JKA Karate of Arizona
JKA Karate of Arizona (YMCA Chandler/Gilbert), 1655 W Frye Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224
About
JKA Karate of Arizona offers group lessons, private lessons, and karate classes, including kids karate classes. The program focuses on Traditional Japanese Shôtôkan Karate and includes self-defense, competition, physical fitness, relieving stress, cultural exchange, special classes, seminars, and exams.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Group classes are offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, with private lessons available by appointment on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and special classes, seminars, and exams announced separately.
• Price: 授業料 (Tuition)授業料 Tuition Check the current tuition prices and upcoming class schedule.
JKA Karate of Arizona is a fully accredited martial art school founded in 1971 under the leadership of chief instructor Chuck Coburn. The martial arts programs are designed by trained professionals and follow Traditional Japanese Shôtôkan Karate, which is described as the most widely practiced style of karate-do today. The program states that since 1971 it has upheld the highest standards of the Japan Karate Association and invites students to become the next link in the chain of traditional Shotokan Karate through the Japan Karate Association.
Chuck Coburn is the owner, head instructor, and chief instructor, and he began training with JKA instructor Shojiro Koyama in 1969 and began teaching at Koyama Sensei’s request in 1971. Sensei Coburn is a 7th-degree black belt with over 56 years of experience. JKA instructor Shojiro Koyama moved from Japan to Arizona in 1964 to teach karate and established the Japan Karate Association of Arizona and the Arizona Karate Association, first teaching a karate club at Phoenix College in 1971 and later teaching in Mesa under the name JKA of Mesa, which was later changed to JKA Karate of Arizona. Upon Master Koyama’s retirement in 2018, Sensei Coburn assumed the name of Japan Karate Association of Arizona.
The program notes that karate offers mental, physical, and social benefits and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, and that students of all ages are welcome, from kids to seniors. It also states that it has a tradition of teaching and learning that comes from Japan and has spread worldwide. The mission statement explains that since 1971, JKA Arizona has aimed to uphold the highest standards of the Japan Karate Association with a commitment to world-class instruction, cultural exchange, and lifelong friendship, and that through dedicated training it seeks to cultivate physical and mental strength, develop strong character, and make a positive impact on society.
The school identifies itself as fully accredited and notes that one of its referenced masters holds the rank of 9th dan with the Japan Karate Association, was the first master in Shotokan history to attain the rank of 9th dan while alive, and was posthumously awarded the rank of 10th dan. The program also states that the first class is free and that a uniform is not required for the trial class.
Last updated January 10, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Group classes are offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, with private lessons available by appointment on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and special classes, seminars, and exams announced separately.
• Price: 授業料 (Tuition)授業料 Tuition Check the current tuition prices and upcoming class schedule.
JKA Karate of Arizona is a fully accredited martial art school founded in 1971 under the leadership of chief instructor Chuck Coburn. The martial arts programs are designed by trained professionals and follow Traditional Japanese Shôtôkan Karate, which is described as the most widely practiced style of karate-do today. The program states that since 1971 it has upheld the highest standards of the Japan Karate Association and invites students to become the next link in the chain of traditional Shotokan Karate through the Japan Karate Association.
Chuck Coburn is the owner, head instructor, and chief instructor, and he began training with JKA instructor Shojiro Koyama in 1969 and began teaching at Koyama Sensei’s request in 1971. Sensei Coburn is a 7th-degree black belt with over 56 years of experience. JKA instructor Shojiro Koyama moved from Japan to Arizona in 1964 to teach karate and established the Japan Karate Association of Arizona and the Arizona Karate Association, first teaching a karate club at Phoenix College in 1971 and later teaching in Mesa under the name JKA of Mesa, which was later changed to JKA Karate of Arizona. Upon Master Koyama’s retirement in 2018, Sensei Coburn assumed the name of Japan Karate Association of Arizona.
The program notes that karate offers mental, physical, and social benefits and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, and that students of all ages are welcome, from kids to seniors. It also states that it has a tradition of teaching and learning that comes from Japan and has spread worldwide. The mission statement explains that since 1971, JKA Arizona has aimed to uphold the highest standards of the Japan Karate Association with a commitment to world-class instruction, cultural exchange, and lifelong friendship, and that through dedicated training it seeks to cultivate physical and mental strength, develop strong character, and make a positive impact on society.
The school identifies itself as fully accredited and notes that one of its referenced masters holds the rank of 9th dan with the Japan Karate Association, was the first master in Shotokan history to attain the rank of 9th dan while alive, and was posthumously awarded the rank of 10th dan. The program also states that the first class is free and that a uniform is not required for the trial class.
Last updated January 10, 2026.
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