Instructors

Owner, Chief Instructor

• 3rd Degree Black Belt (Sandan) Ryukyu Kempo Karate
• 2nd Degree Black Belt (Nidan) Small Circle Jujitsu
• 2nd Degree Black Belt (Lakan Dalawa) Modern Arnis
• Instructor - Shuri-Te Bu-Justu Kai
• Brown Belt Judo
• Level 3 Taboada Balintawak
• Blue Belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Wing Chun
• Tai Chi - 8 form, Yang Style

• A.A.S and Licensed Physical Therapist Asst.

Sensei Kevin, Owner and Chief Instructor at AKMA, has maintained an ongoing commitment to martial arts training since 1994. His journey began in grade school with Kyuki-Do, a hybrid style that combines elements of Judo, Hapkido, and Tae Kwon Do, complemented by separate training in Judo. Following high school, he pursued his passion for martial arts across various states, studying numerous disciplines including Shaolin Kung Fu, Hungar Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, and several Karate styles, such as Yoshukai, Shotokan, and Shuri-Te.

In 2010, he relocated to Atlanta, where he was introduced to Ryukyu Kempo, Small Circle Jujitsu, and Modern Arnis, under the guidance of his current teacher, Shihan Josh Moree, at Evolution X (formerly Atlanta Kyusho & Jujitsu). After years of training in Atlanta, he returned to his hometown of Athens, GA, while continuing to commute weekly to Atlanta to maintain his training regimen. In September 2018, he earned his first Black Belt in Ryukyu Kempo Karate, followed shortly by a Black Belt in Small Circle Jujitsu from Leon Jay, the head of the SCJ organization.

In 2019, Kevin enhanced his martial arts expertise through a career change to Physical Therapy, aiming for a specialized degree in Human Anatomy and Kinesiology, which he successfully completed in May 2022. During his time in Athens and while attending PTA school, he offered private lessons and furthered his training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, and kickboxing while regularly traveling to Atlanta for classes at EVX. Just before graduating from the PTA program, he returned to Atlanta to train full-time at EVX, where he earned his Lakan Isa (1st Degree Black Belt) in Modern Arnis under Master Ken Smith. As he continues to train and teach, Kevin has achieved advancements in rank to 3rd degree black belt in Ryukyu Kempo, 2nd Degree in Small Circle Jujitsu, and 2nd degree (lakan dalawa) in Modern Arnis.

In addition to his ongoing training, Sensei Phillips practices Taboada Balintawak Escrima, instructed by his wife, Katherine Phillips, who holds a Level 6 Completion of the Art certification. In June 2023, he purchased his first home in Canton, NC, with the intention of establishing roots in the scenic mountains of Western North Carolina. With the support of his teacher, he founded Alliance Kinetics Martial Arts from his home.

Sensei Phillips remains dedicated to advancing his knowledge in martial arts, frequently traveling to Atlanta for advanced training with Shihan Josh Moree and participating in various Shuri-Te Bu-Jutsu Kai, Small Circle Jujitsu, and Modern Arnis events throughout the Southeast and Midwest.

"It is my great pleasure to bring Ryukyu Kempo, Small Circle Jujitsu, and Modern Arnis to Western North Carolina. Let's train! OSU!" 

- Sensei Phillips