Our Instructors

J.Pat Burleson

1926-2012

Grand Master, J. Pat Burleson, The "Martial Arts Legend"

Mr. Burleson was a pioneer in the Martial Arts, establishing his first studio in 1959. he now has over 250,000 graduates.  Many of his Black Belts are admired and respected world-wide.

Mr Burleson began his career as a Boxing Champion and got his start in the martial arts after he joined the Navy, as part of the Naval Special Forces.  It was during his miliary travels, that he first studied various fighting systems from China, Japan, and Korea. Those disciplines became the basis of the Burleson system., an art that combined the Orien't most effective fighting techniques. His stye became known as "American Karate". In 1964 he used this system to win the United States first National Karate Championship, held in Washington D.C. That "win" earned him the title as "Father of all American Karate Champions".
United States Martial Arts - Hall Of Fame Award -

Bob Nuttall

Grand Master, Bob Nuttall is a 10th Degree Black Belt who has been training in the martial arts since the 1960's. He is a Master of American Karate and a recognized Master of Tae Kwon Do. Bob was one of the first full contact and point contact competitors in the United States where he proceeded to officiate, judge, and promote tournament events.

Bob continues to instruct thousands in self-defense and rape prevention through classes and seminars. He also instructs county, city, state, and federal law enforcement officials. His national karate exposure is comprised of multiple magazine, video, radio, and television appearances. Civic memberships include the Board of the American Heart Association, United Way, Parker County Nutrition Council, and Lions Club.

Distinguished long-term achievements have gained Mr. Nuttall Congressional and Presidential recognition. Bob's most profound influence is the inspiration and motivation of children and adults who are learning karate, respect, and self-esteem from a true master of American Karate.

For More information on Mr. Nuttall, CLICK HERE
United States Martial Arts - Hall Of Fame Award - 2003

Tom Goodier

Tom Goodier is a 10th Degree Black Belt who has been training in the martial arts since 1973. He has trained with Mr. Nuttall for the past 36+ years and has been teaching since 1978.

Mr .Goodier teaches Advanced Adult Sparring techniques.

Ed Huddleston

Sherry Hamilton

Sherry Hamilton is a 7th Degree Black Belt who has been training in the martial arts since 1991. Ms. Hamilton says Karate has given her the ability to not give up no matter how tough, to speak before crowds, stand up for herself in tough situations, and made her more mentally and physically stronger.

Ms. Hamilton teaches Beginning Karate for adults and children. She also teaches  Kata's for all belts.

Larry Jernigan

Michael Lovell

Roy Hinrichs

"Mr.Roy"  is a 3nd degree Black Belt. He was awarded his Instructor Certificate in August 2005. He has been training in American Karate since 2001 and is actively teaching self defense classes at TKU.

"Mr. Roy" teaches/assists Beginning through Advanced Youth, Teen, & Adult classes, KATA classes, and beginning to intermediate sparring classes. He has also taught the Black Belt Club Classes which includes an introduction to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, advanced kicks and techniques, and various weapons including the Nunchaku and Bo Staff.

1st degree black belt.  Mr Powell started with Bob Nuttall Karate in 1994 with my 8 year old daughter, Lorin, but after a knee injury, was forced to take a break. In 2012, Mr Nuttall talked me into coming back. I trained and started sparring in tournaments where I earned enough points to enter the state champion toutnament, where I took 3rd place. I enjoy teaching students what I have learned from the many great instructors at TKU. Grand Master Nuttall has been an inspiration to me as I continue to teach and learn.

"Karate is not to be better than everyone else, but to better yourself each and every day."

High Brown Belt as of 11/28/2023

A veteran of multiple tournaments

Mr. Kip began his Karate training with Mr. Nuttall at the Health Forum in the late 80's/early 90's, as a pre-teen. After a long break from Karate, to attend school and pursue a career in Advertising, Mr. Kip resumed Karate training in 2021. Continuing Karate has been an integral part to achieving better health of mind and body. Karate has also been a positive outlet to combat stress and aging

"Ive been with Grand Master Nuttall since the spring of 1973. I have had 3 back injuries that set me back a few years. Now at age 70, I am working to achieve my Black Belt.

I am married and have 1 son and two grandsons. I have lived in Parker county my whole life. GM Nuttall has been an inspiration to me and a very dear friend.

Bio to follow

Other Instructors

Mr.Emerson served in the USMC and was the  Marine  Corps representative at the 1972 U.S.  Karate  Championships. He re-located to Las Vegas,  Nevada  where he was manager and Chief Instructor of  Professional Karate Studios. Mr. Emerson was a nationally ranked fighter in the late 1970's and taught defense and containment techniques to both State and Federal Law enforcement agencies. In addition, he was a featured Black Belt in a Nevada television production entitled Karate: Fact and Fantasy.

Larry Bracken

Mr. Bracken is a 7th Degree Black Belt. He has been training in the martial arts since 1979. He has trained with Mr. Nuttall for six years.

Jerry Buckner

Mr. Buckner is a 2nd Degree Black Belt. He has been training in the martial arts since 1958. He has trained with Mr. Nuttall since 1979.  Mr. Buckner says "I was not interested in "Belt Rank" until I began training with Mr. Nuttall. Even then I never considered the possibility that I could earn the coveted "Black Belt". I was "okay" with the physical training and helping other students. Sometime in 2000 Mr. Nuttall assured me that I could earn my Black Belt even at my age. With that encouragement, I did. Karate teaches that if you believe, you can achieve. As an added benefit, it keeps us healthy and physically fit".

Mr. Buckner has taught beginning Karate and Self Defense for adults. He also assists with Kata Classes and also substitutes for other instructors.

Dub Hall

Mr. Hall is a 1st Degree Black Belt.

Mr. Hall teaches Youth and Adult sparring classes. He also assists with teaching numerous other classes.

Charlie O'Shields

Mr. O'Shields is a 1st Degree Black Belt. He has been training in American Karate with Mr. Nuttall for many years

Mr. O'Shields teaches / Assists with Youth and Adult classes. He also assists with teaching numerous other classes and is in charge of our Demonstration Team.  .

AKBBA Lineage

History of American Karate

History of Karate