“To enlighten and evolve through the art of Kenpo” 

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From The President...

by Bryan Hawkins, President, UKS  

This year has been one of tremendous growth for me in every aspect of my life. It was a year that saw my marriage grow stronger, my son grow larger, and my second child grow more active by the day (inside of my wife) looking towards his/her birthday early in the year 2001. We added to our animal pet population at home by one dog and one cat, which gives us two of each as our “Ark” preparations continue. This year saw two children enter this world on my wife's side of the family and I have a sister, sister-in-law, niece, and of course my wife all expecting a child within the next three months.

Our Kenpo Karate school grew in not only the number of active students I currently have training, but also moved its physical location as well. The new school location gives us much greater visibility, thus giving us a greater opportunity to spread the word of Kenpo to a much broader group of people than ever before. As a means to this end we erected what I'm sure will prove to be the largest Kenpo Karate sign on this planet. Whether walking, driving, or even flying by the new studio one cannot avoid the Kenpo influence.

Lastly I'm happy to say that not only has the United Kenpo Systems grown in its membership but most assuredly it has grown in its number of quality black belts. This year's fall advanced testing, which took place at our annual Training Camp, saw seven Kenpoists attain various levels of black belt expertise. Mike Billings, our Austin, Texas, representative, achieved the level of Fourth Degree Black Belt and the title of “Senior Instructor of the Arts.” Mr. Billings gave a very enlightening presentation in front of the 14-member testing board of which Mr. Frank Trejo was a member and was heard to comment later that he “learned a couple of things” from Mr. Billings' demonstration. Coming from a man like Mr. Trejo, that is quite an endorsement! Mr. Wes Idol achieved the rank of Third Degree Black Belt, a level which Mr. Parker always referred to as “a fully qualified instructor.” Mr. Idol is certainly all that the phrase implies. I am particularly proud of the five students of mine who achieved the level of First Degree Black Belt. These particular individuals not only personify all that a black belt should be but more importantly all that a modern day martial artist should stand for! These individuals are Kathy Brown, Dan Buchanan, Noble Gardner, Will Pemberton, and James West. It was an honor to be witness to their promotion and call them my students.

Happy Holidays, and a very special New Year.

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