurai Warriors

Aged 12+ Years
Tuesday & Thursdays
7:00 – 8:00PM

Our Team

Owner / Chief Instructor / Kaicho

Pete Nappier

With over 5 decades of training and teaching experience and 20+ years as a bouncer and event security, Mr. Nappier brings vast knowledge to the institute. His continued efforts in martial arts have excelled the industry in the Catawba Valley area. He holds the rank of 8th Dan Aiki Budo

Greg Houston
Assistant Instructor

Greg grew up in the art of aikido since his father Jeff, studied aikido with Kaicho. He brings a spirit of learning and leadership to the Institute. He is a constant inspiration to all the members.

Kenneth Smith
Assistant Instructor

Ken began aikido in 1993 in the old dojo known as “the Dungeon”. . Ken trains on Thursday and is currently a 4th dan in aikido and Shoden level in Kenjutsu.

Tony Robinson
Assistant Instructor

Tony hales from an extensive studied of the Korean art of Hapkido. He began his study in 2010 & now holds the rate of 5th dan Master Instructor. He has a master’s degree in human service counseling and Life Coaching.

Spencer Bogie
Dojo Cho

Spencer started his aiki journey in 2022. His energy brought a new air to the school, & he has risen thru the rates & now holds a 5^thkyu in aikido & currently is the dojo-cho. Spencer attends middle school & plays baseball & football.

Schedule

Monday

10am – Adult Aikido
6pm – Vinyasas Yoga

Tues - Thursday

10am – Homeschool PE
5:30pm – Lil Samurai
Pre school
6pm – Kids Aikido
6yrs to 11yrs
7pm – Teen & Adult Aikido
12yrs to adult

Wednesday

10am – Adult Aikido
11am – “Strike Fit” Kickboxing Class
6pm – “Strike Fit” Kickboxing Class
7pm – Weapons Based Aiki

Saturday

10am – Open Dojo & Mat

* Please note that classes are determined by the size of child and not their age.

Classes are one hour in length with 40 minutes on physical skills and 20 minutes on our
mental defense tactics

Our Philosophy

DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU TO LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE

Samurai Institute purpose is to serve our students, members, and families at the highest level. The word “samurai” literally means to serve. To fulfill this goal, we constantly improve upon everything we do to better the experience we offer. From curriculum development and life-skills education to staff training and constantly updating our facilities, you can be confident we are always investing in ways to better serve you.

We are grateful to extend this service to the community and give back in every way possible to our schools and other organizations because we genuinely care about making a difference. Samurai Institute believes that through giving back, we offer the best example as to why many people choose to be part of our culture.

Our focus is on an environment of LEARNING. We believe that it is the path to constant growth and improvement. We invest our time and resources to provide progressive teaching methods, character development and a curriculum that is fun and effective. Samurai Institute is dedicated to cultivating an environment that inspires our students, members, and families to live their best life.