Read Through Our Karate Instructor Profiles
RAY PEET - (HEAD INSTRUCTOR / KANCHO)
Ray Peet was born in Oswego, New York and started his martial arts career at the University of Oswego Karate Club at the age of 10. His primary training was in Shobukan Goju Ryu Karate and Matayoshi Kobudo. His first instructor was Thomas Ravesi. Secondary instructors include: Frank Van Lenten (10th Degree BB) of the Goshin-Do Karate Do; George Alexander (10th Degree BB) of the I.S.K.K.F - Kobudo training; and Kenneth Penland (10th Degree BB) - Shorinji Aiki Jujitsu training.
Ray has visited Okinawa on several occasions to train with the highest level masters and to participate in Okinawa Karate and Kobudo festivals. He has had the privilege of training with and participating in demonstrations alongside Shobukan master Masanobu Shinjo, Kodokan masters Shinpo Matayoshi, Kyoki Miyagi, Seisho Itokazu, and Yoshiaki Gakiya; Meitoku Yagi (Meibukan), Morio Higaonna (I.O.G.K.F); Seikichi Higa (Shodokan), Tesunosuke Yasuda (Jundokan); and others.
Ray moved to Jacksonville Beach in 1986 and began teaching martial arts and started his company Perfection Drywall. He has worked in both residential and commercial construction for more than 25 years. Ray has a son, a daughter, and 4 grandchildren.
He is a true student of the Way of Karate and says "My karate instructors have been my mentors and role models, as I now try to be. My ultimate goal is to spread traditional Goju Ryu karate and Kobudo to benefit one's health, develop a knowledge of self-defense, better my community, and carry on the teachings of my senseis".
Certifications
Sensei Ray's most current certifications include:
7th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu karate awarded by Shobukan Goju Ryu, Okinawa, Japan.
7th Degree Black Belt in Matayoshi Kobudo weapons awarded by the Zen Okinawa Kobudo Renmei / All Okinawa Kobudo Federation, Okinawa, Japan.
1st Degree Black Belt in Aiki Jujitsu awarded by Kenneth Penland of the Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu Association, United States of America.
RICHARD MUSTAFA - (HEAD INSTRUCTOR / KANCHO)
Richard Mustafa was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. He began his karate training in the traditional style of Goju Ryu in the late 1960's. His karate instructors included Sensei James Rousseau and Shihan Stewart Booth. Karate is a lifelong passion of Richard's. He has participated in many tournaments, 24-hour endurance sessions, gasshuku training, and challenges in honor of his dojo. He assisted with teaching at affiliated dojos in Johannesburg and facilitated many fund raising events. Richard has also trained at the home dojo in Okinawa.
After his arrival in the United States, in the mid 1980's, he continued his love of this art and partnered with a dojo off Emerson street in Jacksonville. Sensei Richard is now co-owner of the Shobukan Martial Art Academy in Ponte Vedra along with Sensei Ray Peet.
Richard has been together with his wife for more than 40 years (childhood sweethearts), and they have a daughter and two grandsons. In a "previous life", Richard was the General Manager and co-owner of the Jaguar Land Rover dealership on Atlantic Boulevard.
Certifications
Richard's most current certifications include:
6th Degree Black Belt awarded by Shobukan Goju Ryu, Okinawa, Japan.
NICK PEET - (ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR / SENPAI)
Nick Peet grew up in the Jacksonville Beach area and has martial arts flowing in his veins. His father is Sensei Ray Peet. Nick started his karate training from the time he could walk - with the help of his dad and his uncle, Fred Peet.
He started winning tournaments at the age of 5. Throughout his martial arts journey he has had the privilege to train in other martial art styles such as Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Matayoshi Kobudo, Uechi Ryu, Tang Soo Do, Shorinji Aiki Jujutsu, Wing Chun, and American Boxing. He devotes much of his time to the study of karate and has been actively involved with the dojo since he was a kid.
Nick enjoys focusing his Karate training and teaching on the practical application in real world scenarios. He stays active in the fitness community and also enjoys skateboarding.
Certifications
Nick's most current certifications include:
5th Degree Black Belt awarded by Shobukan Goju Ryu, Okinawa, Japan.
1st Degree Black Belt in Matayoshi Kobudo awarded by Shobukan Martial Arts Academy, Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
1st Degree Black Belt in Shorinji Aiki Jujitsu
CRAIG STEWART - (ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR)
Craig Stewart has trained with Ray and Fred Peet since 1996. He has also studied Wing Chun Kung Fu and Okinawa Tei Jitsu.
Craig has worked for GAI Consultants for 9 years. He loves surfing, skate boarding, and shooting..., and more surfing !
Certifications
Craig's most current certifications include:
4th Degree Black Belt awarded by Shobukan Martial Arts Academy, Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
JENA CAULEY - (ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR)
Jena Cauley was born in Waycross, Georgia. Starting her martial arts career at the age of 8, she went on to obtain her 1st degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.
After college, law school, and gaining experience in her legal field in South Florida, Jena returned to Jacksonville to establish her international trade law firm, First Coast Legal Group, LLC.
Jena joined Shobukan Martial Arts Academy where she continues to train with Kancho Ray Peet, Kancho Richard Mustafa, and Senpai Nick Peet.
Most recently Jena trained and tested with the Okinawan masters that were visiting in Fulton, NY.
Certifications:
Jena's most current certifications include:
2nd Degree Black belt awarded by Shobukan Goju Ryu, Okinawa, Japan
1st Degree black belt in Tang Soo Do