The Founder

Chuck Coburn - ISKF Western Director

Chuck Coburn, Sensei a 6th dan black belt is the founder and chief instructor of SKA – Shotokan Karate of Arizona. He started teaching karate in 1971 under the guidance of the JKA - Japan Karate Association and the ISKF - International Karate Federation. Sensei Coburn has trained champions - men, women, youth, and has himself been a top international competitor. He has built a reputation in the community for demanding yet challenging classes and a furtherance of true martial arts principals. Our members receive encouragement and sound development from both our instructors as well as other members of our school. When you chose to train in a true martial art you will achieve long lasting physical, moral, and character improvement.

Shotokan Karate of Arizona offers a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages to participate in an activity that enhances your life. Character improvement through karate training becomes an essential element of our program. We offer training for men, women, children, in a true Traditional Japanese Martial Art. Whether you are interested in looking to improve health, mental and physical, exercise, and self-defense, relieve stress, competition, our Dojo offers you the best. We have classes six 6 days week. We can and will fit your schedule and physical fitness needs.

Mission Statement

Shotokan Karate of Arizona strives to be one of the most reputable and respected organizations, dedicated to the promotion, preservation and education of Shotokan Karate and its traditions but embracing the new. Formality, Respect, Tradition, and Discipline.

Our principal objective is to offer Shotokan Karate as a Martial Art with these concepts.
Our curriculum and approach are designed to work with people of all levels of skill and fitness from beginning to advance to bring out the best in every individual. Our program provides training in a positive, family oriented environment.

We are committed to excellence in teaching and services to our members. To achieve this goal we provide the highest level of instruction available. It is the responsibility of each member to seek a sincere commitment to self-improvement of the mind and body in accordance with the teachings of our Martial Art known as Shotokan Karate Dô.

Optimists do not wait for improvements; they achieve it.

Shotokan Karate of Arizona

We are a fully accredited traditional martial arts dojo, teaching Shotokan karate to men, women and children for over 38 years under Sensei Chuck Coburn, a 6th-degree black belt.
Karate is a weaponless system of self-defense, which is also an excellent all-around fitness regimen, exercising 90% of the body’s muscles in a combination of aerobic and anaerobic workouts. It also develops mental concentration and strong spirit. The ultimate goal: development of character.
Why choose us? Compare these features to other schools:

Worldwide Affiliation

Travel? Move often? The ISKF (International Shotokan Karate Federation), one of the most-respected Shotokan karate organizations in the world, is found in over 40 countries and throughout the United States. Training and testing are standardized. Ranks earned in the ISKF are recognized throughout the worldwide organization. Books and videos are available to help supplement practice. (We are the U.S. Western regional headquarters of the ISKF.)

Quality Instruction

Mr. Chuck Coburn brings invaluable teaching experience that very few can offer. He has trained extensively under many of the worlds best very best JKA instructors. Masters Nakayama, Okazaki, Nishyama, Yaguchi, Mikami, Koyama,Tanaka, Yahara, Takashina, Osaka. The school has many exceptional assistant instructors. Many who have been teaching for over 20 or more years. Unlike many other schools, most of the classes are taught by the chief instructor and usually have several senior assistant instructors in class. No class is taught by anyone under the rank of black belt.

Amount of Classes

We hold morning and evening classes for adults, and afternoon classes for children, 6 to 7 days a week. Training is unlimited—that is, you may participate in as many general classes as you wish. Facility includes showers. Student and family discounts are available.
Special Trainings
Special seminars, intensive training camps and special interest classes are available to members periodically throughout the year, as well as a national newsletter.