Gold Lion Karate Proudly Serving Cape Coral

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, but we also stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life.

My name is Carlos David Arce and I began my martial arts journey at the young age of 12. Karate provided me with the foundations for a successful and fulfilling life. I overcame bullying due to improved self-esteem because I had confidence in my physical and emotional self. Thanks to this lifestyle of focus, determination, and dedication, I received a full academic scholarship and degree from UCLA. The determination I learned in karate led me to excel in my athletic boxing career and helped me walk through life with faith and fearlessness. 

I met my Sensei and childhood mentor, Gerry Blanck, who taught me how to defend myself by using my hands, and soon enough, karate became my life. Karate helped me feel accomplished, validated, listened to, and confident in myself. It also gave me a safe environment to be myself. I would attend kickboxing fights and karate competitions in the city of Los Angeles and would compete in many tournaments winning many trophies and accolades. I learned what it meant to work hard and have dedication toward a passion of mine at a very young age.  

I began to pursue boxing after getting my black belt, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I was able to travel and compete in many places while meeting many people from all around the world. I was a part of two national boxing teams earning a high rank of 6th in the United States in 2007 and 2008. I competed in many national USA Boxing tournaments as well as international Olympic qualifiers in Trinidad and Tobago, World Games in Milan, Italy, and Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez Puerto Rico. I made my last and third Olympic attempt with team USA for the Tokyo Games and came shortly after being eliminated in November 2019 in Oxnard California.  

Sensei Blanck gave me the opportunity to lead classes which is where I found my calling in life. I pursued my dreams of being an Olympian and I am grateful for all of the mentors I had during my athletic career. My athletic experience allowed me to grow and mature as an athlete and man. Now my calling is to be Sensei Carlos in the community of Cape Coral. I created Gold Lion Karate as a way to help children develop physically, emotionally, and socially just as I did. My goal as Sensei is to help children and their families lead healthier and happier lives. Children will learn the values of breathing, patience, doing their best, and self-defense techniques, along with learning healthy behaviors that will help them adjust to life as they grow into adulthood and society.  

Thank you for taking the time to read about your child’s Sensei. I look forward to working together with you and helping develop your child's confidence and pride in themselves.