Shihan Mike Franco Founder, Trinity Martial Arts Academy

Shihan Mike began his karate journey at the age of 8 under his father, Shihan John M. Franco Sr., in Toppenish, Washington. At 24, he founded Trinity Martial Arts Academy and has since trained and mentored hundreds of students.

He continued his studies under his father until 2013 and later under Hanshi Morris Mack of the American Shudokan Association until 2017. His training has also been shaped by Kyoshi Tomahiro Arashiro, Shihan Tereo Chinen, Shihan James Tawatao, and Shihan Akio Minakami.

Passionate about developing confident and compassionate leaders, Shihan Mike has dedicated his life to helping students grow both in karate and in life.

Advice to new students: “Champions in life lose and fail more than quitters do.”

Sensei Nathan Jensen

TMAA of Yakima

With 19 years of karate experience and a 4th degree black belt, Nathan started training because he wanted to be a Power Ranger. Today, his favorite part of teaching is sharing his passion for martial arts with others.

In his free time, Nathan enjoys rock collecting, reading, and video games. He loves sushi, and his favorite story is Zootopia. If he could travel anywhere, it would be Ao Island—the Isle of Cats. A hidden talent of his is singing, and students may be surprised to learn he knows ASL (American Sign Language).

Advice to new students: “Have fun, try your best. Don’t rush or focus too hard on the rank—enjoy the journey.”

Sensei Kaitlyn Choate

TMAA of Yakima

Kaitlyn first began training in karate from 2002–2004, returned in 2014, and has since earned her 2nd degree black belt. She originally joined karate through Running Start at YVCC to earn a PE credit—but quickly discovered how much fun it was! She loves seeing students smile and gain confidence when the techniques they learn really work.

Outside the dojo, Kaitlyn enjoys audiobooks, swimming, spending time with her horses, and volunteering with her church and youth group. She loves baked goods, coffee, and chocolate peanut butter cups, and dreams of visiting Ireland as often as possible. Hidden talents include playing piano, singing, playing electric bass, and reading Greek. Students may not know she earned her AA at age 17 and holds two doctorates.

Advice to new students: “Have fun, try your best. Don’t see the black belt as the end result, but where the adventure begins.”

Sensei Stephen Miller

TMAA of Yakima

With 13 years of training and a 2nd degree black belt, Stephen’s journey into karate began with his childhood heroes—the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. His favorite part of teaching is passing on the knowledge he has gained through years of training.

Stephen’s hobbies include gaming and figure painting, and his favorite food is pizza. His favorite book is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990 version), and his dream travel destination is Japan.

Advice to new students: “Don’t give up. Things will get difficult and overwhelming, but as long as you stick with it, it will be worth it.”