Instructors
Meet our karate instructors on staff at Mountainside Martial Arts Center. Our faculty has a wide variety of degrees, including Masters and Doctorates, from outstanding educational institutions around the world.
Lead Faculty

Sensei Damien Ludwig
Arizona State University

Sensei Emily Thornton
Northern Arizona University

Sensei Sam Peterson
Arizona State University

Sensei Phil Cole
Iowa State University &
Arizona State University

Sensei Sydney Johnson
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University

Sensei Mike Barlow
Arizona State University

Sensei Ava Hood
Desert Vista
Assistant Lead Instructors

Sensei Abby Hood
Desert Vista

Sensei Jose Lopez
Desert Vista

Sensei Sean Steedman
University of Alberta &
Washington State University