GOE Awards 2019
HOF-GOE Opening Comments
Welcome to the Kenpo International Hall of Fame. We gather every two years to honor and induct new members. Why do we induct new members and who are these people and why should they be in the Hall of Fame? Well might one ask “who the hell are these people? I have never seen them on the cover of Black Belt Magazine. They have never appeared in a movie and I have never even seen them on TV!” There is not action video game named after them. What makes them so great?
Greatness is not a large profile and it is not good press coverage. Greatness is not something we are, it is something we become usually for a short time. Greatness is what we do. Greatness is something that of necessity must be measured in minute increments, often imperceptible except to those whose lives are changed by a simple uttered word, a particular lesson, timely encouragement or even the simple act of understanding. These are the things that make people great, if only for the moment. But that moment is never forgotten by the people effected by that greatness.
So who are the greatest among us. Our Savior was asked that very question by his disciples to which he replied “whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.”
So who then is greatest among us? These people, all of you, the working men and women, the people who work the magic of Kenpo every day as well as the wives and husbands who sacrifice family time so we can teach and study. The people who get up every morning and go to the school to teach their students. They go teach when they are tired, they go teach when they don’t feel well and even when they are ill. But this is not teaching as it is understood by academia. You will not find anything like this in the Universities of this land. There is nobody in the world who teaches like a martial arts instructor. 100 percent of their attention must be lazer focused on their student. There is no room for other thoughts, thoughts of personal matters, problems or issues of the day or even a pleasant distraction. They must observe, analyze, critique and a correct every movement. Every mistake not corrected becomes a flawed learning, but a learning none the less. They must physically engage their students and put their body at risk so that the student can feel the technique. They do not get to allow their mind to relax and unfocus even for a second. Not until the evenings instruction is complete. Then and only then can they allow their mind and body to unwind. They do this day in and day out.
And what happens as a result of all this superhuman effort…the magic. The magic of the Art. In over half a century I have witnessed this great art change people, save people, purify and edify people. The study and revelation of this art makes a bad person good and good person better. It makes a warrior of a scholar and gentleman of a ruffian. It makes a shrinking violet into a bold leader. It is that one missing element that our Creator left for us to find and add in order to complete us that we might be useful to his purpose. It is Magic. And we are the caretakers and Stewards of that magic.
These people, you people, tonights inductees are the people that make that magic happen. They teach, they coach, they encourage, they validate the students. They purge out what is harmful and purify what is useful and good. Through the crucible of training and learning, through sweat and blood and sometimes some tears they make the students better able to deal with the trouble, the trials and the tribulations, the incredible joy and the heartbreaking despair that this life will invariably throw at them.
Without these people the martial arts would be nothing more than a footnote to history. Something created by Hollywood, like Superman or Peter Pan. An action video game or an imaginary state of being. But these people make it a reality, something that cannot be purchased but can be achieved…through great effort and sacrifice. Nothing good is ever achieved without sacrifice. These, you, are the people that make this all a reality. I thank you and I salute you all for that you do. Particularly our new members of the Hall of Fame. Please allow us to honor you.
Hall of Fame Inductions.
- Evgeny Tseplaev
- Virgil Bartoloucci
- Rod Smith
- Gene Stein
- Barbara White
- Sanjuanita Arellano
- Jeremy Stewart
- Armando Salas-Amaro
Awards Presentations
The Judo Gene Award – Austin Polonitza
The Judo Gene LeBelle Award goes to the, as Judo Gene himself characterized it, “the badest ass you can find. They have to be able to fight standing up and on the ground. They’ve got to a good hooker, good puncher, good shooter…no pussies”. Well, Austin has been training in the martial arts for over 20 years he holds Dan rank in American Kenpo and a Black Belt in Shootfighting. Austin is a licensed fighter by the State of Florida. He has been competing in full contact fighting and is undefeated in over 10 years. He is currently to reigning ISFA Middleweight Champion. He is one of the most well-rounded fighters of recent years and as Judo Gene would say “He can do it all”.
Judo Gene Award – Austin Polonitza
Assistant Instructor of the Year – Pierre Akers:
Pierre began training with Noel Castillo in the arts of Kenpo Karate and Shootfighting when he was ten years old. He competed in numerous Shootfighting matches throughout the state of Florida and steadily progressed through the ranks. He is currently an instructor at Tiger & Dragon Miami School where he teaches all of the adult, the afterschool, the competition team and evening classes. Pierre is also an Eagle Scout and he oversees a local Boy Scout troop that meets at T&D. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Education.
