About Us

Master Joe Scota’s journey into Tang Soo Do began as a way to support his son’s interest in karate, but it quickly evolved into a passion and a career path. His dedication is evident in his attainment of the 6th Degree International Master Black Belt in the World Tang Soo Do Association and the establishment of Scota Karate Academy, which has been serving its community since November of 1993.

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Master Scota made the significant move to Taylors, SC in August of 1993, motivated by both professional opportunities and a desire for a better lifestyle in the South. Since April 1, 2000, he has been fully committed to teaching Tang Soo Do, sharing his expertise and enthusiasm with students of all ages.

His enjoyment in working with both children and adults underscores his holistic approach to martial arts instruction, fostering growth and development across all age groups. Through his dedication and passion, Master Scota continues to inspire and empower his students on their martial arts journey.

Mrs. Sybil Scota is a 3rd degree black belt in the WTSDA and a 4th degree black belt in open style Tang Soo Do. She also earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from West Chester University in West Chester, PA in 2001. Mrs. Scota has been teaching Tang Soo Do for over 30 years.

In 1989, Mrs. Scota began training in the martial arts for a classic reason, a bully at school. She has trained continuously in both traditional and open Tang Soo Do systems ever since. In 1995 Mrs. Scota became the first female member of the Philadelphia National Karate Team. She quite literally fought for her spot on the team by competing in 32 tournaments in one year and becoming nationally ranked. She counts membership in the Philadelphia National Karate Team as one of the highest honors of her marital arts career. She has competed heavily in several circuits including: North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA), National Black Belt League (NBL), and the Southeast Karate Alliance (SKA), reaching a national ranking of #2 in the female light weight point sparring division.

Born and raised in Delaware County, PA, she relocated to South Carolina with her husband, Dr. Joe Scota, in 2004. Mrs. Scota has been an instructor with Scota Karate Academy ever since. She and her husband have five children, all of whom have earned their black belts in the WTSDA.

Conner Stevenson was born on July 7th, 2003 in Taylors, South Carolina. Conner started taking karate lessons at SKA in August of 2011 when he was 8 years old and has now been training for almost 13 years. Conner is a 3rd degree black belt and has been instructing for almost 7 years. Conner started taking karate in the beginning as a simple hobby to do after playing baseball and it quickly became more than a hobby as he went from belt to belt. His favorite parts of karate are sparring and testing himself against other martial artists in competitions.

Conner Stevenson’s martial arts journey began as a young child in Taylors, South Carolina, where he was born on July 7th, 2003. At the age of 8, in August of 2011, he embarked on his karate journey at SKA. Now, nearly 13 years later, Conner has honed his skills and dedication, rising to the rank of 3rd-degree black belt.

Impressively, Conner has also transitioned into an instructor role, sharing his knowledge and passion with others for almost 7 years. What started as a simple hobby after baseball quickly transformed into a lifelong pursuit, as Conner progressed from belt to belt, immersing himself in the art of Tang Soo Do.

For Conner, the allure of karate lies in its dynamic aspects, particularly sparring and the opportunity to challenge himself against fellow martial artists in competitions. These elements not only showcase his skills but also foster personal growth and development, both on and off the mat. Conner’s dedication and enthusiasm serve as an inspiration to his peers and students alike, embodying the spirit of martial arts excellence.

Jocelyn Scota has grown up in a family of martial artists. She is a third-generation member of the Scota family participating in Tang Soo Do martial arts. Her father, mother and grandfather are lifelong martial artists.
Jocelyn is a 2nd degree black belt with the World Tang Soo Do Association. She has competed in numerous competitions demonstrating focus and determination. She enjoys teaching all classes, especially the Tiny Tigers. Jocelyn was born and raised in Taylors, SC and has been a member of Scota Karate Academy since she was 7 years old when she began training.