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It has been an honor to travel to such places as the United Kingdom, Chile, Ireland, Canada, as well as several states throughout the USA.
The CKF organization has a team of professionals who have pulled together to make it a successful family. I want to thank our administration staff which is the likes of Rainer Schulte, Kevin Kuliga, Michael Miller, Billy Celestino, Jamie Seabrook, Roberto Vidal, Brigitte Schulte, Angela Smith, Bill Larson, Mike Friedman, Floyd Kelley, and Fred Mergen for all their time and efforts.
We have built our 'Alliances' with our new friends in Ireland under the direction of AKI member Barney Coleman and his colleagues. This cooperative effort was made by our good friend and AKI President, Master Tony Cogliandro and a few others.
My 2009 year will end with me closing down my headquarters here in Greenacres, Florida after 26 years of being in business, but will allow me to further my own personal goals with a new training program titled "VIP" Training Systems, of which I have selected my clientele and will pursue my seminars/camps with my black belts who I want to train and share my worth with as dedicated and loyal to the art as they have proven to be for so many years.
I wish everyone the best for 2010 and hopefully I will see a majority of you at our Annual 2010 Florida Kenpo Camp come February.....TCB!
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
July 2009
"Senior Teaching Black belt"
Dear Friends,
This letter is to provide an understanding as to why we in the Chinese Karate Federation have adopted the title "Senior Teaching Black belt" into our vocabulary and Lineage as it has been questioned by certain individuals and organizations in the past.
We chose this appropriate title because SGM Ed Parker passed away (in Loving memory) in the year 1990 leaving us vacant without a senior leader, to give us authentic first generation roots. With the help of training with the likes of many first generation Parker black belts I was fortunate to have trained and been on the mats with many top quality people, but I was missing something for me as the President of this organization and was dealing with some challenges that needed attention; and there was only one other guy other than Mr. Parker who I felt would be the man to fit that seat.
The CKF is about the future generations, not about me. It is about perpetuating the art of American Kenpo and passing on the Kenpo torch to those who carry it to the next level as well as future generations to come. After considerable thought and research I was at a loss for my own goals and path as a seed from Ed Parker's garden and wanted what was missingleadership that was sound, and above all had honor, dignity as well as character; I chose to contact Michael Robert Pick.
Recently, we have had dialogue with many across the globe who have questioned, debated, or challenged our views and some tried to say we are lying in our attempt to document history as seen in the eyes of people like Master Rainer Schulte in his biography written by Michael Miller.
Like many who have written books about either themselves or topics that they have experienced, everyone will have his own opinion or view in terms of what he recalls on how things are remembered. The bottom line is thisits their biography, their book, and their point of view how they lived it.
If we look at the book Inside Elvis written by Ed Parker, he wrote about Elvis from his point of view and how he recalled the chain of events he was a part of. Some liked it, others said it was not true. Then we have a book that was written August 1, 1977 by Steve Dunleavy called Elvis -What Happened, a story by 3 of his personal bodyguards who told their stories after being fired by Elvis and Vernon Presley. This book was very controversial, damaging to Elvis career, and actually sold so many copies that had to have a second distribution series written; again, their point of view.
We in the CKF chose to bring Mr. Pick into our organization as the Senior Kenpo authority. He accepted it with honor, not with any agenda or goal. He spoke candidly with me on his ideals and we found out we knew each other through the same whispers of conversation, and that was by Ed Parker himself. I did not assume he knew me and went on to introduce myself, he stopped me immediately and said, I already know who you are and your place within the Kenpo community. I was stunned and was not sure if this was good or bad? I found out it was good.
Mr.Pick prefers the title "Senior Teaching Black belt" because it does not disqualify who Ed Parker was as our founder and as the Senior Grandmaster of our system, American Kenpo.
I am a student under Mr. Pick and have a relationship with him, as do my students and the organization the Chinese Karate Federation. He is in my school every February as a testimony of his role within our organization as well as the international "Alliance" that has been formed with many other organizations such as with Tony Cogliandro (AKI), Professor Brian Hawkins (UKS), Master Kevin Mills (BKKU), and many other independent Black belts who have come on board to network with us.
Mr. Pick does not push his authority; if anything, he is always open for dialogue with those who like debate, advice or opinion. Along with that, as my teacher, I mention his worth in my travels and to the CKF family and invite those to meet and train with him. As an example of this, he will go with me this year to Santiago, Chile in November to meet my CKF South American Rep Mr. Roberto Vidal and his students.
The series of books coming out by Michael Miller are personal biographies with title "Legends of Kenpo" just like the book written by Joe Hyams and Tom Bleecker in 2000; it was 24 honorees selected to appear in the book with their own stories about Kenpo and their individual history. Some agreed and some said it was not factual. Bottom line we all can show documents that are good on one day and terrible the next. Who cares! I say if you want to read it then buy; otherwise leave it on the shelf.
