Mrs Amanda Sanders
Level 3 Full Instructor
Mrs. Sanders leads the Krav Maga program at Gordon Martial Arts. A lifelong martial artist, she holds black belt ranks in Taekwon-Do, Hapkido, and Combat JuJitsu. She has trained, tested, and taught throughout the United States, Korea, and Canada.
A master-level martial arts instructor, Mrs. Sanders regularly presents at the International Korean Martial Art Festival. She has also served as the primary instructor for women’s self-defense clinics conducted through the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office in north Okaloosa County and has taught a women’s self-defense clinic in Canada.
When she’s not teaching or training, Mrs. Sanders enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Mrs Mary Young
Level 3 Full Instructor
Mrs. Young joined Gordon Martial Arts in 2012 and serves as both Student Manager and Instructor. An accomplished endurance athlete, she has competed in marathons and ultramarathons, including 100-mile events. In 2018, she competed in the Boston Marathon.
In addition to her Krav Maga instructor qualifications, Mrs. Young holds black belts in Hapkido and Combat JuJitsu.
Her fitness background includes extensive experience in personal training, group fitness, CrossFit, and aerobic instruction. Although she no longer teaches some of those programs, the knowledge and experience gained through that training continue to complement her martial arts instruction.
Mrs Kasi Ashley
Level 2 Associate Instructor
Born and raised in Crestview, Mrs. Ashley has a strong connection to the community and a genuine desire to give back. Through martial arts, she found an opportunity to do exactly that.
“This school has been a safe space for me, and that’s what I hope to provide for others.”
Mrs. Ashley co-teaches the junior and teen Krav Maga classes while continuing her own martial arts education. She is working toward her black belt in Combat JuJitsu, followed by her goal of earning a Krav Maga black belt and becoming a Full Instructor.
Outside the school, Mrs. Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Family activities include goofy golfing, paint fights, pool days, and movie nights at home.
Mrs Nicole Carpio
Level 1 Associate Instructor
Mrs. Carpio moved to Crestview in 2020 as her husband approached retirement from the United States Air Force.
Her martial arts journey began in 2023 after meeting Master Amanda Sanders, who invited her to try a women’s Krav Maga class.
What began as an introduction to self-defense became something much more meaningful. During a difficult period in her personal life, Krav Maga became an important source of strength, growth, and confidence. The experience also taught her lessons in humility and perseverance.
In March 2024, Mrs. Carpio successfully completed her Level 1 Associate Instructor training. She also became involved in teaching the children’s and teen Krav Maga programs.
Her personal experience gives her a valuable perspective when working with students who may be stepping onto the mats for the first time.
Mrs Nicole Thomas
Level 1 Associate Instructor
Mrs. Thomas moved to Crestview in 2013 when her husband was stationed in the area. Her family’s martial arts journey began in 2021 when she enrolled her sons at Gordon Martial Arts.
Before long, she and her husband began training as well. One of the things she appreciates most about the school is that the entire family can participate, with programs suited to different ages and interests.
After just a few Krav Maga classes, Mrs. Thomas was hooked.
She now helps teach the children’s and teen Krav Maga programs, where she particularly enjoys helping students develop practical self-defense skills and watching their confidence grow.
In March 2024, she earned her Level 1 Associate Instructor certification in Krav Maga and continues developing her skills as both a student and instructor.
Mr Thomas Gordon
Level 3 Full Instructor
Thomas Gordon is the owner and Chief Instructor of Gordon Martial Arts in Crestview, Florida. He also organizes the Korean Martial Art Festival and the Gulf Coast Martial Art Championships, bringing martial artists together for education, training, and competition.
His introduction to martial arts began in elementary school at a small school near the intersection of Highways 85 and 90 in Crestview, next door to Teal & Waters. At the time, martial arts instruction was not nearly as focused on children as it is today.
Years later, while training at Precision Martial Arts in Navarre, he was introduced to Israeli self-defense through the Haganah system in 2005.
That experience contributed to his continuing study of practical self-defense and the development of the Krav Maga program at Gordon Martial Arts.
