Acadiana Karate proudly serving Lafayette since 1978

Acadiana Karate has classes in Lafayette, perfect for kids, teen, and adult martial arts lessons.

ACADIANA KARATE
TOP RATED MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL in LAFAYETTE SINCE 1978

Who we Are And why should you Train Here

Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education, and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop, and succeed in their personal goals.

We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience level. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves. We stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident that it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life.

Get To Know Our World Class Instructors

Shihan Pablo Mejia

INSTRUCTOR BIO

Shihan Pablo F Mejia is the founder of Acadiana Karate. In 1978 he had a dream to bring Professional Martial Arts to the Acadiana Area. He holds a 5th Dan Black Belt in American Shotokan and has practiced martial arts since the early 1970’s under Sensei Takayuki Mikami, Wade Bergeron, Sensei Warren Mernard, Master Ron Van Browning and Master Zulfi Ahmed.

Respecting tradition and developing new age appropriate learning systems through martial arts education has been the driving force behind the ever changing Acadiana Karate Curriculum. Shihan believes that no one “style” is superior when it comes to learning self defense.

The Acadiana Karate Curriculum is a well rounded system which includes traditional forms, striking, stand up and ground self defense techniques, traditional weapons and its applications in our ever changing world.

Shihan has instructed thousands of students, including both Nationally and Internationally Ranked Champions.

Shihan Pablo has been a member of the National Association of Professional Martial Artists, the Martial Arts Industry Association, Kovar Systems and Bushi Ban International Networking Associations.

Under the direction of Shihan Pablo , Acadiana Karate’s students have raised over $325,000 for the non-profit organization, Miles Perret Cancer Services in its participation in the Acadiana Karate Kicks for Miles Break-a-thon and the Kick-a-thon event held at the Games of Acadiana. Acadiana Karate further supports the local community through its involvement in the Lafayette Parish JUST SAY NO Program, teaching children and young adults how to stand up to peer pressure, deal with Bullies, and Stranger Danger .

Shihan’s primary focus is to continue to educate the community about the many life skill benefits of the Martial Arts, making it a mainstream choice for all ages.

Sensei Stacey Knight Mejia

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Sensei Stacey, is a 10-time National Form and Weapons Champion. Sensei Stacey graduated from ULL with a degree in Business Administration in 1984 and then obtained her Law Degree from LSU LAW School in 1988. She has served as a Hearing Officer for the 15^th Judicial district court and represented domestic violence victims for the Lafayette Volunteer Lawyer Program. Sensei is also a Certified Health Coach with Optavia for the past 5 years.

Sensei Stacey has been practicing martial arts for the past 46 years. She was Named Black Belt Female Competitor of the Year in 1994 and represented the United States at the WAKO World Championships where she earned the Silver Medal for the United States. She was named the Overall Female Black Belt Forms Champion in 1992. She has appeared in the television series Mortal Kombat as a stunt woman and is a certified instructor with the National Association of Professional Martial Artists and speaker for the Lafayette Parish School Board’s Just Say No Program.

Sensei Stacey is also a certified teacher in Verbal Self Defense.

Outside of Martial Arts, Sensei serves on the Board of Directors for Connections Professional Women’s Networking Association.

In 2024, Sensei Stacey was named a 2024 Woman of Distinction by the Louisiana Pines to the Gulf Girls Scout Association for her work with the local Girl Scout Chapters.