Dr. Mark Laughlin, Chief Instructor
229-931-2250; Mark.Laughlin@gsw.edu

Mark Laughlin earned a black belt in contemporary-traditional karate from Lifeforce Karate and Self-Defense (Columbia, SC), and was a member of the Leadership Team, Competition Team, and Black Belt Club. He began his martial art training in kick boxing with Sugarr Banks, and soon began studying karate with Billee Purvis. 

He has competed in martial arts tournaments throughout the United States including competitions in California, New York, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and Virginia.  As a competitor at the National Blackbelt League's World Games, he has won 19 World Championships in forms, weapons, and sparring, and in 2010 won the Sport Karate International League overall points title. In 2009 he broke the league's 25 year record by winning 7 world titles, and in 2010 won 9 world titles, winning more titles in a single year than any advanced competitor, ever. 


His accomplishments include (selected):

National Blackbelt League/Sport Karate World Games

9 World Titles, Overall Points Champion, 2010, Sacramento, CA
Triple Crown World Champion (Forms, Weapons, and Sparring)
Silver Medalist 

7 World Titles, 2009, Buffalo, NY
Triple Crown World Champion (Forms, Weapons, and Sparring)
2 Silver Medals

3 World Titles, 2008, Sacramento, CA
2 Silver Medals


Major Tournament Wins

Magnolia State Nationals, New Orleans, LA
Dixieland Nationals, Columbia, SC
Survivor: International Karate Championships, Jekyll Island, GA
Carolina Open, Columbia, SC
Mountain View Open Karate Championships, Hickory, NC

 
Honors

Induction into the TCT Hall of Fame (Overall Points Champion) 2008
Black Warrior Hall of Fame, Martial Artist of the Year 2008
Dojo Sport Karate Circuit Competitor of the Year, 2008, 2009, and 2010
Martial Arts Tournament Tour Competitor of the Year, 2008, 2009, and 2010

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