United States
Karate Center
Control * Honor * Discipline
Summit Point, WV
About United States Karate Center
Founded in 1983 by Master John K. Thomas in Reston, Virginia, United States Karate Center has been a pillar of traditional martial arts training for over 40 years.
In 2026, the school relocated to Summit Point, West Virginia under new leadership. We continue the original mission: to teach authentic martial arts with a strong focus on Control, Honor, and Discipline.
We keep our classes intentionally small so every student receives quality instruction and personal attention. We are not a large commercial school or daycare — we are a serious martial arts dojo.
International Combat Hapkido Federation Charter School
US Martial Arts Federation Member Dojo
US Professional Taekwondo Federation Member Dojo
Master John K. Thomas
Master John K. Thomas
Founder
Master John K. Thomas established United States Karate Center in 1983. A former U.S. National champion in full-contact and open sparring, he built the school with a commitment to strong fundamentals and traditional values.
With deep experience in Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, and Jujutsu, Master Thomas became known for producing skilled, respectful, and capable martial artists. His teaching emphasized practical self-defense, character development, and personal discipline.
Though retired from daily instruction, his legacy remains the foundation of the school as we continue in Summit Point, West Virginia.
Sensei Nathan S. Keysor
Sensei Nathan S. Keysor
Head Instructor & Owner
I began training at United States Karate Center in 1987 at the age of 13 and earned my first black belt in 1994 under Master John K. Thomas.
After serving in the U.S. Army, I joined the Fairfax County Police Department in 1999. I served 20 years as a patrol officer, and Police Rifle Operator before retiring due to multiple line-of-duty spinal injuries.
Through dedication and the discipline martial arts taught me, I made a full comeback. In 2024, I took over leadership of the school and relocated it to Summit Point, West Virginia.
Current Ranks & Certifications:5th Degree Black Belt – World Martial Arts Federation (Hapkido)
3rd Degree Black Belt – Hapkido (Master John K. Thomas)
3rd Degree Black Belt – United States Martial Arts Federation (USMAF)
3rd Degree Black Belt – Combat Hapkido (ICHF)
3rd Degree Black Belt – Taiho Jutsu (USJJF)
2nd Degree Black Belt – Traditional Taekwondo (Professional Taekwondo Federation)Additional Credentials:Certified Combat Hapkido Instructor
Certified US Taiho Jutsu Instructor & Examiner
Police Tactics Instructor Level 7 – Police Tactics Instructors of America (PTIOA)
Certified Metabolic Health Practitioner (MHP) – Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (SMHP)
Fairfax County Fire Department Life Saving Award
Fairfax County Police Meritorious Action Award
Member of: USMAF, USJJF, ICHF, PTF, USNKF, PTIOA
Inductee, Cleveland International Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2026)
Currently studying Genbukan Ninpo (Genbukan World Ninpo Bugei Federation)
Student Resources-under construction