I found it very hard to digest the rank disease we have within the martial arts and how many obtain it. If Ed Parker's system was called "American Kenpo" some might read it twice and realize it comes from its roots in America. This is not Japanese Kenpo, Hawaiian Kenpo, or any other pseudonym. We applaud our beginnings as Ed Parker did in his beginnings to the Chow line and Mitose lineage, but it was given the name Ed Parker's American Kenpo for a reason and we must keep that in mind. The unique thing is we have brothers, sisters and many cousins in Chile, Ireland, United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, and others to be very proud of. I call them family and am always honored to be invited by them to share my piece of the puzzle.
Over the years I have met some very special people who have become extended family such as Vivion Spain (Ireland), Jamie Seabrook (Canada), Kevin and Jenni Mills (United Kingdom) Thomas Kozitzky(Germany), Marcel DeJong (Netherlands), Roberto Vidal (Chile), and many others who stay in touch as well.
I'm a Professional in my career of teaching in Florida alone now for over 26 years. I teach almost 7 days a week with a schedule of 10 am-10 pm and have become an international facilitator. I can communicate my skill verbally as well as physically to a captured audience and can say with honor, I have the ability to address all ages from as young as 4 years old up to the levels of advanced black belts through my years of education. That education was my journey of being with some of the best of the best in their particular fields of expertise. This is better known as schooling yourself to have the ability to say, I am a professor, because I earned it and can demonstrate the skills, not because I have had X amount of birthdays or because I have stepped in or around the Kenpo arena on a few occasions.
I just read on a recent email sent to Mr. Pick where some so called master called him Mike. This is a sign of disrespect bottom line. I never called Mr. Parker Ed even though it was his name. I will never ever call my teacher Mike, and never have heard Wes Idol, Vinny, Marcus, or quite honestly Rainer Schulte say his name without proper etiquette.
The Kenpo community has new 8th-9th and 10th degrees almost monthly now. The youtube advertising, forums, and web sites all feature many with DVD's and comments such as being former rangers, featured magazine cover holders and in high demand in the United States or globally and the fact is their con artists selling themselves with self made credentials.
One does not get rank or receive Hall of Fame awards by sending in coupons or filling out an application and sending in their $199 entry fee, or by rallying up their own students for new candy cane stripes on a beltyou are reviewed by your peers. This once happened in my living room with Mr.Dave Hebler as he was living with me at the time and I received the call. Mr. Hebler was so hurt and offended by the call he disbanded his organization O.A.K.K.A. because it lacked the loyalty he was hoping for. Not saying all were not up to par, but not enough to maintain the respect and history he brought to the table.
Kenpo is a generic term and we must educate those that Ed Parker was a figure head in the martial arts world. Many needed to have him in their court for notoriety and for the ability like in other countries you must have affiliation to your training or you were not allowed to teach. The words credibility and authenticity are a serious undertaking and people like Mr. Pick, and many of the other first thru last generations of SGM Ed Parker's disciples, must be careful not to prostitute themselves for the almighty dollar and give away or sell cheap our art as a cheap art. Please restrain yourself from letting this get out of hand as we are in a delicate situation.
A gathering is in place for a few of us to visit Ireland to repair a broken bridge that is over something that is more cultural pain than international pain. I only hope my Irish roots and adopted brother Vivion Spain can lead me through the "Irish Pub" wars that get stirred up as I am not a heavy drinker but enjoy watching my Irish roots beer-spar and I can be a awesome spectator of the events as they allow my handshake to a new friendship.
If anyone can make this happen I can say with confidence behind it will be 2 people with diplomacy in their monotone and that is my brother Wes Idol and my mentor "Senior Teaching Black Belt Mr. Michael Robert Pick" let's bring peace back to our arena....TCB!
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
June 2009
"Relationships--keepin them real!
Dear Friends,
On my Journey, I have seen many people suffer from bad relationships and a few keep it alive and thriving. It doesn't matter if it's in your personal relationship with a friend, teacher, or significant other(male/female), relationships are built on trust. Trial and tribulations are common ground and constant communication is a must between all parties.
There comes a time in your life where you need to take a moment and ask yourself is this where I want to be? Is this a healthy place to be for my goals to be reached, or does it seem that I am just spinning my wheels and giving more than what is being returned as a healthy investment.
The martial arts are a place where many have found to reconnect what has been broken in their lives. Children, teenagers and adults all need to be nurtured through peaks and valleys and need to rebuild confidence and self-esteem through some spiritual balance.
The world is filled with crime, abuse, neglect, and other things that cause a person to seek counsel. We need balance in our lives both mentally and physically. The martial arts give us that.
A recent colleague of mine took notice to a recent class I was teaching and said this, WOW, it is amazing to watch the full package of your philosophy as you share your knowledge to your students. He commented on saying I give a full spectrum of life's lessons for a small investment but the return is like a jewel with value far past the eyes of the beholder.
