Arizona Budo Society

 

 The Arizona Budo Preservation Society is a group of traditional  martial artists who wish to recognize and show respect to those special  karate and kobudo pioneers who have been instrumental in the development  of traditional karate and kobudo in the state of Arizona.


This group of martial artists feels strongly in the preservation of  the values and memories brought to our state by these great individuals.  We feel those who follow must know of those who have gone before.


The Arizona Budo Society will hold annual gatherings for these  distinctive people who are still with us. The purpose is to socialize,  talk about the old times, and pass on their knowledge and wisdom to  those in attendance.


Mission Statement

The mission of the Arizona Budo Preservation Society is to recognize  those martial art pioneers who have been instrumental in the development  of traditional karate and kobudo in the state of Arizona.

Arizona Traditional Karate Chronology Chart

 

Below is the historical chronology of those traditional karate  instructors of at least 60 years of age with over 40 years of martial  art experience who have had an instrumental and significant impact on  Arizona traditional karate.


  • 1946 Robert Trias opened first karate school in Arizona.
  • 1960 Rai Finch started teaching in Arizona at the Downtown Phoenix YMCA.
  • 1964 Shojiro Koyama started teaching in Arizona at the Arizona Karate Association karate school.
  • 1966 Rudy Crosswell started teaching in Arizona at Luke Air Force base.
  • 1967 Rod Elliot started teaching under Rai Finch.
  • 1968 Al Saddler starting teaching in Arizona at Luke Air Force Base.
  • 1970 Stan Hirohata started the Mesa YMCA Karate Club.
  • 1971 Chuck Coburn started teaching at Phoenix College Karate Club.
  • 1973 Robert Hunt moved to Arizona and started teaching that year at Yavapai College.
  • 1973 Tom Hyder started teaching in Glendale.
  • 1976 Marlon Moore moved to Arizona and opened up a school in Mesa.
  • 1979 Cheryl Coburn started teaching with Sensei Chuck Coburn in 1983
  • 1980 Bill Damon moved to Arizona and opened his karate school in Tucson.
  • 2009 Chuck Merriman moved to Arizona and has had a long impact on Arizona Karate.
  • Joan Abbott information coming soon