Our Instructors
1. Chuck Coburn - Chief Instructor of the Shotokan Karate of Arizona and Western Regional Director of the ISKF: Began training in 1969, 40 years of training & teaching and the holds the rank of Rokudan, 6th dan. His first international event was in 1975 - US Team member for the IAKF World Championships held at the LA Sports Arena. Has been on numerous US teams, not only ISKF but other organizations as well, for international competition. He has been to various countries for competition & training, including Japan. Has won or placed in virtually every traditional karate organization’s events during a 25 year competition career. Attended various karate camps/seminars both international and national since 1971.
2. Cheryl Coburn - Assistant instructor: She has been training for 32 years and holds the rank of Godan, 5th dan and a class C judges license. During her competition career she was a top national competitor in Kumite and Kata. She was a ISKF US team member for Pan American Championships. Second place at the ISKF Nationals in kumite 1992. Western States Kumite Champion in 1992, Kata Champion 1989 and 1993.
3. Fred Kess - Assistant instructor: Holds the rank of Godan, 5th dan and holds a class B judges license. He has been training for over 32 years. He is responsible for judges training at the local level and is one of the senior instructors.
4. Andre McWilliams - Assistant instructor: Holds the rank of Yondan, 4th dan. Began Karate in 1966 in Illinois. Over the years he owned and operated three karate schools and taught at two college clubs before moving to Arizona. He was a former police officer for 20 years and retired as a police captain. He currently owns and operates McWilliams Polygraph Services.
5. Simeon Ekrissin - Assistant instructor. Holds the rank of Yondan, 4rth dan. Has been training for over 22 years. Originally from Ivory Coast, Africa and is now a US citizen. He was the former Ivory Coast Kumite & Kata Champion. His competition record in the US has been outstanding. He has virtually won or placed in every event he has entered. In the 2006 & 2007 ISKF Nationals, has taken 3rd place in kumite. Not only is he an excellent instructor with adults but children as well.
6. Marty Alvarez - Assistant instructor: Holds the rank of Sandan, 3rd dan. Has been training for over 36 years. Mr. Alvarez is the president of the largest minority business in Arizona; the Sun Eagle Corporation. He serves as the liaison with our friends and members in northern Mexico.
7. Dave Bracklow - Assistant instructor. Currently holds the rank of Sandan, 3rd dan. He has been training for over 28 years. Originally from Southern California where he trained with Sensei James Field for two years before moving to Arizona in 1983. From 1983-1993 placed or won consistently in numerous local tournaments and was part of the Western Region team during those years. An excellent instructor with adults and children.
8. Madieyna Diouf - Assistant instructor: Black Belt that has been training for over 22 years. Originally from Senegal, Africa. His competition career has been superb. He has been Kumite Champion of Senegal, the African Championships, and the West Africa Championship numerous times. Participated in the WKF World Championships for Senegal in 1996 and the 2000 World Championships taking 3rd place Kumite. Since arriving in the USA ,he has won almost every event that he has participated in for kumite. Mr. Diouf entered the ISKF Nationals, 3 times taking 1st place each time. 1st place USANKF national championships, 2nd place AAU national championships.
His competition accomplishments are to numerous to list. Excellent instructor with adults and children.
He is truly one of the world’s best traditional competitors on an international level.
All of these instructors hold Black Belt Ranking with the ISKF - International Shotokan Karate Federation and/or the JKA - Japan Karate Association, KWF - Karate No Michi. All are internationally recognized karate organizations.