He was impressed with the mix of education on a physical, mental and spiritual level. He noticed the inspiration of a motivational
tone much like a professional coach who teaches his team the ability to go the extra mile and see the investment would protect their own lives, their children and those who are of weaker ability.
Like many of you, I have my own dark days and must dig deep down to find the flame to re-light and realize many rely on me for my teaching skills, counsel, and ability to push them the extra mile to become over achievers in their Journey.
I have had many relationships and even a recent one that was pretty devastating to get through. When you Love someone it is hard to let go knowing you cannot fix everything no matter how much you try. If you give it youre all and God knows youre sincere in your attempt then you just have to realize you have done your best and that is all that counts!
Friends and family are what you make of it. If it is broken try to fix it or at least come to terms with it. I will not give up my Integrity or character for anyone or for anything. I will step up to the plate to defend my honor and to aid in my families who need me as a support system. Some are not so fortunate and others come from a broken heart from childhood and leave as a victim.
I think loyalty, devotion and love is a common glue of long term relationships both personally and professionally. Organizationally we have a special bond with many of our immediate members and there are few who need to make the effort and step up to the plate and build their relationships closer to us rather than just sport the logo.
Today I ask you to forgive someone who has hurt you, or call an old friend and tell them you were thinking of them. I strongly believe when making relationships you must like them first before you say you love them. And don't be surprised by the return response you sometime will get when you say to a friend or family member, "I Love You" and you get nothing back on the return. This is okay because you took the action first and were brave enough to say it, feel it and then share it! Some will never ever get it.
To all of you reading this thank you for the years of support and the dedication in our relationship as we have each other to assist us when the "Tide is High" and the "Weather is Dark".....I salute you all....TCB
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
May 2009
Guardian Angels News Brief
Dear Friends,
Members of the Guardian Angels came together on May 2, 2009, to pay tribute to the passing of Mildred Horton. She was 90 years young and was a woman with outstanding qualities from working with the original company of Walmart to supporting her son Steve Horton who has been a Guardian Angel for over 10 years serving the area of Port St.Lucie, Florida to many other cities throughout South Florida.
The pastor giving the service was Pastor Wendell Hilderman who gave a touching and peaceful speech as he announced that two days before giving his service he was looking over the web site of Michael Miller's Kenpo Dojo and was taken by the very words that Mr.Miller had said that knowing the martial arts means nothing if you do not believe in Jesus.
Pastor Hilderman is not only a Pastor of his Church but also a Kenpo student at the Kelley Karate Center in which he trains personally with Professor Sean Kelley , and also takes private lessons from Black Belt instructor Mr. Brian Phelan.
I was asked to speak before the Church about Mildred and I was Honored to have been chosen by Steve Horton the son of this awesome mother, grandmother, friend and supporter of all the Guardian Angels she has gotten to know over the years.
Wearing the colors of the Red Beret and T-shirt is a symbol of giving your devotion into making a difference in your communities, let it be for changing the minds of our youth, speaking at schools, or attending funeral services in bowing our heads before those who have been lifted by God and now will watch over us as they too are now in better hands than before. The photo attached shows how we are looked at as "Angels" and prayer is a way of having a communication with yourself and to whom your faith is with.
This letter is dedicated to the many who attended this service, not as a sad moment, but a celebration of a 90 year "young" woman who impacted many and left smiles and tears on all who will keep special memories of happiness going and to say....save me a spot we will soon see you again and carry the mission to the next step into the Gates of Heaven.....GOD BLESS!
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
April 2009
CKF NEWS: Back on Track
Dear Friends,
We apologize for such a delay with the Presidents Letter and the Articles on this site. Michael Miller has been extremely busy with the two year project of the first biography in the "Legends of Kenpo" series featuring Master Rainer Schulte, which was revealed at the Florida Camp this past February.
We are proud of Michael Miller for what he has accomplished with this enduring project of history. The book turned out amazing and is set as a documented piece of Kenpo history with more legends to follow. We have had numerous testimonials from people in Europe and the United States stating that they could not put the book down. For more information on the book and how to order it, click the Legends of Kenpo link on this site or go to www.millersdojo.com. Next on the list of biographies is Grandmaster Michael Robert Pick.
I must also apologize for my absence as my Fianc? has been very ill and I have been spending as much time daily as I can putting our lives in the position of priority about her health. I want to thank many of you for being there for both of us under stressful times.
We are proud to announce that Kenpo Legend Master Rainer Schulte has become our new CKF Vice President since our good Kenpo friend Dave Hebler has stepped down, and moved back to Nevada to put all his focus on his "Gift of Power" program with him back to Nevada. We wish him nothing but luck and good grace with his endeavors.
We are honored that Mr. Schulte stepped up as he wanted a way to stay active with administration and counsel, and even though he has announced his teaching retirement, it will not stop him from being around the Kenpo Community. He will enjoy his retirement with his wife Brigitte and their dog Rudy.
