Jackie Martinez began training in JKA Shotokan Karate-dō in 1978 under Master Nishiyama in Los Angeles, California, and became a student of Master Koyama in 2004. Jackie is a 5th degree black belt (Godan) and holds JKA credentials for Instructor, Judge, and Examiner. Jackie has participated in local, national, and international tournaments as both a competitor and judge, and has assisted with organizing and running numerous tournaments and training camps. Jackie has over 30 years of experience teaching karate in California, Illinois, at Purdue University, and in Arizona under Master Koyama. In addition to teaching at Arizona JKA, Jackie also teaches karate at Arizona State University. Reflecting on the role of karate in her own life, Jackie says, “My life has been greatly enriched by my karate teachers and the many people I’ve had the privilege of training with. My goal is always to create a positive environment that encourages our growth and development both as karatekas and as human beings.” Jackie teaches adults and children in our beginning, intermediate, and advanced level classes.

Bobby Quihuis trained under Master Koyama for over 30 years, is a 5th degree black belt (Godan), and holds JKA credentials for Instructor, Judge, and Examiner. With over 30 years of experience in teaching children and adults, she is able to bring her love of traditional karate to the Phoenix community. Bobby has competed in local, national, and international tournaments, and assisted with organizing, running, and judging the annual Western States tournament for many years. In reflecting on her years of teaching, Bobby states, "Seeing the positive influence karate training has on an individual's character development over time is one of my greatest pleasures. To see a child mature to adulthood while developing their confidence and skills, and helping to foster that development, is truly a privilege." Bobby teaches adults and children in our beginning, intermediate, and advanced level classes.

Joe Quihuis began training in JKA Shotokan karate-dō with Master Koyama after many years of being a gymnast and training in judo. Joe is a 4th Degree Black Belt (Yondan) with over 35 years of teaching experience. The time he spent training under Master Koyama laid a strong foundation for the philosophical aspects of karate training. An advocate of "life-long training," Joe currently teaches the morning classes, which benefits from students who have decades of training at our dojo.

Rolf Lohr began training in JKA Shotokan Karate-dō in1978 under Master Ochi in Germany and became a student of Master Koyama1999. Rolf is a 5th degree black belt (Godan) and holds JKA credentials for Instructor, Judge, and Examiner. Rolf has participated in local, national, and international tournaments as both a competitor and judge, and has assisted with organizing and running numerous tournaments and training camps. Rolf teaches adults and children in our beginning, intermediate, and advanced level classes. Thinking about his teaching, Rolf says, “After lifelong training in karate, my responsibility is to teach martial arts knowledge to new students so that future generations can take advantage of this beautiful art to improve their lives and happiness.” Rolf teaches adults and children in our beginning, intermediate, and advanced level classes.