All of our instructors are certified by the American Karate Black Belt Association.
Meet our TKI Instructors
Kathy Gonzales a 7th Degree Black Belt. She has been associated with Texas Karate Institute since the summer of 1989. Prior to entering the Martial Arts, she enjoyed playing softball and some bowling. She worked as a Human Resources Generalist for Tyco Fire Products for 34 years retiring in December 31, 2014.
Besides her assisting teaching at TKI, she elected to use her blocking and kicking skills to help develop a set group of movements to assist Parkinson’s Patient in a sitting atmosphere. She worked with YMCA out of the Plainview Center, to help set up a one (1) year karate after school program at Oak Grove Elementary, Brownfield, Texas.
Her weapons of choice: Chinese Iron Fan
Besides her assisting teaching at TKI, she elected to use her blocking and kicking skills to help develop a set group of movements to assist Parkinson’s Patient in a sitting atmosphere. She worked with YMCA out of the Plainview Center, to help set up a one (1) year karate after school program at Oak Grove Elementary, Brownfield, Texas.
Her weapons of choice: Chinese Iron Fan
Greg Blankenship, 5th Degree Black Belt, is a seventeen year native to Texas Karate Institute. Blankenship is also the Owner and President of Endeavour Enterprises.
Specialty: Nunchakus
David Liles, 4th Degree Black Belt, is an instructor at Texas Karate Institute. Liles, has been a member of Texas Karate Institute since 2009 and has enjoyed training during his time at TKI.
Master Liles served for 17 years within Lubbock ISD as a Theatre Arts teacher at Hutchinson Middle School and the Technical Theatre teacher and director at Lubbock High School. He now works at Texas Tech University in the School of Theatre and Dance.
Specialty: Sais and Nunchakus
Judith Johnson, 4th Degree Black Belt, competed in Texas State Championships 2015 and placed 3rd in the state for Kata & Sparring. Master Johnson is now retired after 30 years in the nursing field.
Robert Woolever's journey into the world of martial arts commenced in 1991 when he
first stepped onto the dojo floor, igniting a passion for Karate that would shape much of
his life.
Robert tested his skills in over 30 Karate tournaments, where triumphs were celebrated
alongside the lessons learned from defeats. His search for challenge led him to the
unforgiving arena of full-contact American Kickboxing from the ages of 15 to 17 where
after a few wins’ injury halted his progress. He continued his training in Karate where he
was promoted to the rank of 4th Dan Black Belt in December of 2022.
Beyond the realm of martial arts, Robert finds fulfillment in his roles as a devoted father
to two remarkable children and his career as a Crop Insurance Adjuster.
first stepped onto the dojo floor, igniting a passion for Karate that would shape much of
his life.
Robert tested his skills in over 30 Karate tournaments, where triumphs were celebrated
alongside the lessons learned from defeats. His search for challenge led him to the
unforgiving arena of full-contact American Kickboxing from the ages of 15 to 17 where
after a few wins’ injury halted his progress. He continued his training in Karate where he
was promoted to the rank of 4th Dan Black Belt in December of 2022.
Beyond the realm of martial arts, Robert finds fulfillment in his roles as a devoted father
to two remarkable children and his career as a Crop Insurance Adjuster.
Kevin Lusk, 3rd Degree Black Belt, instructs Kickboxing and Self Defense at Texas Karate Institute. Lusk is also the Coordinator of Operations, Safety and Security at Women's Protective Services.
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Lubbock Local
Since 1968
Texas Karate Institute opened its doors in March 1968 and has been training Lubbock, Texas and surrounding communities in the Martial Arts since its grand opening. Texas Karate Institute of Lubbock is the last remaining location with this name in the state of Texas and is currently the longest consecutively running martial arts school in the country.
