Our Instructors & Staff Members

Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the art of Karate and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and also mentors.

Through extensive testing, certification and tournament level competition, our staff has attained mastery in this martial art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to their students.

Danny Chapman  (8th Dan/Grandmaster/Soke)  Sensei (teacher) Chapman is our Chief Instructor and currently holds the rank of 8th Dan (8th degree black belt). He is recognized as the Soke (founder) and Grandmaster of American Warrior Karate-Do by the Independent Karate Schools of America. Sensei Chapman charts the path of the dojo for the future. He sets the curriculum for all classes, determines belt promotions and leads the adult and children’s classes. Sensei has a vast wealth of knowledge and is the example of skill that we all aspire to obtain. The commitment to our dojo by Sensei Chapman demonstrates the benefits of the right attitude. Grandmaster Chapman began training in the Martial Arts in 1981 and started teaching in 1983. In 1985 he joined the IKSA, a worldwide support and sanctioning organization allowing the dojo to be chartered by Master Floyd Burk, the founder of the IKSA. In 1994 Sensei Chapman founded the American Karate Academy in Franklin. The dojo affiliated with the Concord Road YMCA in August 2001. Grandmaster Chapman serves as the National Director of the IKSA and is the Director of the IKSA Annual Seminar. The IKSA Annual Seminar is a worldwide gathering of member schools and is hosted annually by the American Karate Academy. Grandmaster Chapman is a member of the teaching staff at the world famous Karate College Camp (held annually at Radford University, Radford, VA). Sensei teaches sparring techniques and strategies at the camp. The staff includes such legends as Grandmasters Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, Joe Lewis, Dr. Jerry Beasley and grappling great, Renzo Gracie. Grandmaster Chapman is a husband to Rennae and a father of 3 children. He has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters of Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He has been teaching for 33 years at Franklin High School. Sensei Chapman’s hunger for all things “martial arts” powers his daily training ethic and he continues to grow as a martial artist through guidance from his Sensei, Grandmaster Floyd Burk. "Once you set your mind to it nothing is impossible!" - Danny Chapman

Mike Hoyal  (6th Dan/Master/Senior Instructor/ Soke Dai) Sensei Hoyal is a Senior Instructor and holds the rank of 6th Dan (6th degree Black belt) and the title of “Master”. He assists in teaching classes and is in charge of teaching classes when Master Chapman’s duties call him away. Sensei Hoyal is a dynamic teacher of open hand and weapon forms, (also called “Kata”). In late 2004 Sensei Hoyal was named Soke-Dai, (co-inheritor of American Warrior Karate-Do) by Danny Chapman, Soke (Founder) of AWKD. Sensei Hoyal is the Assistant Director for the IKSA Annual Seminar and is Master Chapman’s Assistant at Karate College. Sensei Hoyal has been a student of Sensei Chapman since 1992 and began teaching in 1994. He is an accomplished tournament champion instrumental in teaching techniques and sparring strategies to all levels of students. Sensei Hoyal is a husband and a father of two. He has been active with the local 4-H clubs were he has taught archery and gun safety at the annual state camp/retreat for many years. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in Geology and is the Assistant State Geologist for the State of Tennessee. His hobbies include hunting and camping. Sensei Hoyal is committed to the martial arts and the American Karate Academy as is evidenced by his actions and continued development as a martial artist.

Tim Bowles  (4th Dan/Senior Instructor/Soke Dai)  Sensei Bowles is a 4th Dan,(4th degree black belt),a Senior Instructor and holds the title of "Renshi". His role is to support the goals of the school as needed in assisting with the adult or children classes. Sensei Bowles has been a student of Master Chapman’s since 1997 and began teaching in 2000. In late 2004 Sensei Bowles was named Soke-Dai (co-inheritor of American Warrior Karate Do) by Grandmaster Chapman. Sensei Bowles is a husband to Sandy. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Marketing) from Murray State University, Murray, KY, where he lettered in football. Sensei Bowles has been in the local advertising field since 1984 and is the South East Division Automotive Lead for Comcast Spotlight. His hobbies include fitness training and hunting. Sensei Bowles showed a dedication to the martial arts early in his training and has constructed his own home dojo. He shows an exuberance and love of the martial arts and is dedicated to the American Karate Academy.

Cam Chapman  (3rd Dan/Assistant Instructor)  Cam began his martial arts training in 1997 as a 5 year-old. He earned his black belt in the children's class and moved into the adult class upon turning 13. He is dedicated to his study of the martial arts. He currently assists with the children's classes at both the Brentwood and East Nashville YMCA. Cam has attended numerous karate seminars including Karate College, Camp Sidekick, and numerous IKSA National Training Seminars. He was promoted to 3rd degree black belt on September 22, 2007. Cam is a member of the demonstration team and enjoys competing in tournaments. Cam graduated from Franklin High School. He is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Cam is the second son of Master Danny Chapman and a brother to Lori Lynn, also an AKA Black Belt.

Matt Stonerock  (3rd Dan, Instructor)  Sensei Matt Stonerock holds the rank of Sandan, 3rd degree Black belt, and is the instructor of the Lil’ Dragons class. Sensei Stonerock serves as an assistant instructor for all other AKA classes. Sensei Stonerock performs exciting open hand and weapons forms (katas). A champion in many tournaments, he has excelled as well in teaching kata and sparring concepts. He is also the leader of the AKA demonstration team. Sensei Stonerock joined the American Karate Academy in 1999. He has attended the world famous Karate College and has participated in several IKSA Annual Seminars. Sensei has been involved in various martial arts since he was 11 years old and has had previous training prior to joining the American Karate Academy in Saikan Karate, Wado-Ryu, Aikido, And Chinese Kenpo. In January 2009 Sensei Stonerock opened up another branch of American Karate Academy at the East Nashville YMCA.

