Chief Instructor

Sensei Christopher Lundgren (1st Dan) began training karate in 2004 with Sensei Craig Elkin at Yale University. He has since trained at the University of Virginia, in Brooklyn, NY with Sensei Shu Takahasi, Chief Instructor for JKA Shotokan in the United States, and since 2011 with TKN Founder Sensei Zack Stewart. Christopher earned his black belt in 2019 with Zack and Sensei Richard Amos, Chief Instructor for the WTKO in New York City.

As a full-time high-school teacher and soccer coach for almost two decades, Christopher combines a deep commitment to Karate and the Budo spirit with an understanding of effective instruction for students at every level of ability. He is equally enthusiastic in demonstrating basic stances to a five-year old or 50-year old, as he is helping an advanced adult further hone kata or sparring skills.

Founder & Manager

Sensei Zack Stewart (4th Dan) began training karate over 20 years ago.  His focus in Shotokan karate began with training under Sensei Allen Renfrow in his hometown of Owensboro, KY.  Following a move to Los Angeles, CA Zack sensei trained with Sensei Avi Rokah and the late Master Hidetaka Nishiyama, Co-Founder of Japan Karate Association (JKA) and a student of Gichin Funakoshi, Founder of Shotokan karate.  This direct connection to the father of modern karate has allowed Zack sensei to train in one of the purest forms of traditional karate – something he is passionate about continuing with his own students today.

Following his time in CA, Zack sensei relocated to Nashville, TN and has since trained with Sensei Anthony Milevsky, Sensei Steve Ubl and Sensei Richard Amos.  Zack sensei was also the first American to complete the WTKO Kenshusei Program (Instructor's Training) at the WTKO Headquarters in NYC under Sensei Amos in the winter of 2015.  

Zack sensei has been teaching Shotokan karate for over 15 years, serves currently as the US National Director of the World Traditional Karate Organization (WTKO) and is an official Examiner, Judge & Instructor with WTKO.  He resides in Nashville, TN and teaches classes for both adults and children at his dojo, Traditional Karate Nashville.

Through the training of Shotokan Karate and it's emphasis on intelligent body movement, practical applications and self-discipline, Traditional Karate Nashville promotes both physical and mental well-being for students ages 4 and up.