JKA Karate of Arizona

I moved to AZ from NY in 1979, where I originally trained in Shotokan Karate, and soon after met and trained with Sensei Coburn. After numerous long gaps, I returned a few years ago to resume training, and I have to say, this JKA Shotokan Karate at the Chandler YMCA is still as legit as ever, and always.

This Karate Dojo is the Best I have ever seen. Everything about it is first class. They have some of the best instructors including Sensei Chuck Coburn, a former world champion and world competitor for many years, with over 45 years of experience as Chief Instructor (Sensei). Their traditional ways of training and teaching is as close and as authentic as you can get to the way they train in Japan. My sons and I are so thankful to be able to train with such high quality Karate Dojo, yet conveniently located right off the US 60 freeway and Alma School Road, inside beautiful Fiesta Mall. Hope to see ya'll all there!

Amazing Sensei! I have trained all over the world and always look forward to Sensei Coburn's classes! Plus, his group of students are very dedicated and have Great Energy and train very hard! No matter your rank, If you have the opportunity to train there, you will not be disappointed!

Best karate school I’ve seen. It’s traditional and authentic, and internationally renown. I always look for the best for our daughter, because I need to make the best use of my time. The training at Shotokan Karate of Arizona is excellent – it is intense, but the children are provided opportunities to have a ton of fun when they earn it by training diligently. All the karateka – children and adults – are accomplished inside and outside the Dojo. And, everyone has each other’s backs. We feel privileged to be a part of this Dojo. An additional benefit is that training is provided up to 6 days per week for one extremely affordable price. I highly recommend it. I am so glad I found them, and our daughter LOVES training here.

Chuck and his awesome staff at JKA Karate are exceptionally talented ,qualified, patient, knowledgeable and experienced karate instructors. Learning and teaching the Shotokan traditional Japanese form of karate has been a lifetime passion for Chuck and his wife who is also his business partner and a fellow instructor. His lifelong dedication to karate combined with his love for teaching and passing along his several decades of knowledge to the next generation is quite evident in his standards and expectations for his students. Our 6 year old "Luka" started a year ago with several other students his own age that he has grown with, learned with and become friends with. JKA provides a very welcoming atmosphere and much like a small family of committed like minded dedicated people in all the various age classes from kids to seniors at all skill levels. Chuck expects and requires the same level of commitment, effort, respect and dedication of his students that he provides through his training classes. Students definitely learn and grow as Chuck takes the time to understand the needs, strengths and weaknesses of each of his students to achieve optimum results in skill, dedication and character. Along with seeking involvement and input from the parents or family so everyone is working together as a team towards the students ultimate success. If you are looking for a reasonably priced karate school for yourself or a young one I can recommend Chuck and his team highly. You will EARN every belt or title you receive through hard work, practice, skill, dedication and effort. Chuck demands much from his students but gives back even more by passing along his many many decades of knowledge, skill and experience through his and his staffs guidance, support and instruction. (Below quote copied from Wikipedia) "Japan Karate Association (日本 空手 協会; Nihon Karate Kyokai; JKA; sometimes referred to simply as Kyokai 協会 in Japan) is one of the oldest global Shotokan karate organization in the world. Origins. Gichin Funakoshi played a major role in introducing karate from Okinawa to Japan" ...