All instructors have trained in Shotokan karate-dō for decades and have advanced rank and qualifications with the Japan Karate Association.

Learn more about the Shotokan Karate – dō instructors:

Jackie Martinez

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 is a member of the Arizona JKA Board of Directors and teaches adults and children in our beginning, intermediate, and advanced level classes.

Bobby Quihuis

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 is a member of the Arizona JKA Board of Directors and teaches adults and children in our beginning, intermediate, and advanced level classes.

Rolf Lohr

Rolf Lohr began training in JKA Shotokan Karate-dō in1978 under Master Ochi in Germany and became a student of Master Koyama in 1999.  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. 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 is a member of the Arizona JKA Board of Directors, and teaches adults and children in our beginning, intermediate, and advanced level classes.

Joe Quihuis

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.  Joe is a member of the Arizona JKA Board of Directors. An advocate of “life-long training,” Joe currently teaches the morning classes, which benefits from students who have decades of training at our dojo. 

Kimi Abbott

Kimi Abbott began training in JKA Shotokan karate-dō as she was learning to walk, literally. The daughter of Joan and Garry Abbott, Kimi began her life in a family already dedicated to the practice of karate-dō. Joan and Garry founded our dojo in 1961, and were responsible for bringing Sensei Koyama to Phoenix from Japan in 1964. Kimi is a 3rd Degree Black Belt (Sandan) with life long experience learning and teaching karate-dō. Kimi is a member of the Arizona JKA Board of Directors, and teaches in our beginning level classes.

Hideki Kunitada

Hideki began his martial arts training as an undergraduate student at Aichi University in Japan. Hideki began training with his children under Master Koyama in 2009.  Hideki is a 3rd degree black belt (Sandan) and holds a JKA credentials for Instructor.  In addition to teaching at Arizona Hideki also teaches karate at Arizona State University.  Hideki is a prolific competitor and has placed highly in numerous tournaments at the local, national, and international level.  Hideki teaches in our beginning level classes.

Onray Henricus 

Onray Henricus began his training in traditional Shotokan Karate-dō in 2004 in Sri Lanka under Sensei RJ Dickson, and became a student of Master Koyama in 2017.  Onray is a 2nd degree black belt (Nidan) and is an active competitor. Onray has been a member of USA JKA/WF America Team for 2 years. Onray teaches in our beginning level classes.

Thiago Stangherlin Barbosa

Thiago Stangherlin Barbosa began his training in 2002 with Sensei Roberto Carlos da Silva in Brazil, and became a student of Master Koyama in 2016. Thiago is a 2nd degree black belt (Nidan) and is an active competitor. Thiago was a member of USA JKA/WF America Team in 2019. Thiago teaches in our beginning level classes.

Brian Lipton

Brian Lipton began training in JKA Shotokan Karate-dō in 1986 under Master Koyama, and continued training under Master Mikami between 1993 and 2001. In 2001 Brian returned to his training under Master Koyama. Brian is a 5th degree (Godan) black belt, has over 36 years of experience teaching karate, and has participated in local, national, and international tournaments. Brian teaches adults and children in our Saturday classes.