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
August 2008
CKF NEWS: Guardian Angels Receive Donation
Dear Friends,
There comes a time when you realize there are many out there who still care about the mission of living a life of a crime free society. Many will talk a good talk, but few will "Walk the real Walk." I want to take a moment to thank a few people who banned together and sent a kind donation to me for the crime fighting team the "Guardian Angels" who I have been a big supporter now for over 22 years. As a former member, training consultant and close friend to its founder Curtis Sliwa, I have gone all over the world sharing my faith in this organization as I travel internationally teaching seminars.
My trip last month to Santiago, Chile led me to the understanding that they too have found a great interest in this organization as a deterrent for our youth who have been influenced by gangs, drugs and other acts of crime only to "Step up as leaders of tomorrow through role models such as the Guardian Angels and it's leader Curtis Sliwa have demonstrated since February 13, 1979.
An extended thanks goes out to the following people and groups who came together and sent a kind donation to this organization for which I'm honored to have been so proud of being a part of: Communications Workers of America (CWA) , Pa. Local 13000 Unit 22,
Branches 2 & 7; Kevin Kuliga C/O Independent Kenpo & Arnis of Martial Arts Green Lane, Pa; Kurt Snyder C/O All Star Kenpo, Quakertown, Pa; and Chris Genell C/O Empty Hands Karate, Elkins Park, Pa.
I thank you all for believing in the cause to care and to carry on the motto "Dare to Care" as spoken by all of the many Guardian Angels who have been involved as volunteers since it's beginningwe appreciate your gift of kindness.
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
July 2008
CKF NEWS: The Future of Training and Direction
Dear Friends,
There comes a time in your life when you need to look in the mirror and decide what direction you want to go on your journey. After considerable thought and from speaking with both GM Dave Hebler and GM Michael Robert Pick, I have concluded that my focus will be toward my motivation and interest. As a full time school owner I have provided my time and wisdom for over 34 years as a martial artist and it is time to be more professional and time managed.
My secretary, also my Fiance, has brought up a valid point that I have neglected to pay attention too and I will not allow it any longer. With a busy schedule, I have allowed my time and energy to be interrupted at almost a 24 hour capability. My time is my livelihood and many have called for questions to be answered or resources to be found and most of the time no compensation has been brought forward. I will no longer allow this to happen.
As President of the CKF and owner of Kelley Karate Center my students are my customers and I will service their needs as able when I'm able to put my attention to the task. I will no longer be doing things in such a way that I just get taken advantage of or used for other people's needs without being compensated as a professional in my field.
Recently I have contacted many of my current top students and made it known that my price scale of teaching and time will be updated since it has been the same rate for over 5 or more years. Experience is worth the price you pay. If you disagree, go somewhere else and get it!
In speaking to CKF members such as Kevin Kuliga, Bill Larson, Mike Miller, Mike Friedman, Brian Phelan, Tony Capone, Susan Jordan, Mike Miranda, Alfred Magnan, Blake Bannister, John Rhoads, Fred Mergen, Bill Celestino, Matt Camburn just to name a few, they have all said, Mr.Kelley we appreciate you and will support your needs so count us in and your decision.
To help with the problem of gas prices and a growing problem in the economy we have cut down our teaching staff at many of our events. We have also passed on the torch to a few others to handle the load of demand who have asked for seminars, step exams, private training and welcoming new arrivals into the CKF organization.
For now my travel will be to those who have been loyal and consistent with organizational scheduling. With GM Dave Hebler now being the manager of my studio and available to assist within the CKF structure, he will take on some of the load.
Mr.Pick has already been involved with our friends in the Cayman Islands who have joined his UKF organization making it a part of the growing Alliance.
I have been in touch with Dr. Brad Frazier with Warrior Scholar Kenpo from Cube, Missouri as he will be visiting my studio in the future with his Black belt teachers who have worked with the Lamkin brothers Eric and Kevin.
In speaking to Kurt Snyder his school is moving ahead with Associate Professor Kevin Kuliga keeping a watchful eye and helping out when it is needed. Kurt will soon be coming a CKF Charter school once he meets the required student count and we will announce that as time permits. Let's all wish him the best as he is an awesome carrier of the Kenpo torch.
Last but not least keep your eyes open on upcoming events as we have seminars being hosted by our 3 M&M's: Mike Friedman, Mike Miller and Mike Corsello www.chinesekaratefederation.com.
If anyone is looking to purchase the Kenpo Cargo Pants with the Logo down the leg please contact me as they are available and in limited quantity.
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
June 2008
Black Belt Ranking and the Evolution
Dear Friends,
This is a subject that can go on forever as many in the Martial Arts industry have changed standards to fit the needs of their individual schools or current market. Let's first agree we only have 2 hands and 2 feet to work withperiod! What you decide to do with them is a personal thing depending on how much education, training and over all experience you have to work with.
