Meet Our Team
Our skilled instructors at Hopkins National Karate bring years of expertise and dedication to every class.
Mr. Jay Throne
5th Degree
Owner/Program Director
Mr. Jay Throne began his karate journey at Apple Valley National Karate under the instruction of Master Jim Albertson. At just 9 years of age, Mr. Throne earned his first degree black belt on December 8th 1990 and 2nd on December 9th 1991. Mr. Throne then had to wait 8 years before turning 18 and becoming eligible for 3rd degree which he earned in 1999. An original member of National Karate’s “High Flyer’s” competition team, he found success competing in the 90s and early 2000's and was a NCKA top competitor winning grand champion trophies in forms, team forms, weapons and sparring. He reached 4th degree in 2004. and 5th degree in 2025. Around 2009, He took time away from National Karate to start a new career as a Systems Engineer for a software development company out of Lakeville, where he has spent his days for the last 11 years. During that time, he married Darby and they have two awesome kids together, Landyn, 6 and Letty, 4. Mr. Throne is thrilled to helm Hopkins National Karate and introduce people of all ages to the benefits of martial arts training that have enriched his life for over 30 years.
Mr. Kenneth Goodwater
3rd Degree
Head Instructor
Mr. Kenneth Goodwater started karate with Hopkins National Karate in 2015 at Age 7. He earned his 1st degree black belt in 2018 at age 10, 2nd degree black belt in 2020 at age 12, and 3rd degree black belt in 2023 at age 15. Mr. Goodwater has been teaching at Hopkins National Karate in various ways since 2017 and became the Head Instructor in 2024. He is also an avid tournament competitor. He is active on the NASKA, NCKA and WSKL Circuits and as of early 2026 has earned 7 Grand Championships (1 – Weapons, 1 Traditional Form and 5 – Sparring). Mr. Goodwater has earned NCKA Top Competitor in multiple divisions for 2023, 2024 and 2025 competition years. In 2023, 2024 and 2025 Mr. Goodwater achieved NASKA World Top 10 for Sparring and NASKA National Top 10 for Weapons, Forms and Sparring (2024/2025). In 2024 & 2025 Mr. Goodwater achieved status in WSKL Circuit earning in 2024 Top 3 Weapons, Top 2 Forms and Divisional Champion for Sword and Point Sparring and in 2025 Top 2 Forms and Division Champion for Weapons and Point Sparring. In 2024 Mr. Goodwater earned a spot on WKC Team USA. He competed at the World competition in Niagara Falls NY and earned Silver for team USA in Korean Forms.
Ms. Audrey Foss
3rd Degree
Instuctor
Ms. Audrey Foss started karate at Hopkins National Karate at age 8 in 2016. She earned
her 1st degree black belt at age 12 in 2020, in 2022 she earned her 2nd degree black belt at 15
and in 2025 Ms. Foss earned her 3rd degree. Ms.Foss has competed in a few different
tournaments over the years usually in traditional open-hand form or creative weapons. Being
appointed as an instructor, Ms. Foss hopes to help cultivate the same love she has had for karate
that has helped her in various ways throughout the years. Karate has helped Ms.Foss navigate
throughout her schooling and first job by teaching her patience, self-discipline and focus when
dealing with difficult situations. Ms. Foss is expected to graduate high school in 2026 and attend
University of Minnesota Duluth in the fall. She is going to school for her Bachelors in Global
History, hoping to one day pass all the knowledge she has learned through becoming a teacher or
a museum curator.
Mr. Naman Brahmbhatt
2nd Degree
Instuctor
Naman Brahmbhatt began his karate journey in 2016 at the age of 8 at Plymouth National Karate. He earned his first-degree black belt in 2023 and was promoted to 2nd degree in 2025. Recently appointed as an instructor, he enjoys sharing the knowledge and discipline that have contributed to his success in school. In addition to karate, he snowboards, serves as captain of his robotics team, and manages a heavy homework load, primarily in math and science. He aims to graduate high school in the class of 2026 with numerous honors
Mr. Jake Shevik
1st Degree
Assistant Instructor
Mr. Jake Shevik Education • AA degree in Science • BA degree in Chemistry • MBA degree in Business.
The health and fitness industry is a healthy lifestyle that has kept Mr. Shevik active, mentally & physically healthy, grounded, and motivated. Bodybuilding, strength sports, and martial arts has inspired him to work hard to become the best version of himself. Mr. Shevik received his black belt in TKD in 2002 and his first degree black belt in karate in 2025. Over the years he has enjoyed competing at a high level in olympic weightlifting, half Ironman triathlons, and powerlifting, as well as coaching other athletes to reach their goals.
Mrs. Darby Throne
Owner/ Executive Director
Mrs. Throne, a former ballet dancer, married Mr. Throne and embarked on her journey to achieving a black belt in karate. You'll find her both in the office and taking classes. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, she dedicates her days to community education and brings a wealth of experience in motivating children.
Ms. Tammy Goodwater
Office Manager
Tammy became a karate mom in May 2015. In February 2019, she moved from the lobby to the Hopkins National Karate office. She is a Senior Analyst – BI reporting during the daytime and our Office Manager by night. She is instrumental in ensuring that instructors can concentrate on student development without distractions. As the resident National Karate trophy room dealer, you’ll often see her at tournaments diligently handing out trophies, so don’t forget to say Hi! Additionally, she is the proud mom of our Head Instructor.