Our Instructors

East Valley Martial Arts' certified black belt instructors are all committed to sharing and upholding the traditions that have been handed down over decades. Each instructor continues to train as well as teach, and all are very capable and friendly teachers.

We also have several assistant junior black belt instructors working towards adult black belt rank. They are caring, enthusiastic, and a great help in class, especially with other kids.

Mr. Kirk Gauger Shihan

Gauger Shihan is a 4th degree black belt, known as Yondon. Gauger Shihan is married to Tull-Gauger Shihan, and this husband-and-wife team is in charge of the dojo. With over 10 years of training, their passion is watching students grow, improve and progress on their karate path. They both love helping students improve their lives through martial arts.

In addition to teaching karate, Gauger Shihan instructs ground fighting, mixed martial art, and is a personal fitness trainer.

Ms. Jenifer Tull-Gauger Shihan

Tull- Gauger Shihan is a 4th degree black belt, known as Yondan. Tull-Gauger Shihan is married to Gauger Shihan, and this husband-and-wife team is in charge of the dojo. With over 10 years of training, their passion is watching students grow, improve and progress on their karate path. They both love helping students improve their lives through martial arts.

In addition to teaching karate Tull-Gauger Shihan teaches hatha yoga for injury prevention and relaxation.

Mr. Brandon LaBorde Sensei

LaBorde Sensei is the highest ranking student at the dojo, and is our Sempei. Sempei has been helping with classes for several years.

Some of the first things people notice about LaBorde Sempei are his positive attitude and his warm demeanor, and the great energy he brings to a class.

Ms. Christine Neubert Sensei

As the mother of a teen, Nuebert Sensei’s specialty is teaching young adults. Mrs. Simmons contributes to the dojo in classes and other events with her practicality and people skills.

Neubert Sensei supports the dojo in every way she can, and her son is a Junior Black Belt. She contributes greatly to the family atmosphere of our dojo.

Mr. William Speiser Sensei

Before joining us Speiser Sensei studied martial arts for several years. Because of that, his expertise is in helping others with prior martial arts experience to make the most of their karate training here.

Speiser Sensei's experience also helps students develop their sparring skills, as Sensei's talent in that area makes him a valuable asset to the dojo.

Mr. Brian Tefft Sensei

Tefft Sensei has been a dedicated student from the start. He created our website when he was a white belt. Mr. Tefft helps our dojo in all kinds of ways and this versatile instructor teaches karate to all ages.

In addition to teaching karate, Tefft Sensei also helps teach ground fighting. His son is currently an advanced belt, and Sensei supports the family values and discipline the program has to offer.

Mr. Joe Schiessl Shidosha

Before joining us Schiessl Shidosha served in the Army. In addition to his karate experience, his military training, combined with over 8 years of wrestling experience make him a valuable asset to the dojo.

Shiessl Shidosha is one of the lead instructors of the ground fighting program, and excels at passing his knowledge on. He has two children in the program with advanced belts.

Mr. Douglas Proce Shidosha

Before joining us Proce Shidosha served in the Marines and spent some time as a Fire Fighter. Proce Shidosha has a keen eye and attention to detail, and excels in examining the kata's and complexes and passing on the detail in the techniques.

Proce Shidosha enjoys working with Adults and Kids, and volunteers his time promoting the dojo and participating in community events.

Our Founder:
Michael Newland Renshi

Newland Renshi founded what is now East Valley
Martial Arts about fifteen years ago. In 2002 he passed the dojo on to the Gauger Shihans.

Newland Renshi still participates occasionally at the dojo, and his skills from literally decades of martial arts training makes each class he instructs invaluable.