To evolve I believe means the teacher or coach needs to become better educated in communication skills, being able to deliver to all age groups, a sound system of learning at a level they can understand. SGM ED Parker was real big on us learning the vocabulary of Kenpo as well as the Insights of his system of American Kenpo Karate.
The topic Black belt ranking is one nobody will agree on from school to school or organization to organization. We all talk about evolving or how Kenpo has become broken and we must fix it, but I don't agree; it works fine and maybe the individual is what needs repaired or updated.
Since the passing of Mr. Parker, Kenpo has evolved, and some may wonder how? Well let's look at what we have today in talent and in new levels of experience coming to the main stream. There are literally more people studying Kenpo than ever. We also have the ability to work with some the best talent produced by a true Grandmaster than ever.
In the list of diversified talent, skill, and value we have had people like Dave Hebler, Michael Robert Pick, Larry Tatum, Huk Planas, Frank Trejo, Bob White, Lee Wedlake, Lee Epperson, Trever Sherman, Ron Chapel, Skip Hancock, Jeff Speakman, Tony Cogliandro, Roy Macdonald, Gary Ellis, Pat Salantri, Bryan Hawkins, Dennis Conaster, Steve LaBounty, Manny Reyes, Ed Parker Jr, Joe Palanzo, Dennis Nackord, Barbara Hale, and the list goes on. We have been involved with evolving the art of Kenpo since its beginning. Many have designed personal criteria and added moves or a training concept to fit their own goals.
The hype of Mixed Martial Arts is not new to the Kenpo Community or us not being involved with the launching of the UFC era. Frank Trejo's student Zane Frazier was seen in many of the UFC's matches and it is known Trever Sherman was also a trained fighter in this field who assisted Jeff Speakman in the 5.0 series that was attempted.
Let's not forget there are many Kenpo teachers such as Kevin Kuliga, Pat Salantri, Dennis Tosten, Dan Inosanto, Richard Planas, Josh Ryer, Brian Price, Mike Friedman, and many others who have become well schooled in the weapons systems. Then we explore a passive or not aggressive/alternative approach to the martial arts and we have the talent of people like Martin Wheeler, Ed Parker Jr., Lee Wedlake and Frank Soto who have fused a Kenpo theory of yielding with control and elusive handling of an opponent to force them off balance by using a method of joint control and timing of the body mechanics as a tool of control.
The combative side or the side we seldom step into is the side many of us will never indulge into unless we are in the military, personal security/bodyguard, or law enforcement line of work. GM Michael Robert Pick is known for his Kenpo combative systems as an expert in teaching the military and law enforcement. He still uses the principles of Kenpo but went from a technique based system to a set based system.
Kenpo is not in trouble and does not need repaired; it needs devotion and for the current level black belts to explore what is already been out there. If we think about it, we have the ability to become better educated than ever before and the skill is right in front of all our faces if we choose to hang up the ego and anger toward each other. I think the growth of many of us who run organizations have learned networking is our best answer to evolving. This applies to business as well.
To be a better teacher or student we need to be more open-minded and willing to continue to learn and realize that technology is at our hands. As an example of this message along with myself, UKF-Michael Robert Pick, AKI-Tony Cogliandro, and supporters like Dave Hebler, Rich Hale, and Rainer Schulte, we all have agreed we all have worth & value to offer and we invite anyone to jump on board who is willing to assist us in sharing the evolution we strive for.
Rank is nothing without students, and students are why we enjoy the art of teaching, communicating and changing lives for the better. Mr. Fred Mergen, I for one endorse your growth in developing your Kenpo with the blend of grappling as taught to you by Trever Sherman along with our brotherhood relationship within the CKF as a plus on your part as a future carrier of the Kenpo Torch. Ed Parker always said this was not "His" art but it is "Our" art to grow and share as we progress to the path we are in search of! TCB!
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
May 2008
CKF NEWS: Memorial Weekend- I Salute You All
Dear Friends,
I'm hoping all of you had an awesome Memorial weekend and were able to spend quality time with family and friends. Its always nice to have a day away from the studio to rest and spend time with my Fianc? Kimmy and my daughter Tori.
This Memorial Weekend I wanted to invite some special friends over for a barbeque and hang out. We all got to enjoy the hot dogs, burgers and chips as Kimmy made everyone feel welcomed as she fixed our spread for all to enjoy, buffet Style.
It was awesome to spend quality time with Mike Miranda (Black belt student), Richard Head (Palm Beach Guardian Angel leader) as well as Bill "Superfoot" Wallace and his girlfriend Jayne this weekend and to just chat about the old days of Karate tournaments with Bill Wallace and the history he has to share since his journey began back in the early 1960s.
My brother Floyd stopped in only to be in shock that Bill Wallace was in the living room watching the Car Races on TV and he mentioned how the last time he saw Bill was when SGM Ed Parker was in town back in 1989. I said, Damn Floyd that was 19 years ago, and he said, Yep. I said, Bill has been around the studio every year either once if not twice since the early 1980's and you just missed him that much, LOL!
