All of our instructors are black belts in Isshinryu Karate. Four of our instructors are over 6th degree black belts which is “Master” rank in Isshinryu Karate and is signified by their red and white belts. Several are also highly ranked in other styles of martial arts as well and some are experienced boxers and/or kickboxers.
Master Marty Robbins
Marty (Too Sweet) Robbins is co-owner and head instructor of our school. Master Robbins is a 7th Degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate, a journeyman level professional boxer with 72 professional fights, a blue belt in Brazillian Jujitsu, and a Certified RYT 200 Yoga Instructor. Master Robbins has studied karate since the early 1980s and has won more grand championships in karate competitions than anyone can count. His first place wins in both kata and kumite would number in the hundreds. Master Robbins has been voted the IIKA Competitor of the Year twice, has won the IIKA Kata and Kumite Points Champion multiple years, and has won numerous gold medals at grappling/jujitsu tournaments. Master Robbins has also won the Isshinryu Hall of Fame Competitor of the Year.
Master Ben Gibson
Co-owner Ben (Big Dawg) Gibson is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate, a brown belt in Shotokan Karate, a Cage Fighter, a Brazilian Jujitsu competitor, an IIKA certified Kubodo instructor, a Cumberland County Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy, a Sheriff’s Dept Death Investigator, a Community Service Officer for the Sheriff’s Department, a celebrity Body Guard (was body guard for John Walsh of America’s Most Wanted), a certified ASP Baton instructor, and a Physical Therapist. Master Gibson has won multiple Grand Championships and won First Place in numerous karate and jujitsu tournaments. Master Gibson has won the IIKA Competitor of the Year, the IIKA Spirit of Isshinryu Award, the IIKA Circle of Honor, and the IIKA Instructor of the Year.
Master Eric Bradberry
Co-owner Eric Bradberry is a 6th degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate. Master Bradberry is a certified IIKA Kubodo (weapons) Instructor. Master Bradberry has a passion for traditional Isshinryu Karate that has lasted over 30 years. He is extremely knowledgeable of traditional karate training and techniques.
Master Tim Sherrill
Co-owner Master Tim Sherrill is a 7th Degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate. Master Sherrill is a certified RYT 200 Yoga Instructor, has a brown belt in Shingitai Jujitsu, and a blue belt in Brazilian Jujitsu. He is an IIKA Certified Kubodo Instructor. Master Sherrill has been a tournament referee and judge for both kumite and kata for over 20 years. Master Sherrill is an IIKA Instructor of the Year.
Sensei Trent Palmer
Sensei Trent Palmer is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate. Sensei Trent is also an IIKA Kubodo Instructor, and a successful tournament competitor in kata and kumite.
Sensei John VanWinkle
Sensei John VanWinkle is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate, a black belt in Shorin Ryu Karate, a Kick Boxer, and a Brazillian Jujitsu practitioner.
Sensei Charlie Threet
Sensei Charlie Threet is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate and is an accomplished tournament competitor winning many awards in both Kata and Kumite.
Sensei Jason Ayers
Sensei Jim VanWinkle
Sensei Nolan Young
Sensei Jason Ayers is a 1st degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate, a Tai Chi instructor and an Escrima Instructor.
Sensei Jim VanWinkle is a 1st Degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate and a kickboxing practitioner.
Sensei Nolan Young is a 1st Degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate and a Certified Farrier.