The Arizona Traditional Martial Arts Center was organized in 1971 as an affiliate of the Arizona Karate Association (AKA). ATMAC is a member of the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF). Karate (empty hand) was developed to use hands, feet, elbows and knees to defend against one or more aggressors. Traditional karate is taught in three stages:

Stage One: Kihon are basic techniques such as blocks, punches and kicks that are practiced and perfected through repetition.

Stage Two: Kata are formal exercises, which resemble rhythmically choreographed movements, simulating defensive techniques against multiple imaginary opponents.

Stage Three: Kumite is the controlled use of techniques in simulated combat. This training requires development of discipline, concentration, speed and coordination to ensure training partners do not get hurt. All training should be closely monitored by a qualified black belt.

Sensei Coburn is Chief Instructor and the Western Region Director for the ISKF and has built a reputation in the community for hard training and furtherance of true martial arts principles, which are to encourage the sound development of its members so that they will benefit physically, morally, and spiritually.

Something for Everyone
All kinds of people benefit from martial arts training. Men, women and children from the age of 5 to mature adulthood can be found at our dojo. A sampling of our students' backgrounds include: Kindergarten through college students, law enforcement officers, firefighters, homemakers, office workers, doctors, lawyers, stockbrokers and many others.

Instructor: Chuck Coburn, 5th Dan

Chief Instructor and ISKF's Western Region Director

Sensei Chuck Coburn holds the rank of 5th degree black belt, and holds a Class B judge ranking. Mr. Coburn's formal training began in 1969 under Master Shojiro Koyama. In addition, he has the opportunity to train with some of the world's most renowned instructors, i.e. Masters Nakayama, Okazaki, and Yaguchi. He has won numerous awards for tournament competition in the past 25 years and has represented the United States in international competition numerous times: 1975 World Karate Championships (IAKF); 1977-1980 AAU-US Member; 1981,1982, 1985, 1994 ISKF-US Team member. Sensei Coburn participated in the 1st, 5th and was a judge in the 6th World Shotocup. Sensei Coburn is also an instructor at Mesa Community College.