Alumni of the Week

Robert YangRobert began training at Mountainside Martial Arts Center in 2003. In 2009, he earned his 1st degree black belt. Through karate, Robert learned more than self-defense. He was taught discipline, determination, and spirit that he still carries with him. Robert graduated from University of Arizona with a B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology, B.S.…

Phil ColePhil began his Wado Ryu karate training at the Mountainside Martial Arts Center in 2007 as a father son activity with his son, Tyler. In 2013 at the age of 51 he earned his blackbelt, Shodan level. Phil has had a successful careers in both the aerospace and medical device industries. He has both…

Ian GoodsonIan Goodson started training at Mountainside Martial Arts Center in August 2004, that was the beginning of his 13 year journey with the amazing people at Mountainside Martial Arts and Sensei Rick Savagian. In November 2010 he achieved the rank of Shodan; in 2014 Nidan was all Ian could think about. In November of…

Tyler ColeTyler began his Wado Ryu karate training at the Mountainside Martial Arts Center in 2006 at the age of 9. He earned his blackbelt, Shodan level, in 2013 and continued to train at the dojo into his senior year at Desert Vista High School. Tyler was accepted into the Barrett Honors College at Arizona…

Nathaniel HusbandNathaniel graduated from U of A with a degree in Bio Medical Engineering, with honors, and went on to earn his masters degree in Physiology. He is currently attending medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Although he is not actively practicing Karate, he lives his life based on the precepts…

Emily ThorntonEmily began training at Mountainside Martial Arts Center in 2001. In 2008, she earned her 1st degree black belt, and in 2009 competed at a world championship in Japan. Emily’s passion for karate stems from her love of biomechanics and the spiritual focus of training. She cherishes Mountainside as a second-home that fostered her…

Austin FarrAustin began training Wado Ryu karate under Sensei Rick Savagian as a 7 year old in 2001. In 2007, Austin earned his 1st degree black belt and in 2011 he earned his 2nd degree. For Austin, Karate was a way of life and taught him at a young age to have drive, determination, dedication,…

Parker FristParker began his training at Mountainside Martial Arts in 2006. Through the program he learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and discipline. In 2013 Parker achieved his Black Belt after a long year of training as a “1st Kyu High” rank, a testament to the perseverance instilled by the dojo. In 2016, Parker…

Robb BlackabyRobb began training Wado Ryu karate under Sensei Rick Savagian in 1990, while studying at the University of Arizona. Robb learned that karate was much more than a self-defense art, but a character improving discipline that can be applied to all aspects of life. Robb competed in karate tournaments at the highest level, and…