Karl K Wagner
Chief Master Instructor
8th degree black belt,
Kyoshi titled
Karl Wagner, Kyoshi, has been actively training in the Trias Karate systems since November of 1976. Prior to entering into karate in 1976, he was introduced to Tracy Kenpo at the age of 7 years old in 1969, attending Thomas Dunne’s studio classes in SW Miami, Florida. He has attended numerous workshops, cross-trainings and seminars. Although the core of his karate is Okinawan Shuri-ryu, he also incorporates the aspects of other Chinese, Japanese and Filipino martial arts in his classes.
Kyoshi Wagner has trained/studied in the following: Jundokan Goju-ryu in Okinawa, Japan under Eiichi Miyazato, hanshi. Filipino Boxing and Arnis of Balintawak under Guru Bobby Taboada. Kali/Escrima under Dicky Harrel. Kick-boxing training skills under Benny ‘The Jet’ Urquidez. Kick-boxing training skills under Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace. Shito-ryu karate under Shihan Fumio Demura. Kuniba-ha Shito-ryu karate with Stan and Angie Cole. Shotokan karate with Randy Patterson. Feeding Crane Kung-fu under Sifu Lui Chang I. Combative Flow and Shuri-te jui-jutsu under Tashi Troy Price. Kyusho-jitsu, Tui-te and Ryukyu-te under Taika Seiyu Oyata. Kyoshi Wagner has had the opportunity to train in arts and styles of Uechi-ryu, Isshin-ryu, Shorin-ryu, Shito-ryu, Shotokan, Wado-ryu karate as well as Aikido, Judo, Jui-jutsu, Iaido, Kobudo, Tai Chi Chuan and Wing-Chun Gung-fu.
Kyoshi Wagner enjoyed many years of competition in both open tournament and traditional tournament from white belt on up, often placing first in kata (form) and kumite (fighting) as well as Kobudo (weapons). From his purple belt years through to his early Yudansha (black belt) years, he trained and participated in kick-boxing events and other full-contact competitions. Teaching has always been a passion for Kyoshi Wagner and he has experienced the spirit of winning in tournament competition by his own students. The collectiveness of Kyoshi Wagner’s training is reflected in his teachings
Paul Vandergriff
Assistant Instructor
3rd degree black belt
Paul Vandergriff’s martial arts journey began in West Palm Beach, Florida, ignited by a desire for self-defense after experiencing bullying as a child. Moving to Brevard, North Carolina, at age 14, he found his calling in January 2007 at Ziegler’s Martial Arts. Under Mr. Russell Ziegler Renshi, Paul immersed himself in Okinawan Shuri-Ryu Karate-Do, earning his second-degree black belt.
Life’s demands after high school, particularly job scheduling, might have ended his formal training, but that wouldn’t stop his dedication. While working as a night shift stocker at Walmart, Paul spent two years learning Wing Chun every morning in the parking lot from a coworker, Mr. Peter Rosenthal. As he focused on career and family, Paul actively sought opportunities to continue his growth, cross-training with multiple instructors in various arts including Goju-Ryu, Muay Thai, MMA, BJJ, Taekwondo, and Shotokan. His philosophy was clear: the joy was in the learning, not just in the rank or a specific style.
Paul’s path eventually led him to Mr. Karl Wagner, Kyoshi, in Arden, North Carolina. Though initial job schedules prevented training, their friendship greatened. After moving closer to Asheville, North Carolina, and securing a new job schedule, Paul was finally able to join Mr. Wagner’s school. In September 2024, he was honored with the rank of third-level black belt in Okinawan Shuri-Ryu Karate-Do.
Today, Paul is an Assistant Instructor at Asheville Shuri-ryu Karate-do Kai under Mr. Karl Wagner, Kyoshi. He continues to learn and grow, embodying martial arts as a path of defense and preservation for oneself and others, all in the pursuit of peace.