Our Instructors & Staff Members

Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the art of PMA and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and also mentors.

Through extensive testing, certification and tournament level competition, our staff has attained mastery in this martial art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to their students. Here are a few of Premier Martial Arts - Lubbock instructors and other staff members, starting with John Liles:

John Liles (8th Degree) As the Head Instructor and President Premier Martial Arts - Lubbock , Master Liles inherently believes that each student who walks through his door is someone whom he is meant to impact in a positive way. He also has the unique ability to personally connect with each individual (parent and student alike) while maintaining the Instructor/Student relationship. His sense of humor and smile create a fun, family atmosphere for learning. He currently holds a 8th Dan in Okinawan Dai Ni Gojuryu Karate, 8th Dan Tae Kwon Do Chung Do Kwan, 5th Dan Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwan, 2nd Dan Kobudo, and 1st Dan Batto Jutsu (sword). He is also the President of the American Ni-Goju Karate Association, Board of Directors of the American Karate Black Belt Association, Certified International Instructor and Examiner.
Angelique Liles (4th Degree Black Belt) Angelique has been training for 13 years in the martial arts. She specializes in women's self-defense classes, rape prevention and abduction awareness seminars. Her smile is infectious and her effervescent personality make her an instant winner with students and parents. Angelique's eye for detail and demand for consistency bring out the best in each student as they strive for perfection. Outside of the martial arts, she enjoys her work, Pilates, dance and reading. As a leader in our community, she enjoys doing volunteer work through various charitable organizations. She is a 3rd Dan in Okinawan Dai Ni Gojuryu, 3rd Dan Tae Kwon Do Chung Do Kwan, 2nd Dan Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwan, 1st Dan Kobudo.
Judy Butcher (2nd Degree Black Belt) Judy has been training at Premier Martial Arts – Lubbock for six years. Judy teaches computer technology courses for a local middle-school. Her easy-going personality keeps her from being intimidating; yet her attention to detail shows in her students. Her interests and hobbies include college sports, spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling and recreational athletics (including karate). Judy loves the traditional values and techniques involved in the martial arts like integrity, self-discipline and respect. Her passion is to pass those values on to those she teaches. She is a 2nd Dan in Okinawan Dai Ni Gojuryu, 2nd Dan Tae Kwon Do Chung Do Kwan.

Sebastian Strickland (Junior 2nd Degree Black Belt) Sebastian has been involved in the martial arts for seven years. He simply states that he will always be involved in the martial arts – it is that important to him. In addition to being a “lifer” in the martial arts, Sebastian also enjoys soccer, video games, science, watching the History Channel and the Ultimate Fighting Championships. With his dad in the military, Sebastian has incorporated that lifestyle of a positive attitude and respect into not only his martial arts career; but also with the kids he teaches. He is a 1st Dan in Okinawan Dai Ni Gojuryu, 1st Dan Tae Kwon Do Chung Do Kwan.
Justin Spiegel (Junior 2nd Degree Black Belt) Justin has been training since he was 8 years old. He has placed first in several tournaments both in Texas and New Mexico. In addition to karate, Justin also plays basketball for Trinity Christian Schools. He is a straight A student and is not only holds the position of Secretary for the Trinity Student Council; but also stands as Secretary for the National Junior Honor Society. His ultimate goal is to attend Duke University to become a surgeon. Justin loves teaching adults and children alike. He feels like he has become a better martial artist himself from the experience of teaching others.He is a 1st Dan in Okinawan Dai Ni Gojuryu, 1st Dan Tae Kwon Do Chung Do Kwan.

For more information about the Premier Martial Arts - Lubbock staff or training programs, please contact us at 806-792-2192.