Anyway my weekend was well over due with rest and down time and of course as most know me my cell phone usually goes off with many calls from around the world but this weekend was quite quiet and slow.
I did get a recent E-mail from one of my black belts from Canada, Tony Desaulniers who sends his hello's to everyone and I did get a check up call from one of my students who has made a great impact within the CKF as an awesome friend, student, and great Martial Artist....Mr. Mike Miller!
To to all of you enjoy this day with friends and to everyone who knows a friend, has a family member in the Military or to those who know the work that has been done by many of the UKF family, I personally send a Salute to both GM Michael Robert Pick, his son Zephaniah, as well to both Mike Beal and his wife who have served our country.....God Bless you all!
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
April 2008
CKF NEWS: Instructor of the Month - Kevin Kuliga
Dear Friends,
It's been awhile since I have been able to review a few of the
CKF Instructors to provide an overall assessment of their abilities. Recently I have been very impressed with a student of mine who has not only stepped up to the plate as a Kenpo teacher, but as a mentor for others who follow him as well.
I recall the pride of being able to promote this fine man to what Marcus Buonfiglio from the UKF called, "The Chunk, meaning the level of Associate Professor- 5th Degree Black Belt in our system. It's a big step and a major responsibility when someone has achieved such a goal.
Mr. Kevin Kuliga has created a forum with the CKF by holding instructor type seminars at his home bound studio by VIP invitation only. We have had an awesome result with this theme and many have gone on to say they can't wait until the next time to do it again.
Mr. Kuliga sets up an opportunity for people to camp out, get fed and above all creates a pleasant learning environment that normally sells out within the first 2 weeks of his advertising.
As President of the CKF I am always honored to see those willing to indulge themselves further into the principles and concepts of American Kenpo Karate and become better communicators of our art either as intellectual students or as facilitators who teach and instruct others who are seeking our coaching skills.
I am honored at the improvement and direction Mr. Kuliga has stepped up to and know deep in my heart he sets an awesome example as a leader in the Kenpo community to learn from him and to be able to have such a gifted instructor who goes the extra mile in learning as well as promoting Kenpo Karate.
Congratulations to a job well done and I look forward to many more sessions we are planning here in the near future.
TCB
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
March 2008
CKF NEWS: "Florida Kenpo Camp" - New Theme & Direction
Dear Friends,
Once again, we had a pleasant gathering of Kenpo friends, family and new faces at this years 2008 Florida Kenpo Camp. I must say it has been a learning experience for over 14 years while meeting many who have joined us at my facility here in South Florida.
My goal has always been to open the venue with exposing others to the "Who's Who" in Kenpo along with many other great Legends within the Martial Arts community and I'm proud to have made it happen with the support of so many who have come and given their loyalty, time, and devotion to the arts.
Next year, 2009, will be a change in theme and direction for me as I have decided to target my camps toward those who have been close to me over the many years as dedicated students, friends and colleagues.
The structure will be geared toward learning the principles and concepts within the system as well as a progressive side of things. We will maintain the scope of Ed Parker's teachings within the guidelines of his written material as well as expand on a topic he called "Variable Expansion" to improve those who are seeking knowledge in becoming better educated instructors by learning the Insights into the Kenpo language in which we speak within the Kenpo system.
Invitations to the camp will be solely by VIP invite and within the groups who have supported our growing "Alliances" to work together and network our resources to improve our goals.
Key instructors will be GM Michael Robert Pick, Master Tony Cogliandro, as well as guest instructors who are randomly picked from the CKF,UKF,AKI, and American Kenpo Society.
I am considering holding the 2009 Florida Camp in Orlando, Florida next year so we may enjoy a day with family going to Disney World and other surrounding destinations to visit.
I want to thank these people for their knowledge over the years given to all of us who have enjoyed their worth and offerings:
Huk Planas, Frank Trejo, Lee Wedlake, Paul Dye, Jeff Speakman, John Sepulveda, Tom Kelly, Ed Parker Jr, Steve LaBounty, Gary Ellis, Larry Tatum, Doreen Cogliandro, Dennis Nackord, Jack Morris, Bart Vale, Manny Reyes, Pat Salantri, Rich Hale, Al McLuckie, Martin Wheeler, Gil Hibben, Trever Sherman, Steve White, Joe Lewis, Bill Wallace, Steve Shepherd, John McSweeney, Wes Idol, Lee Epperson, Barbara Hale, Kevin Kuliga, Rainer Schulte, Dave Hebler, Rick Fowler, David Stanley, and of course our founder SGM Ed Parker.
My Journey has been satisfied at this time with being able to make it a vision of what some might have thought impossible but we all need a change in our Kenpo from time to time to keep us motivated as well as to move forward with future goals.
