Mastering the Two Worlds of Martial Arts and Combat Gaming: Shaun Townsend on the Art of Instruction, Inclusivity, and Cultural Integration

Shaun Townsend at Core Taekwondo Performance Center

Photographed by Sage Battle 

On September 1, 2024, I had the opportunity to speak with Shaun Townsend, a fourth-degree black belt and instructor at Core Taekwondo Performance Center in Wake Forest, NC. With 15 years of Taekwondo experience and eight years of teaching, Shaun’s passion for Taekwondo and dedication to his students is evident. But his story goes beyond just martial arts—he’s also a content creator, video game streamer, and coach. Not only does he lead his students by example, but he’s also the character you would want to select in a combat game to take down the final boss. He illustrates the connection between Taekwondo and video games and how they have molded his martial arts career.

Where did it all begin? Shaun and his brother, Head Master Douglas Townsend, were immersed in the world of action and kung-fu films growing up, thanks to their father. For better or worse, being about 5 or 6 years old and being taken to see Blade at the dollar-fifty movie theater every other weekend provided the exposure that sparked his interest in martial arts choreography and the cinematic world. Growing up, a love for video games like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat became the core reason for his exploration into combat strategy. Although he wishes he could have started martial arts earlier as a child, Shaun’s natural talent and dedication quickly became apparent.

“What age did you become a black belt?”
“I became a black belt at, I think, 19 years old.”
“And how old are you now?”
“I am 31.”

As a seasoned instructor of Olympic World Taekwondo, Shaun teaches others the discipline he has dedicated his life to. To think that his drive to master martial arts stops at the dojang would be a mistake. The gaming and cosplay world also holds respect for Shaun—better known as Okami Shaun. His work in gaming, motion capture, and stunt work has provided him with a unique perspective that has become embedded in his teaching style. Whether it’s on the mat or behind a lighting setup, Shaun emphasizes discipline and strategy.

At Core Taekwondo Performance Center, Shaun’s philosophy is rooted in creating a family-oriented, inclusive environment. Influenced by his own upbringing in martial arts, he works hard to foster strong connections with his students, often bonding over shared interests like anime and video games. While he’s the “cool teacher,” he is also a role model who recognizes that art, strategy, and culture exist both in person and online.

Being a Black martial arts instructor comes with its own set of challenges. Shaun addresses the difficulties of facing racist comments and preconceived notions about his role. Despite these barriers, he’s determined to maintain the integrity of the martial art and ensure that his students—regardless of background—feel valued and supported. Shaun's approach includes keeping tuition affordable to make martial arts accessible to everyone while preserving respect for the cultural roots of the discipline.

Shaun’s inclusivity extends to integrating various cultures within his classes. He incorporates Korean pop music and elements from other backgrounds, creating an environment where all students feel welcomed, appreciated, and encouraged to learn. This cultural fusion reflects the diversity of his student base and his belief that learning from diverse perspectives enhances one’s understanding of martial arts.

Since I was in the presence of an expert, I decided to ask him a question—perhaps one you’ve been wanting to ask:
“What encouraging words would you say to someone who wants to get into martial arts but has been too nervous to walk into a class? What advice would you give to a Black person who is heavily into anime and gaming but may be nervous about starting martial arts?”
Shaun encourages aspiring martial artists to remember that it’s never too late to start. “There’s always a culture for you. There’s always a place for you, and martial arts is one of the many things that encompass that,” he states firmly.

His own journey, from competition to coaching, highlights the growth and confidence martial arts can bring, both physically and mentally. He also stresses the importance of finding a supportive community, as it can have a profound impact on personal development.

For Shaun, martial arts is not just a sport but a way of life. It’s a way to connect with a community and leave a positive impact on his students. This passion is what makes Core Taekwondo Performance Center a special place—not just a space where you train, but a home for all looking to reach their full potential, both on and off the mat.

True to his vibrant character, Shaun closes the interview with a message:

“Just stay awesome, stay Black.”