Our Strength

Godan  (5th Degree Black-Belt) - Master Thaxton is the founder and head instructor of Thaxton Martial Arts. His formal training are in the areas of Isshinryu  Karate, Kickboxing  and  Kyusho Jitsu (pressure-point application).   Sensei Thaxton  first  began  his training in  Isshinryu  Karate under the instruction of  the late Grand Master Ernie Temple.   After obtaining advanced rank, he went on to work several years as an assistant instructor in  Master  Temple's  program.   During this time Sensei Thaxton also began training in Kickboxing also obtaining advanced  rank.  Eventually, Sensei  Thaxton  went  on  to  teach  Karate  and  self-defense  for  the Piscataway Board of Education Adult Education program where he started several adult and children programs in Karate and self-defense.  Sensei Thaxton also studied Kyusho Jitsu under the instruction of Grand Master Mark Kline, applying  pressure-point  application  to  the  Isshinryu  system  of  katas.  Master Kline promoted Sensei Thaxton to 4th dan.  Sensei Thaxton was promoted to 5th dan by Hanshi Don Vitale, Hanshi Don Nash, Hanshi Ralph Passero and Hanshi Mark Kline. Master Thaxton continues to enthusiastically work with students teaching the art of Karate and self-defense.

Yondan  (4th Degree Black-Belt) - Master Hosford is the co-founder and a senior instructor of Thaxton Martial Arts.  Her formal training is in the area of Isshinryu  Karate.  Master Hosford  first  began her  training in  Isshinryu  Karate  under the instruction of  the late Grand  Master  Ernie Temple.   She  went  on  to  join  Sensei Thaxton  at  his  Piscataway  Board  of  Education  Adult  Education  Karate and self-defense programs in 2009.  Master  Hosford  brings  a  very  unique  and  insightful  perspective  to  self-defense  application, and  is  an enthusiastic and committed  martial  arts  instructor.

Nidan (2nd Degree Black-Belt) - Sensei Patel commenced her Isshinryu training under Master Thaxton in 2009. She exemplifies the character, accountability, faithfulness, perseverance, and discipline that we look for in a student and particularly a black-belt.  She is an amazing role model for the dojo.  We are so proud to have Sensei Patel as part of our dojo.

Shodan (1st Degree Black-Belt) - Sensei Gibbeons is a deacon at the Cathedral International Second Baptist Church of Perth Amboy, NJ, an attending physician at the Family Medicine at Atlantic Health System - The Medical Institute of New Jersey, Cedar Knolls, husband and father of two.  He commenced his Isshinryu training under Master Thaxton in 2010.  He also holds Shodan rank in Shotokan.  Dr. Gibbeons exemplifies the character, accountability, perseverance, and discipline that we look for in a student and martial arts. He is an exemplary role model.  We are proud to have Sensei Gibbeons as part of our dojo.

Shodan  (1st Degree Black-Belt) -  Sensei Kush commenced his Isshinryu training together with his mother, Sensei Kamini Patel, at Thaxton Martial Arts in 2009.  He was an honor student in HS and now attends college.  He's a fierce tournament competitor, and most importantly a hard working, faithful, dedicated and kind-hearted young man.  He is an outstanding role model for his peers.  We are so proud to have Sensei Kush as part of our dojo.

Shodan  (1st Degree Black-Belt)  - Sensei Gibbions commenced her Isshinryu training together with her father and brother, Sensei James Gibbions and Sensei Jordan Gibbions, at Thaxton Martial Arts in 2013.  She has been an honor roll student from middle school to present in high school, and is also a cheerleader.  Sensei Jada an extraordinary young woman who can be described as gentle, modest, hard working, and very coachable.  He is an outstanding role model for her peers.  We are so proud to have Sensei Jada as part of our dojo.

Shodan  (1st Degree Black-Belt )  - Sensei Gibbions commenced his Isshinryu training together with his father and sister, Sensei James Gibbions and Sensei Jada Gibbions, at Thaxton Martial Arts in 2013.  He has been an honor student from middle school to present in high school, and also serves in the JROTC.  Sensei Jordan an extraordinary young man who among many fine attributes is a hard working, dependable, and approachable young man.  He is an outstanding role model for his peers.  We are so proud to have Sensei Jordan as part of our dojo.

Shodan Teiugu (1st Degree Black-Belt)  - Sensei Gupta commenced his Isshinryu training at Thaxton Martial Arts in 2015.  He is an honor student in multiple subjects, and also competes in soccer and tennis.  Sensei Neev is a fierce and exciting competitor to watch.  We can also proudly say of Sensei Neev that he's a hard working, very respectful and dedicated young man.  He is an outstanding role model for his peers.  We are so proud to have Sensei Neev as part of our dojo.