Management
Sensei Chuck Coburn
Director and Chief Instructor
Rank: 7th Dan
Chuck Coburn is a 7th Dan black belt with the Japan Karate Association and the Director and Chief Instructor of JKA Arizona. He began his karate training in 1969 at Sensei Shojiro Koyama’s dojo and has now been training for 56 years. He started teaching in 1971, marking 54 years of instruction. Chuck trained under Master Shojiro Koyama, 9th Dan, who remained his primary Sensei until his passing in 2021. He continues to uphold and teach the principles of traditional JKA Shotokan Karate with a focus on strong fundamentals, discipline, and lifelong learning. More details available upon request or can be linked from a full bio.
Sensei Cheryl Coburn
Senior Instructor
Rank: 6th Dan
Cheryl Coburn is a 6th Dan black belt and co-owner of JKA Arizona. She began her training with Chuck Coburn—now her husband—in 1974 and has over 50 years of experience in traditional Shotokan Karate. Cheryl is a former national competitor and certified JKA instructor who leads youth and adult classes. She brings a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of kata and kihon to every class.
Marty Alvarez
Special Advisor
Rank: 3rd Dan
Marty Alvarez is a 3rd Dan black belt who began his training with Sensei Shojiro Koyama at Arizona State University in 1968. After graduating, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. Upon completing his military service, he returned to train under Sensei Chuck Coburn in 1974. Mr. Alvarez is the President and CEO of Sun Eagle Corporation, a general contracting company, and has been a strong supporter of JKA Arizona since 1974. He remains highly involved in supporting the dojo and its members.
Instructors
Julian Fisher
Senior Instructor • Western Region Representative
Rank: 4th Dan
Year You Started Karate: 1982
Where You Began Training: Leicestor University England
Major Achievements: JKA Qualifications
Teaching Role: Assist in Teaching
Professional Background: Engineer
Raul Andaya
Senior Instructor • Western Region Representative
Rank: 4th Dan
Year You Started Karate: 1982
Training: N/A
Major Achievements: JKA Qualifications, JKA 2024 JKA US Team Member
Teaching Role: Assist in teaching
Professional Background: Data Engineer
Hideki Kunitada
Senior Instructor
Rank: 4th Dan
Started Karate: 1978
Trained: Aichi University Japan
Major Achievements: JKA Qualifications • Top competitor senior kumite JKA, WUKF, AAU
Teaching Role: Assist in teaching
Professional Background: Teacher
Heidi Jacobsen
Communications and Social Media Director
Rank: 3rd Dan
Year You Started Karate: 1996
Where You Began Training: Bosina
Major Achievements: National, International Champion
Teaching Role: Kata
Professional Background: Corp Security
Michale Burke
Assistant Instructor
Rank: 3rd Dan
Year You Started Karate: 1997
Where You Began Training: JKA Sensei Takashina in Florida
Major Achievements: Life time dedication to studying and training in Karate.
Teaching Role: Assist in teaching youth
Professional Background: Senior Finance Director
Tom McFetters
Assistant Instructor
Rank: 2nd Dan
Year You Started Karate: 1999
Where You Began Training: Arizona – Sensei Meyers
Major Achievements: JKA Qualifications Instructor & Judge
Teaching Role: Assistant with all classes
Professional Background: Meat Cutter
Jorge Francisco Sánchez Elizalde
Assistant instructor / youth competition team coach
Rank: 1st Dan (* 3rd Dan)
Year You Started Karate: 1987
Where You Began Training: Mexico City under my father
Major Achievements: National & International Competitor
Teaching Role: Assistant instructor and youth competition team coaching
Professional Background: Restaurant Manager
Wayne Smith
Assistant Instructor
Current Rank: 1st dan (* 5th Dan)
Year You Started Karate: 1974
Where You Began Training: Japan
Major Achievements: Training in Japan
Teaching Role: Youth and Adults
Professional Background: Executive Business Manager
