Mr. Jay Throne

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 regionally in the 90s and was a NCKA top competitor winning grand champion trophies in forms, team forms, weapons and sparring.  He reached 4th degree in 2004.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, 3.  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

Head Instructor

Mr. Kenneth Goodwater started karate with Hopkins National Karate in 2015 at Age 7. He earned his 1stdegree 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 2025 has earned 4 Grand Championships (1 – Weapons and 3 – Sparring). In 2023 Mr. Goodwater achieved NCKA Top Competitor for Weapons and Forms and in 2024, he achieved NCKA Top Competitor for Weapons, Forms and Sparring. In 2023 & 2024 Mr. Goodwater achieved NASKA World Top 10 for Sparring and NASKA National Top 10 for Weapons, Forms and Sparring (2024). In 2024 Mr. Goodwater achieved status in WSKL Circuit earning Top 3 Weapons, Top 2 Forms and Champion for Sword and Point Sparring.


 

Mr. Naman Brahmbhatt

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 is set to test for his second degree in December. 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

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 is currently working towards obtaining his black belt in Karate. 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.