New Visions’ instructors are actively training martial artists who value lifelong learning, skillful movement, and a proactive community of karate practitioners. The dojo is directed by their 50 years combined experience and a genuine desire to share martial arts and propel students toward their best.

Ryan Guillemet has spent over 30 years training and 25 years teaching. He is a gifted teacher, lifelong student, and seasoned national-level competitor. Between his work as Program Director for one of the region’s largest karate schools and opening Elements Martial Arts in Chattanooga, he has guided thousands of kids and adults through their training, always giving 100% to each student.

He began training in Wado-ryu at age 8. A fully dedicated martial arts student, sensei Guillemet was only 14 years old when he realized his life’s work was teaching. He has studied under renowned Wado masters such as Otsuka II, Shiamitsu, Suzuki, and Takamatsu and several noteworthy local instructors within Wado-ryu Renmei. He holds roku-dan in the American Wado Black Belt Association; san-dan in Wado-ryu Renmei; sho-dan in Wado Guseikai, and most recently his san-dan in WIKF.

Sensei Guillemet studied psychology during his collegiate experience and remains an avid observer. A compliment to his martial training, he also explores physiology and mind-body connection concepts.

Chelsie Guillemet

Chelsie Guillemet has trained in Wado for 20 years. Always a student, she is also a national-level competitor and attentive instructor. She sets her bar high and encourages others to dig deep and give their best. Sensei Guillemet brings female movement and training perspective to the dojo, fosters leadership, and aims to help students tune into their martial journeys.

Sensei Guillemet began training in Wado at age 9 and earned her yon-dan in the American Wado Black Belt Association; ni-dan in Wado-ryu Renmei; and sho-dan in Wado Guseikai. She has studied under several noteworthy local and international instructors. During her short competitive career, she became a 2015 NKF National Bronze medalist, took home wins from regional events, and won her local Wado Kata Competition (“The Ten”) two years in a row. 

Sensei Guillemet studied business at Belmont University, graduating with her BBA (Music Business) in 2008. She continues to study the intricacies of the human mind and body, nutrition, and proper movement concepts.

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Karate Testimonials

I couldn’t be happier with New Visions Dojo. My son loves it and has grown in so many ways since he first enrolled. His Senseis demonstrate the perfect balance of fun, discipline, and patience.
Stephanie Ott
I’ve been enjoying lessons here with my wife for over a year. I used to take martial arts for a number of years, and after moving away for college I had a hard time finding a good dojo again.
New Visions is a warm and welcoming community, great for both kids and adults.
Mathew Ostrander
There’s something in this dojo for everyone ~ whether you enter at 5 as a little ninja or a tween/teen who wants to participate in competitions or a 57year old woman ( me ) who wanted to learn self defense, lose some weight and feel stronger in body/mind/spirit. For me, this has been a wholistic approach to exercise.
Melissa Jones
I have been training in martial arts for 26 years in multiple styles. Mr. Guillemet is one of the best martial artist I have ever had the privilege of training with. Just know you are in the right hands at New Visions.
Tommy Lindsay
Sensei Ryan and Sensei Chelsie have cultivated a very welcoming, encouraging, and joyful environment in their dojo. They have a great group of older sempais in class to help encourage and guide the younger children, and they are always mixing up the activities in class to keep the kids excited. We look forward to seeing our son growing even more in this wonderful community of people.
Angela Florence
Hands down best dojo in Middle Tennessee!
My daughter and son LEARN karate here. We have reviewed several other schools. None are like New Visions Dojo.
Mitchels Photography
Ryan and Chelsie are excellent instructors, committed to teaching good karate, creating great athletes, and molding respected valuable citizens. The karate market is saturated with commercialization and mediocrity. However the Guillemet commitment to excellence clearly sets them apart. As a very skeptical consumer, I highly recommend the Guillemet dojo for the best karate experience.
Great staff kids love it.
Graham Walsh
Being a woman and having a male and female Sensei has created a more balanced approach to my training. If you have the good fortune of training with the Guillemets – with effort on your part and their care and expertise – you will become a good martial artist and more importantly a more fulfilled, joyful and grounded human being.
Melissa Jones
Great teachers! Martial Arts for body and mind, where you learn not only the techniques, but how and why the body responds as it does, and also about the philosophy behind these practices.
Cristina Curatolo
I highly recommend this dojo! My sons have a great learning experience here. Very thankful that we found this place!
Brian Eckert
This dojo is superb in every sense of the word. I have trained with the Guillemets for the past 12 years. They provide excellent training in a clean, challenging and wholesome environment. They are 2 of the most dedicated, respected and passionate senseis around with decades of teaching and training experience. They are generous with their time and and individualized support.
Melissa Jones