Sensei Dwayne Tharpe has been involved in Martial Arts since 1974. He is a multi-national champion in tournament competition and has been blessed with the opportunity to study under the founders of the Shuri-Ryu style and is a member of both the International Shuri-Ryu Association and American Budokai International. In 2005, Sensei Tharpe was named Director of the Christian Karate Association by the organization’s founder, Shihan Lemuel Miller (7th Dan, Shuri Ryu).

Sensei Tharpe learned respect, discipline and self-confidence as a child through Martial Arts. He was led to Christ while attending Martial Arts classes at a local church. Sensei Tharpe hopes to provide a positive atmosphere for children and adults to participate in Martial Arts.

Emily Tharpe has been involved in the Martial Arts since 2000. She started her training right here at CKA Headquarters under the instruction of Dwayne Tharpe. Emily has extensive training in the style of Shuri-Ryu and Jiu- Jitsu. She also is the lead instructor for our children’s classes to include Home and private schools. Emily has also taught numerous after school programs over the last ten years. Emily has trained many of our competition team members who have placed very high in area tournaments.

Shane Wise has been involved in the Martial Arts since 1985. He started his Martial Arts training in Yoshukai, under the instruction of Shihan Mike Culbreth. In 1993, Shane won the National title for youth underbelt in the U.S.Y.K.A. tournament circuit. Shane has since competed numerous times over the years placing highly in tournaments all around the country. In 2002, Shane began his training under the instruction of Dwayne Tharpe with the Christian Karate Association in the Shuri-Ryu system. Also, Shane has trained in Mixed Martial Arts and is currently our Senior Instructor here at the Christian Karate Association.