Michael Culbreth  (3rd Dan/ Assistant Instructor) Sensei Michael Culbreth holds the rank of Sandan, 3rd degree Black Belt, and is an assistant instructor for the children’s and adult AKA classes. Sensei Culbreth passed his test for Black Belt as a fifteen year-old and has been training in the martial arts for 10 years. Sensei has attended the world famous Karate College and has participated in several IKSA Annual Seminars. He is a graduate of Ravenwood High School and is currently a junior at Tennessee Tech in Cookville, TN. Sensei Culbreth, who is also a member of the demonstration team, continues to train and serves as an Assistant Black Belt Instructor.

Lindsey Grant  (3rd Dan/Assistant Instructor) Lindsey Grant earned her black belt in November 2005. She began her training in 2002. In September 2009 she was promoted to 3rd degree black belt. Sensei Grant has attended Karate College and the IKSA Annual Seminar from 2003-2008. She has competed successfully in several tournaments in sparring, forms, and weapons. Sensei Grant is a graduate of Ravenwood High School in Brentwood and David Lipscomb University in Nashville. She is continuing her education at South College in Knoxville and plans on becoming a physician's assistant. Sensei Grant has been a member of the Black Belt Club and is an assistant instructor. “Sensei Grant has a great passion for the martial arts” said Master Chapman. She is also a member of the AKA demonstration team.

Lori Lynn Chapman  (3rd Dan/Assistant Instructor) Lori Lynn began her martial arts training in 1998 as a 5 year old. She received her black belt in 2004. She is an assistant instructor in the children's classes. Lori Lynn has attended Karate College for the last 3 years. She has participated in numerous other training seminars and classes including the IKSA National Training Seminar since 1998. In September 2009 she was promoted to 3rd degree black belt. Lori Lynn, the youngest child of Master Chapman, is a 2010 graduate of Franklin High School. She is continuing her education at the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

Jeff Morrison  (2nd Dan/Assistant Instructor) Jeff began his training with Sensei Chapman in 1987. He earned the rank of brown belt before having to quit training because of work obligations. In Jan 2004 Jeff continued his training determined to finish the job he started in 1987. On September 1, 2007 Jeff realized his goal-making black belt. In September of 2009 he was promoted to 2nd degree black belt. "I am proud of Jeff's dedication," said Sensei Chapman. "His journey is truly a remarkable one." Jeff, an architect who travels the country building hospitals and their additions, will serve as an assistant instructor and has developed a ground fighting curriculum for the AKA.

Lenny Ramirez  (1st Dan/Assistant Instructor) On Dec 19, 2009 Lenny Ramirez became the newest member of the AKA staff. He did an outstanding job on his black belt test. He was awarded the titles of "Sensei" and "Assistant Instructor" by Master Chapman. Lenny began his study of the martial arts in June 2006. Upon receiving his purple belt he was given the opportunity to work with the Lil Dragons and children's classes. "Lenny has been destined to be a teacher. He is great with the kids, showing firmness with kindness," said Master Chapman. Lenny has attended numerous seminars and camps including Karate College and the IKSA National Training Seminar. He is also the publisher of the AKA newsletter. "Lenny has contributed a lot in his time here", continued Master Chapman. "Now he will be given more opportunities to contribute. I look forward to continue training with Sensei Ramirez.

Caroline Williams  (Junior Black Belt Assistant Instructor) Master Chapman recently announced the addition of Caroline Williams to the AKA staff. Caroline received her black belt in April 2009. She serves as a Junior Black Belt Assistant Instructor. For the past year she has been a junior instructor working with the Lil Dragon program. Caroline has now moved to the adult class and will assist with the beginner children's program. "Caroline is great with the little ones," said Master Chapman. "She will be a big plus for our program." Because of her hard work and dedication Caroline was awarded the title "Sempai" in March 2010 at the annual Karate Demonstration.

Charles Williams  (1st Dan/Assistant Instructor) Charles Williams has numerous credentials and accomplishments. We will be updating this section shortly to detail them. "On November 21, 2009 Charles Williams passed his black belt test. Charles has been a member of AKA since 2003. He has attended numerous seminars, including the IKSA National Training Seminar and Karate College, since he began his training. He has also competed successfully in several karate tournaments. Charles has been a previous Student of the Year at AKA. He plans to continue his training and will assist with the children and adult karate classes. Charles graduated in May 2010 from Brentwood High School. He will attend David Lipscomb University in Nashville this fall." - Charles Williams

Mac Sweeney  (Juniror Black Belt Assistant Instructor) Mac Sweeney has been training with Master Chapman since January 2005. He earned his black belt in October 2009. Mac serves as a Junior Black Belt Assistant Instructor. He works with Sensei Stonerock in the Lil’ Dragons class. He has attended Karate College and several IKSA National Training Seminars. He was also a previous AKA student of the year. “Mac has been a very dedicated student since day one,” said Master Chapman. “It is surprising to find such dedication in such a young student. I look forward to training with Mac for many more years.” Mac is a 7th grader at Brentwood Middle School. He looks forward to soon joining the adult class and is working hard toward his 2nd Dan.

Eric Donahue  (1st Dan/Assistant Instructor) Eric Donahue recently passed his black belt test and earned the title of Assistant Instructor. Eric has been a member of AKA for several years and has attended numerous seminars and events. He is setting the example for his two younger brothers who are also in the program. "Eric is an outstanding young man who has worked hard to earn his black belt," said Master Chapman. "I welcome him to our staff." Eric is a senior at Brentwood High School where he is in the marching band. He is also an Eagle Scout.

For more information about the American Karate Academy staff or training programs, please contact us at 615-794-4330 or by clicking here.