Mrs Amanda Sanders
Level 3 Full Instructor
Mrs Sanders runs the Krav Maga training at Gordon Martial Arts. As a lifelong martial artist, she holds black belt ranking in Taekwon-Do, Hapkido, and Combat JuJitsu. She’s trained, tested, and taught all throughout the USA, Korea, and Canada. As a master-level instructor, Mrs Sanders is a regular presenter at the International Korean Martial Art Festival, the primary instructor in north Okaloosa for the Sheriff’s Department women’s self-defense clinics, and led a women’s clinic in Canada. She can be found with her family and friends when not on the mat.
Mrs Mary Young
Level 3 Full Instructor
Mrs. Young came to Gordon Martial Arts in 2012 and is the Student Manager and Instructor. She is an avid fitness buff who runs daily, often doing marathons and 100-mile ultras. In 2018, Mrs Young competed in the Boston Marathon. She is/was certified as a personal trainer, CrossFit instructor, group fitness instructor, and instructor of numerous styles of aerobics.
In addition to Krav Maga training/ranking, she also has black belts in Hapkido and Combat JuJitsu
Mrs Nicole Carpio
Level 1 Associate Instructor
Mrs. Nicole Carpio moved to Crestview in 2020 as her husband was on the cusp of his Air Force retirement. She was introduced to Martial Arts when, after meeting Master Sanders in 2023, she was invited to try a women’s only Krav Maga class. Shortly after starting, Krav became a lifeline for Mrs. Carpio while she went through some personal struggles. Since then, it has become such a personal journey of growth and humility. She was invited to an instructor training in March of 2024 where she passed to become a Level 1 associate instructor in Krav Maga. In January of 2024, she co-instructed the kids and teen Krav programs.
Mrs Nicole Thomas
Level 1 Associate Instructor
Mrs. Nicole Thomas moved to Crestview when her husband got stationed here in 2013. She started bringing her boys to classes at Gordon Martial Arts in 2021. After a while, she and her husband began taking classes as well. She loves that her whole family can participate in it together and there is something for everyone. Mrs Thomas was hooked after just a couple of Krav Maga classes and hasn’t looked back. She currently helps co-teach the kids and teens Krav classes. She loves teaching them how to defend themselves and watch their confidence grow. In March 2024, she received her Level 1 Associate Instructor for Krav Maga and is excited to see where this journey takes her.
Mrs Kasi Ashley
Level 1 Associate Instructor
Mrs Kasi Ashley was born and raised in Crestview. She has a strong passion for our community, and being part of this martial arts school has given her a way to give back. Mrs Ashley says, “This school has been a safe space for me, and that’s what I hope to provide for others.”
Mrs Ashley co-teaches in the juniors and teens Krav Maga class as she pursues her goal of earning a black belt in Combat JuJistu and then a full instructor and black belt in Krav Maga.
Outside of martial arts, Mrs Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful children! They spend their free time with goofy golfing, paint fights, pool days, and at-home movie nights.
Mr Thomas Gordon
Level 3 Full Instructor
Thomas Gordon is the owner and Chief instructor at Gordon Martial Arts. He is also the host of the international Korean Martial Art Festival and Gulf Coast Martial Art Championships, both of which are hosted in Crestview, FL.
Thomas got his first taste of martial arts at a small school at the corner of Highway 85 and 90, next door to Teal & Waters. He was in elementary school at the time, and martial arts weren’t geared toward children as they are today.
In 2005, while training for several years at Precision Martial Arts in Navaree, he was introduced to Israeli self defense with the Haganah system.