A special thanks needs to be expressed to my students such as Kevin Kuliga, Mike Beal, Brian Phelan, Mike Friedman, John Rhoads, John Brown, Bill Larson, Bill Celestino, Mike Miller, Mike Corsello, Tim Maynard( CKF member), Deb Maynard(CKF member), Matt Camburn, Alfred Magnan, Fred Mergen, Sarah Rothe, Thomas Elmore (CKF member), Dan Puleo, Rocco Lubischer, Scott Johnson, Keith Woods (CKF member), Rich DiCuia, Susan Jordan, Blake Bannister, Jeff Lewis, Jeff Benko, John Quinn, Richard Head, Chris Genell (CKF member), Keith Woods (CKF member), Chris Oldrich, Billy Celestino, Tammy Brennaman, and to our new CKF Black Belt Kurt Snyder.
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
FEBRUARY 2008
CKF NEWS: ARTICLE COMING IN JULY ISSUE OF "INSIDE KUNG-FU"
Dear Friends,
After many angles of creating an interest, CKF school owner Michael Miller, the official Public Relations Consultant for us who also works as a freelance writer, has recently submitted an article for release in the upcoming month of July 2008, which hits the stands in the middle of May. The editors liked his article and have given the thumbs up for it to be featured in their magazine.
A photo shoot took place at Millers studio in Bradford, Pa. with GM Dave Hebler, Professor Sean Kelley and Michael Miller using them as models in the upcoming article where they demonstrated different versions of five swords for the article.
This article will feature information about the history of the Chinese Karate Federation along with the growing "Alliance" that has taken place with other Kenpo groups. We are very excited about this project and well keep everyone updated on its release so you may get one for your own archives. This is the first time the CKF will be featured in Inside Kung-fu magazine.
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
JANUARY 2008
RETIRING MY BERET
Dear Friends,
Although I sent a mass e-mail explaining my recent decision of retiring my red beret, I wanted to further emphasize how much being a Guardian Angel has meant to me. I was an active member for over twenty memorable years. It has always been my goal to help the weak and build up communities. As a Guardian Angel I was able to do just that.
It has never been about me, but about those who were in need. I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my time as a consultant for the Guardian Angels. I will always honor and cherish the times I had patrolling the streets to clean up communities in need.
The local number that has been advertised for contacting the Guardian Angels has been recently changed to (954) 605-3673. You may view the organizational Web site at www.guardianangels.org. I would like to thank my close friend Joe Lewis for sending me such a nice personal letter, which I have attached at the end of this.
Keep safe and always....."Dare to Care"
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
Dear Mr. Kelley,
Allow me to personally respond to your announcement to "pass the torch." The highest compliment you ever paid me was at your last camp. When you told all of your attendees about those who represented your fellowship of core members about your Guardian Angel crusade; I had no idea my name was going to come up. As soon as I heard you begin to speak of the Guardian Angels, I immediately thought, Hey, that's something which I would like to be identified. I wonder if Sean remembers me? I sometimes ignore those overused accolades like "The Legend," "The greatest fighter of all time," or "The Father of This and That," etc.
William James, a philosophy professor at Harvard, once said: "Mans greatest need is to be recognized and appreciated." My heart was touched when you introduced me and validated a part of my character few others ever mention as you told everyone present that I was with you in the very beginning. I thank you.
On the front of our new T-shirts, the logo "Kickbox Fighter" is embroidered along with my swirl "K." On the back of my black belt's shirts, across the top, is reads: "Certified Joe Lewis Black Belt." Below that is our statement: "In the highest appraisal of that which ultimately defines a great fighter, principle value is place on the content of one's fighting character, not ones fighting skills."
And just below that is an old Marine Corp statue, "Fellowship of Valor."
These last three words identify the real essence of Professor Sean Kelley. We never heard from the hearts of all those elderly residents who deeply appreciated the security and supportive atmosphere we Guardian Angels allowed them to experience from our neighborhood patrols. The police officers who resented us, and the drug dealers who feared us, and the trouble making drive-bys who cursed and spat at us never deterred our focused reverence for those who mattered.
I hope others will join me to applaud your years of committed effort. If anyone wants to ask me why I chose to walk in your footsteps, I have a simple answer. "I only follow those who have courage."
With continued honor!
I salute you,
Joe Lewis
President's Letter
DECEMBER 2007
GIVING THANKS AND LOOKING AHEAD TO 2008
Dear Friends,
Here we are in December 2007 and it seems like just yesterday we were planning our back to school season and getting over the summer time. Now we are only a few weeks away from celebrating the Christmas Holiday and then our New Year of 2008.
We are grateful for the things we have accomplished and the new goals we have been setting. We are ready for the release of our first "Kenpo Legends" Biography, Master Rainer Schulte, written by Michael Miller who is our official CKF Administrator and a professional writer who has had several magazine articles published in Inside Kung-fu and Black Belt magazines. He plans on beginning his second Biography, Grandmaster Dave Hebler, this month. April is the target date for the release of Rainers Biography at Mike Corsello's Kenpo Camp in Pennsylvania, so be sure to be there to get your autographed copy.
