CKF Board of Directors

DAVE HEBLER

CKF Vice President, Dave Hebler, holds the rank of 10th degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate, was the fifth student to be promoted to black belt by Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker, and the first student to be promoted to seventh degree.  Hebler began his Kenpo studies in 1958 in Ed Parker's Pasadena, California school, where he trained with such well-known kenpoists as Rich Montgomery, Jimmy Ibrao, Rick Flores and Chuck Sullivan.   Throughout his long and illustrious career, Mr. Hebler has made major and notable contributions to the art:

You can reach Mr. Hebler at dave@protectingwomen.com

A PERSONAL NOTE FROM MR. HEBLER:

"I think we all know that the day will never come when all of Kenpo will unite under one organization. Nor should it in my view, and when I use the word unite, I really mean unity of purpose. In this respect, it is quite possible for people of like-mind and their organizations to come together and work on projects of mutual interest and mutual rewards. This, I think, is the essence of networking and in this regard, Sean Kelley and the CKF hold their hands out to those who would join us in this very worthy enterprise."

"On a personal note, I know Sean Kelley as a man of honor and integrity. His skill as a practitioner, his knowledge of Kenpo, and his expertise as an instructor are right up there with the best. We are fortunate to have him in our ranks, and I am fortunate to have him as my friend."

RAINER SCHULTE

Mr. Schulte received his first degree black belt from Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker in 1972.  He received his 6th degree from Mr. Parker in 1989, several months before Mr. Parker's passing.  When Mr. Schulte learned of his master's death, he vowed never to put another stripe on his belt.  He kept this vow until February 2005, when he accepted his 7th Degree at the CKF Florida Seminar at Kelley Karate Center. Mr. Schulte was promoted to 8th Degree in 2007 by GM Michael Robert Pick.

Rainer Schulte was born and raised in Germany, and moved to the United States and began studying Kenpo at the age of 25.  In 1972, the U. S. State Department asked Mr. Schulte to accept a job at the U. S. Consulate in Germany.  When Mr. Parker heard the news, he gave Mr. Schulte the special assignment of introducing American Kenpo Karate to Europe.  Soon after, Mr. Schulte opened a Kenpo studio in Dusseldorf, and went on to establish a branch of the International Kenpo Karate Association in Europe.  Due in large measure to Mr. Schulte's determined and persistent efforts, American Kenpo eventually became a major martial arts force in Germany, Jersey, England, Ireland, Holland and Spain.  Mr. Schulte and his wife presently reside in Florida.

A PERSONAL NOTE FROM MR. SCHULTE:

"In the year 2000, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to a Kenpoist I am proud to call my friend. That man is Sean Kelley. In the years since I met him, I have observed Sean Kelley as a martial artist, as a leader, and as President of the CKF. I can honestly say that with Sean Kelley, Kenpo is still the Kenpo it was when Mr. Parker was alive. With so many new Black Belts, and new input, there has always been the danger of too much change in the spirit of Mr. Parker's art."

"Sean Kelley has preserved Mr. Parker's vision both for those coming newly into the system as well as for the "old timers" like myself who remember training with Mr. Parker. Sean Kelley runs the CKF as an organization open to all with the goal of practicing Kenpo the way Mr. Parker had intended. Sean's skill, dedication and networking have succeeded in bringing together First Generation students of Ed Parker who haven't shared a mat in 30 years as well as students just beginning their Kenpo journey. After 41 years in Kenpo, most of it spent with the IKKA, I am proud to be part of the CKF."

BILL 'SUPERFOOT' WALLACE