The Assistant Instructor of the Year Award -Pierre Akers:
Instructor of the Year Award – Todd McElhinney
I cannot talk about Todd McElhinney without making mention of my old friend Dick Willett. Dick and I came up together in the Tracy System in the 60’s. We both earned our Black Belts in 1968 and that was when Dick opened his school in San Diego. He operated that school from the same location for the next 25 years. At that point Todd took over the total operation of Dick’s school. Todd has not only continued to teach the complete Tracy Kenpo System, he has also, in the tradition of Dick Willett, produced top tournament fighters. Todd has taught full time, in the same location where Dick established the school over 50 years ago to this very day. Todd is also featured as one of the Honorees in latest of the Journey books. Instructor of the Year Todd “the widow maker”-Todd McElhinney.
Grand Master of Year Award – Dave (Bone Crusher) Hays
David started training in 1972 at the age of 14 at Tracy’s Karate in Escondido Ca. His first instructor was Mike Roberts, one of Dick Willett’s first Black Belts.
He started teaching Tracy’s Kenpo Karate at age 16 at the Tracy’s Karate studio.
In Escondido Ca.
He then trained under Wally Thompson, one of Dick Willett’s Black Belts, through Brown Belt then at the age of 18 he moved to the San Diego Ca Karate studio owned by Dick Willett and became a person student of Dick Willett. Dave continued to teach for Dick until 1983.
In 1983 David bought the El Cajon Ca. karate studio from John Zimmer, another one of Dick Willet’s Black Belts. He ran the El Cajon school with great success until the late 1992.
During the 70’s and through the 80’s as a member of Dick Willett’s Brown and Black Belt Fighting Teams, Dave had great success on the tournament circuit. He was a top rated fighter and placed 1st at many tournaments as well as winning several grand championships.
He earned his 1st through 7th Degree Black Belts personally under Dick Willett. Since Dick untimely demise Dave has been promoted to 8th and Ultimately 9th Degree Black Belt by Dick Willett’s American Kenpo Karate Senior Council. Dave also holds the rank of 9th Degree in Chicken Gabriel’s UKF.
In 1996, David moved to Chandler AZ. where is continues to live today. He continues to teach Kenpo Karate and trains fighters in both tournament sport karate and a more realistic style of fighting based on the Joe Lewis fighting system.
David currently serves as the Head of Dick Willett’s American Kenpo Karate Senior Council. And was an inaugural inductee and Charter Member of the Kenpo International Hall of Fame.
Dave continues to teach at his school as well as at seminars across the country to help the next generation keep the magic alive.
Grand Master of the Year – Dave Hays
Outstanding Trainer of the Year – Terry Crook
Terry started his Martial Arts training overseas while serving our country in the United States Navy in 1968. He earned his Black belt in Wadoki Karate in 1972. He was a full contact champion in the US and Mexico in the early 70’s.
Terry came to Dick Willett’s Tracy’s Karate San Diego school in 1975. He came to learn from Dick because Dick’s fighters were beating him in tournaments and wanted to learn how to beat them. Terry earned his 1st through 6th degree in Kenpo under Dick Willett. he has been awarded his 7th and 8th by Dick Willett’s American Kenpo Karate Senior Council after the passing of Dick Willett.
During the late 70’s and through the 90’s Terry was one of the top tournament fighter in the country. Terry was caption of Dick Willett’s Black Belt fighting team during that time that won numerous tournaments including in 1988 the US Open Karate tournament along with team members Orned “Chicken” Gabriel, Larry McGraw, Steve “Nasty” Anderson and Steve Fisher.
Terry was not the fastest or prettiest fighter, however he was feared by competitors. Terry could hurt opponents with either hand or either foot ant any time, he had one of the most feared sidekicks in sport karate.
Terry is a member of Dick Willett’s Senior Council. He is is a 8th Degree Black Belt in Dick Willett’s American Kenpo Karate. And a Charter Member of the Kenpo International Hall of Fame.
He continues to teach seminars and helps coach the next generation.