Also coming in 2008 is an article about the "Chinese Karate Federation" and our vision, mission and our Lineage. It was just approved by one of the top Martial arts magazine carriers to a featured article about us and what were about. We will keep everyone informed as Mike Miller pens this article for Inside Kung-fu magazine.
We are also getting back into the DVD Series as we plan on beginning the Brown belt material. I have been working with our senior students to brush up on our details so we can stick to our theme of "Infinite Oversights" as these were designed as a student retention tool acting as a visual Library, not as an entertainment project. We have currently raised $1200 for the project and will begin to campaign for this as a CKF members contribution project just like the first series. Anyone wanting to donate can contact my office or email me to discuss details. All sponsors will be recognized and listed within the credits of our production of this project.
I received word from our CKF Rep in Chile Maestro Roberto Vidal that there are 2 potential black belts who have schools from Venezuela and Argentina that want to become part of the CKF family. We plan on having a meeting this summer to discuss how and what is required of them to be CKF affiliates. My friend Ed Parker Jr. will accompany me to my trip to Chile.
I am honored and extremely grateful for having such loyal black belts who train hard, are devoted and above all carry the Kenpo torch with honor. This past year we have seen many "Step up" and were recognized for their earned work. I am proud to mention them as CKF torch carriers such as: Mike Friedman, Tony Capone, Mike Miller, Mike Corsello, Kevin Kuliga, Genie Byrd, Jeff Lewis, Gary Ryan, Stephanie Hammond, and Alfred Magnan.
Dedication, loyalty and leadership are rare in our industry but when you find it you cherish it with mutual respect as well as Love. We are fortunate to have those in our organization who have mentored us and have supported our family with their history, skill, wisdom, and above all time and place in the art of American Kenpo. I thank GM Dave Hebler, GM Michael Robert Pick, Master Rainer Schulte and my dear friend Bill "Superfoot" Wallace for the many years of giving themselves to our CKF family.
Its an honor to be reminded about what loyalty, devotion and respect are all about by two men who have been with me for nearly ten years now. These two may think I have forgotten their worth, but I can assure you that will never happen. From the bottom of my heart, CKF has been blessed with Michael Beal and Scott Johnson as both of these men have done more than some will ever know including things that were never asked of them. I Love you guys and you know what the patch stands for when it reads "A. T. H. A. T. S." as stated.
I would also like to thank four people who are first to reach into their own pockets and give to many projects with the CKF family. They are not the only ones, but always catch me off guard by saying, Here you go Mr. Kelley, put this to good use. These people are Tim and Deb Maynard, Bill Celestino and Tony Capone.
Just as Mr. Parker had several disciples I too have been grooming a few over the years and others will follow within the next 10 years as well. It is no secret that students like Jeff Lewis, Mike Beal, Stephanie Hammond, Sarah Rothe, Scott Johnson, Matt Camburn, are just a few who have become known as my reflection of Kenpo. Each of these Martial Artists have put in many years, hours, travel, and earned mat time with me. I'm proud of this and my next army of students such as Mike Miller, Kevin Kuliga, Mike Corsello, Alfred Magnan, Mike Miranda, Mike Friedman, Bill Larson, Susan Jordan, and John Rhoads who are all now in the classroom of learning my way of teaching, knowing, speaking, sharing principles and concepts, as well as doing the art as we within the CKF perform it.
If I were to name a student today as my top performing black belt it is none other than Brian Phelan who travels as my Uki and also performs in my place doing seminars as done at the famous camp in Virginia with Dr. Jerry Beasley this past summer. He was so well received that he was asked to come back. Above all, he doesn't chase the rank and is always on the floor either with myself, Mr. Pick, Joe Lewis, Jeff Speakman, Rich Hale, Huk Planas, and many others since his beginning. Mr. Phelan is the model student who listens, watches, and performs with such power and flow that it is a pleasure to say the flame will be carried by him and a few others in the next generation better than we had it as "Old Timers.
My greatest reward in life is not only those who I call my extended family in the CKF and throughout the Kenpo world, but also my only child who now at ten years old has been studying Kenpo since she was four and has never asked to quit. She is a part of my SWAT Team as a Junior Instructor and is being coached by two of my top female black belts Ms. Stephanie Hammond and Ms. Sarah Rothe who don't give any special privileges to her for being a Kelley. They have brought my daughter up to being an advanced Green belt soon for Brown belt which we are hoping this new year as a target goal.
My New Year 2008 is already beginning to be filled with many projects and future goals to be reached and I know having the people from the CKF makes it all worth it. I hope everyone has an awesome Holiday and I encourage you to call an old friend you have not spoken to in a long time. I'm hoping my 2008 starts off with a huge success of our Annual Florida Kenpo Camp come February with many new as well as old friends coming together as "Ohana.
Wishing Everyone a Happy Holiday!
Sean P.Kelley
Senior Professor
CKF President
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