Continuing the Tradition
Arizona JKA is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization established to carry on the legacy of Master Shojiro Koyama, and is the continuation of Arizona Karate Association. We are Japan Karate Association-qualified instructors teaching all levels of Shotokan Karate-Do.
Lifetime Exercise
We train in karate as lifetime exercise. We have members as young as 5 and as old as 80. Martial Arts training helps in all aspects of life, increasing overall health and well-being, stress reduction, and increased focus.
Educational Karate-Do
Karate-do is physical, mental, and spiritual. In addition to practicing kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring), we learn about the philosophy and Japanese culture.
News
December Festivities!
Kyu and Dan Certificates It's always exciting when students reach milestones - for us, that means successfully completing ranking examinations. We always make a celebration of it - when students pass an exam, they are [...]
Holiday Gathering and Celebration of Sensei Koyama’s Birthday and Retirement
Please join us at our Holiday Gathering, at which we will also be honoring Sensei Koyama for both his birthday and his retirement. The event features a catered dinner. Please register for the event by [...]
Phoenix Rising Buddhist Meditation finds a home at Arizona JKA
On Tuesday evening and Sunday morning, you may notice activity at the dojo. We are excited to have Phoenix Rising Buddhist Meditation in our space to hold meditation classes. We have much in common philosophically, [...]
Arizona JKA – A Cultural Blend of Old and New
By Sensei Bobby Quihuis Our History The Arizona JKA is steeped in tradition, yet has the energy and excitement of a new organization. The Dojo continues to be a cultural blend of the old and [...]
September Kata of the Month: Jiin
For the month of September, we will be focusing on the kata Jiin. Check back here for more information about this Kata from Sensei Bobby.
Updates – Late August and Early September
As a reminder, we update this site regularly! If you want to know if the dojo is closed on Labor Day (it is), or if you are curious about that new Introductory Class, the website [...]
Celebration of Master Koyama
Please join us and Nariman Afkami, President of the JKA/WF America, to celebrate Master Koyama’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Master Ueki presented it to him by at National Camp in June. The party will be at [...]
August Kata: Nijushiho
Each month, the Senseis choose one kata for the "kata of the month." The Adult class will focus on learning the kata, and it will also guide the training in kumite and kihon. This month's [...]
Changes Around the Dojo
If you drive by or stop by Arizona JKA, you will see that there are some changes around the dojo. While most of these changes are cosmetic, some are more significant. Our capital campaign has [...]
Our Instructors
Our instructors have all trained in Shotokan karate-do for decades.
All have advanced rank and qualifications with the Japan Karate Association.
Sensei Shojiro Koyama
Chief InstructorSensei Shojiro Koyama
Master Koyama has been the Chief Instructor for the Arizona Karate Association since 1964. He holds the rank of 8th dan with the Japan Karate Association.Master Koyama will continue to teach for the AJKA until his retirement.
Jackie Martinez
InstructorJackie Martinez
Jackie Martinez began her karate training in 1978 at the age of 17 in the All American Karate Federation under the direction of Hidetaka Nishiyama. Since then, karate-dō has had a constant presence in her life. The principles of the Dojo Kun have proven to be an enduring philosophy in both her personal life and professional endeavors.
Jackie currently holds the rank of go-dan with the Japan Karate Association. She is a B Level Instructor, C Level Judge, and D Level Examiner. In addition to teaching at the Arizona JKA, she offers karate classes at ASU through the Professional Physical Education program, and is the coach of the JKA@ASU Sport Club. She has been a student of Master Koyama since 2004. Jackie teaches in the Adult class and the Family Class.
Bobby Quihuis
InstructorBobby Quihuis
Bobby Quihuis has been training under Master Koyama for over 30 years, is a fifth degree black belt (Godan), and holds JKA credentials for Instructor, Judge, and Examiner. With over 25 years of experience teaching children and adults, Bobby is the Chief Instructor for the Family Class and the Saturday classes. She 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."
Joe Quihuis
InstructorJoe Quihuis
Joe Quihuis began training in Shotokan with Sensei Koyama after many years of being a gymnast and training in judo.
Joe is a yon-dan with Instructor and Judging Qualification, and is an instructor in the Adult Class and the Kata Class.
Rolf Lohr
InstructorRolf Lohr
Rolf Lohr started Karate in Europe under the lead of Shihan Ochi in Germany in 1978. During his karate career, he participated in many tournaments and ranked in both national and regional championships. Among his accomplishments where First Place Kata Team and 3rd place Kumite. He is a 5th Dan issued by the JKA (Japan Karate Association), and holds the qualifications of B level certified instructor, C level judge and D level examiner.
Rolf teaches in the Adult and Kata classes.
Instructor Trainees
Raul Andaya
Lisa Anderson
Kaitlin Baudier
Mike Burke
Jason Kuhn
Hideki Kunitada
Brian Lipton
Reviews
“Koyama sensei and his many dedicated and proficient students are legends both in the US and abroad. I've been training for 16 years and have been looking forward to training at this dojo for a long time. My first few classes have been great. The class is full of people showing good spirit, and the instruction is also very individualized. A warm atmosphere and top-notch instruction, what more could you ask for?”
Kaitlin Baudier
“Great Dojo, great instructors, senpai and amazing sensei Master Shojiro Koyama
Thank all of you for allowing me to participate in this, I am very glad to have had this opportunity.”
Fabio Foggi
“Classes here are more than a workout. We all sweat, but many of us also have experienced improved health, sleep, focus, and reduced stress.”
Lisa Anderson
“My husband & I trained here for 35 years. This is a family dojo as our children & grandchildren have trained as well. The best part was training in the family class with our grandchildren.”
Shari Mangin
"This is a perfect place to train karate in the most fulfilling way of the martial art. There are many experienced black belts that have learned this noble martial art from our legendary karate master Koyama Sensei who is very close to the root of the real karate shotokan! The Sensei and the Senpais are very helpful and wise. There is a family atmosphere on the place that make us feel home. Respect and learning are priorities on this dojo. I feel very fortunate to have found this wonderful place. A real dojo with a real Karate that will change your life completely!"
Thiago Barbosa
If you're looking for a real traditional JKA (Japan Karate Association) system of shotokan karate school in the Phoenix area, THIS IS THE PLACE. The school is registered under JKA/WF (World Federation) America and also with JKA Headquarter in Japan. This organization is the successor of Arizona Karate Association. Shojiro Koyama Sensei is the Chief Instructor. Under his tutelage are dedicated and highly qualified JKA instructors. This is not a JKA wanna-be school but the REAL DEAL. The instructions in the class are based on the latest JKA teaching methodologies. The teachings are very technical in nature and helps you understand the reasons behind every kihon (basic karate techniques), kata (karate form or structured karate techniques and movement) and kumite (sparring) that you'll learn. The classes are enjoyable too, but making sure everyone learn and develop one's self seriously. It might be daunting at the start, but your hard work will pay off. As Koyama Sensei always say, "No pain no gain". If you're serious in learning the JKA system of shotokan karate, develop positive attitude and self-confidence, as well enjoy the camaraderie of its members, THIS IS THE PLACE. Come on and join and see it for yourself.”
Raul Andaya
“It’s hardly been 1 year and Jane has learned so much. Having just earned her third belt, the color green is somehow now her new favorite color. Jane’s family and friends have all commented on how she’s more confident, super toned and beams with pride when asked about her training.
The instructors each bring something special and her fellow students are kind and supportive.
Jane looks forward to going to the dojo 3 times a week, anything a 17 year old does without being asked, especially karate is worth its weight in gold. ”
Tori Eggleston