OUR STORY

We didn't start as All Star Martial Arts. Our origin dates back to 1979 when Shihan Curt Malyar opened his first Karate School in Johnson City. Shihan Malyar began his study of combative arts and techniques with traditional wrestling and later studied Isshin-Ryu karate. In the spirit of Master Shimabuku who combined techniques from Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu to develop Isshin-Ryu, Shihan Malyar combined Isshin-Ryu, traditional wrestling, and American Kickboxing to develop his fighting system Senido. Sendio means "Way of the Fighting Spirit." Before the term Mixed Martial Arts became a branding catch phrase, Shihan Maylar was teaching the concepts of Mix Martial Arts (American Karate) with the removal of various "traditional" techniques that did not meet the needs for self-defense and sport karate in the 20th and 21st centuries. In the late 90's Shihan Maylar became involved with both Bill "Superfoot" Wallace and Joe Lewis. Shihan Maylar earned his Black Belt from both Master Wallace and Master Lewis. Shihan Maylar is currently holds a 7th Degree Black Belt under Master Wallace.

In preparation for retirement Shihan Maylar decided to remove his name from the school and founded All Star Martial Arts. Although Shihan Maylar is not actively teaching, his influence and foundational teachings remain a strong and essential part of All Star Martial Arts Academy.

Our Instructors

Head Instructor / Owner

Sensei Andrew Joyner

Sensei Joyner has been training in martial arts for over 35 years with a lifelong dedication to karate. He began his journey at just 8 years old in Senido karate under Shihan Maylar. Early in his training Sensei Joyner developed a strong foundation in discipline, perseverance, and traditional technique. By the age of 14, he was already assisting in teaching classes, and at 18, he achieved the role of full-time Sensei - a path that cemented his passion for sharing the martial arts with others.

Today, Sensei Joyner holds a 5th Degree Black Belt under Shihan Malyar and a 1st Degree Black Belt under Master Bill "Superfoot" Wallace. His training and teaching emphasizes American Karate, with a balanced focus on self-defense, sparring, and a respect for traditional karate values.

In November 2024, Sensei Joyner achieved a lifelong dream when he became the owner of the very school he first walked into as a child. His philosophy centers on instilling the "Yes I Can" attitude in every student - whether child, teen, or adult - helping them grow not only as a martial artist but as a person. With more than 3 decades of teaching experience already behind him, Sensei Joyner looks forward to another 30 years and beyond, continuing to build confidence, self-discipline, and empowerment in every student through the art of Karate.

Assistant Instructor

Sensei T.J. Hoss

Sensei Hoss has been training in martial arts for over 35 years. He began his training at age 10 in Senido karate under Shihan Maylar. This training sparked a life long love for the marital arts. At age 13 Sensei Hoss moved to Surgoinsville, TN and began training in Isshin-Ryu karate under Master Kelly Markham at Kelly's Hero's in Rogersville, TN. At age 18, Sensei T.J. joined the U.S. Army. Serving in the Military Police Corps, Sensei Hoss served 12 years and is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his time in the U.S. Army, Sensei Hoss trained with various instructors in the arts of Wing Chun Kung-Fu, Shorin-Ryu, Army Combatives, and Law Enforcement Tactical Apprehension Techniques.

Today, Sensei Hoss holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Shihan Malyar and a 1st Degree Black Belt under Master Kelly Markham. With experience as a Senior Instructor in the U.S. Army, Sensei Hoss emphasizes a "Craw, Walk, Run" training model in teaching and demonstrating technique.

After being medically retired from military service, Sensei Hoss initially believed his martial arts training would have to stop. With great understanding and support from Shihan Malyar and Sensei Joyner, Sensei Hoss was able to resume his love and passion for the martial arts. In 2018, Sensei Hoss became an assistant instructor and in 2022 was awarded the title of Sensei by Shihan Malyar.