Nippon Dojo of Franklin, Kentucky

05/23/2025

Today is the 10 year anniversary of the passing of our beloved Sensei, Andy. He was a one of a kind person, who took karate as not just a self defense, but as an art, and taught all of his students with passion and care. We ask that you please keep Sensei John and Andy’s family in your prayers today.

08/30/2024

Thank you to all of our students over the past 30+ years of Nippon Dojo. We hope that you all continue to grow and learn each day. The family and community that the dojo has created over the years is so broad and so vast, and we truly feel so blessed for each student we have had, and we love you all. We are truly blessed to have kept the school open as long as we have, and we hope that you all cherish the memories with us, as our family will cherish our memories with you. We know that both Sensei John and Sensei Andy are looking down on each of you with pride and joy❤️
As of today, Nippon Dojo is permanently closed.

07/26/2024

Due to the amount of people who have reached out to us about wanting to start classes once school begins, we have decided to make this post.
As of August 29, Nippon Dojo will be closing its doors. We have been thankful to have had so many students over our 30+ years in business. With the loss of both of our sensei’s, John and Andy, we have felt that this is the right decision. We know that the legacy of Nippon Dojo will continue on through our past and present students.

07/24/2024

06/16/2024

Funeral Arrangements for Grandpa:
Visitation: Wednesday, June 19, 3p-8p, Gilbert Funeral Home, Franklin, KY
Funeral: Thursday, June 20, 10am, Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Franklin, KY, with grave side service after Mass with full military honors. Lunch to follow, back at Saint Mary’s.
If you wish to send flowers or do any donations in Grandpa’s honor, please have all flowers sent to Gilbert Funeral Home, 325 W Cedar Street, Franklin, KY 42134, listed to “The Herrmann family”. Donations may be sent to The Fathers of Mercy, 806 Shaker Museum Rd, Auburn, KY 42206, listed “In Honor of the Herrmann family”.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us during this difficult time. We look forward to seeing you at the celebration of Grandpa’s life.

06/14/2024

Nippon Dojo is very sad to announce the passing of our Sensei, John. He passed away yesterday evening, and he is at peace.
We will share arrangements once they have been made. Thank you to all of our dojo students, past and present, for your continued support of our family and our school during this time.
We ask that you continue to pray for us in this time of need.

05/31/2024

This is copied from my Grandma:
My husband, John, is in the hospital with severe back pain and cancer and unable to swallow. They are going to put in a feeding peg, either today or tomorrow. Please pray for him. He is very low in spirits and getting weaker. Please storm heaven and our Holy Lord with your prayers for his healing and health and to strengthen his love and faith. Amen 🙏
This is from me:
My grandfather is one of the strongest people I know. He’s fighting so hard right now, but he’s so tired. He’s been in the hospital for almost a week and there’s no time frame of when he can, or if he will, go home. I’m asking that if you pray, please pray for him and our family. If you don’t, please keep him in your thoughts and send positive energy his way.

04/29/2023

As most of our students are children and young adults, we do have to keep things interesting! Please enjoy as our students did a homemade obstacle course, created by Sensei John himself!
Come see him and all of our students at Nippon Dojo! Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6p-8p, across from the McDonald’s on Main Street in Franklin! We can’t wait to see you!

04/12/2023

Congratulations to our 2 students Chrys Avila and Brandon Pugh on their tests! They both passed their white belt (Ju Kyu) tests and are now orange belts (Ku Kyu). We are so proud of them and each of our students!
Come see us at Nippon Dojo on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6p-8p across from McDonald’s on Main Street!

04/08/2023

Look how young Miss MaryAnn Bagwell, Sensei Brittany Epley & Sensei John Herrmann were!

04/08/2023

Miss MaryAnn Bagwell receiving her notes from her test from her Uncle, Sensei Andy Herrmann, 9 years ago.

04/08/2023

How about a little throw back for this Saturday morning. Miss MaryAnn Bagwell receiving her orange belt from her Grandpa, Sensei John Herrmann, 9 years ago today.