Ernest Williams, local legend and veteran
CARY, N.C. — A local martial arts competitor has been quietly making waves in the regional karate tournament scene. North Cary citizen Ernest Williams has placed in the top of his division in almost every tournament he has competed in since 2014. Most recently, he swept the entire men’s category at Hanchi Lacey Green’s tournament in Fayetteville. Placing first in men’s traditional, and open kata, first in weapons, and first in sparring. We were thrilled to speak with Mr. Williams to gain insight into his
background and what drives him to compete at such a high level all while balancing work and family.
Ernest first encountered martial arts when he entered the military on March 12, 1999. In New York, he completed a combatives course and became an instructor. He was stationed for some time in Korea and received training in advanced Tae Kwon Do. He then went on to achieve his black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a prestigious 3rd-degree black belt in Hapkido. Currently, he is studying Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kung Fu with Balance Martial Arts in Morrisville.
An imposing figure, Williams stands tall at over 6 feet and dominates the ring. This past August he competed at the North Carolina Nationals in Durham.
“This event was a new challenge,” said Ernest, “Martial artist’s from different styles were allowed to participate.”
Some of the styles included were Kung Fu, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Jeet Kune Do.
“I learned that every style is completely different. For example: In a boxing match, you know what your opponent will be throwing. But when going against a kung fu practitioner, you can’t plan for what he will be doing.”
Tournaments like these are what keeps the game exciting, it always gives competitors a chance to grow and improve.
He shared the proudest moment in his tournament career: “It was in Fayetteville at Hanchi Green’s tournament. I walked on the mat and performed Ananou (a traditional Shorin-Ryu form dating back to the early 1900s). The whole crowd was in complete silence watching, and when I finished, they exploded with cheering. That was the best, knowing you did an amazing job, and then earning the recognition from the judges and other competitors.”
Outside the ring, Mr. Williams has a heart of gold. He constantly encourages and pushes other martial artists to be their best as well.
His advice to students that want to get into competition: “Martial arts does not stop as soon as you leave the school. You constantly have to keep pushing and training. I have another tournament in October, and I’ll train in some way every day until then. It’s not just the techniques— it’s stretching, it’s running, it’s strength building. You have to find out what you need to improve. Be patient, and keep pushing.”
It’s not hard to see what makes Ernest such a talented competitor; a burning passion for the martial arts and the never-ending pursuit of perfection. We salute him for his leadership, and we are so very thankful for his years of service in the military.
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