The Outstanding Trainer of the Year – Terry Crook
Martial Artist of the Year – Military – Ian Barney
Ian Barney began his training in Kenpo in California around the turn of the Century under Master R.J. Yard. He earned his black belt and started teaching soon working his way up to managing one of Robert’s school. But following the attacks of 9/11 Ian could not ignore his nations needs and enlisted in the United States Army. He was deployed to Afghanistan where his unit was tasked with sweeping and clearing land mines. Upon his return to the United States he has been assigned to the U.S. Army Supply Depot in Brenham, Texas. This has not only placed him next door to the Blue Bell Ice Cream Company, which he loves, but placed him where he has been able to continue his Kenpo training under Master Henry Childers. He has earned his Third Degree and is preparing for testing for his 4th Degree Black Belt. The Martial Artist of the Year, Military – Ian Barney
Martial Artist of the Year-Police – Noel Castillo:
Noel is a veteran of the US Army and for the last 24 years he has served as a law enforcement officer in South Florida. He currently works for the Miami Beach Police Department where he is the senior defensive tactics instructor as well as a hostage negotiator. Noel holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s degree in Public Administration, and is completing his Doctoral work in Criminal Justice. His PHD dissertation focuses on how martial arts can help to reduce aggressiveness in children.
Noel began training in the arts of Kenpo Karate and Shootfighting with Master Vale in 1995. He competed in Shootfighting competitions throughout the country. In 2004 Noel and his family together opened the Tiger & Dragon Dojo Miami in West Miami Dade. The school has since grown to over 150 students. And thanks to generous funding from the Children’s Trust of Dade County, T&D Miami is able to provide afterschool as well as summer camp services to many at-risk youth. In 2010 Master Vale and Noel formed Karate Without Borders (KWB), a non-profit amateur sanctioning organization in the State of Florida. Since then numerous events and competitions have taken place under the KWB banner.
The Martial Artist of the Year – Police -Noel Castillo
Female Competitor of the Year – Kristen Froehlich
Kristen has been training for over 12 years has earned a 2nd degree Black Belt in Chinese Kenpo under Bart Vale. Kristen started teaching Kenpo as well as Kickboxing four years ago at the Tiger & Dragon school of Miami and continues to teach classes. Kristen started competing in Kickboxing competition three years ago and with her aggressive and hard hitting style has become dominate in her division in South Florida and continues to experience success as her field of competition expands.
The Female Competitor of the Year – Kristen Froehlich
Leader of the Year – R.J. Yard
Robert Yard opened his school in the late 1980’s during the resurgence of the Martial Arts. Robert chose an area between the major metropolitan areas of San Francisco and Sacramento. He developed solid business and instructional skills to augment his considerable martial arts abilities. With the turn of the Century (Y2K) the fortunes of many martial arts schools began to decline. Many schools closed, but not Robert’s. In fact during those turbulent times Robert was opening new schools which have continued to flourish to this day. Robert has been able to dind that fine balance of keen business sense and top quality martial arts instruction.
The Outstanding Leader of the Year – R. J. Yard.
Innovative Instructor of the Year – Dave Hopper
Dave began his Kenpo training in Lexington Kentucky in 1990 under Steve Finn. That being the location of Tracy’s National Headquarters gave Dave the opportunity to train regularly with GM Al Tracy. He opened his own school in Shreveport, LA in 1994 and is owner and head instructor to this day. Dave was the only person posting their version of The Book Set on Youtube to be acknowledged by the late Sifu James Wing Woo and doing it correctly. Dave has taken the non lethal principles espoused by James Mitose and extrapolated them into a physical and philosophical application of Kenpo that greatly expands the students knowledge and skills making the otherwise potentially lethal techniques of Kenpo a viable option in the resolution of non life threatening daily issues.
The Innovative Instructor of the Year – Dave Hopper
Grandmaster of the Year CHKA – Jack Shamburger
Sifu Jack started his martial arts education as a young boy and continued his studies while serving in the United States Marine Corps through the 1970”s. He went on to win numerous competitions in kata and point fighting. Sifu Jack has long been associated with Tracy’s Kenpo and teaches the Tracy Curriculum which he learned from Grandmasters Dick Willett, Chicken Gabriel and JT Will. Jack is the founder and headmaster of an innovative system known as Shamburger’s Chinese Hawiian Kenpo a synthesis of the martial arts styles that Jack has learned since childhood. He is also founder of the the Chinese Hawiian Kenpo Assocation.
The Grandmaster CHKA – Jack Shamburgerian
Bearer of the Torch Award – Tim Crister
Many of us here know the pain and confusion with which one is beset when they lose their leader. Whether through death, ill health, retirement or simply a change of direction. At that point we all have or will come to a crossroads…What to do next. Do we continue? If so, in what fashion, how should the various obstacles be surmounted and how do we calibrate our moral compass? This can be a foreboding time and it requires courage and fortitude to take up the torch and forge ahead lighting the way for others. It is not a task for the faint of heart. This year’s Bearer of Torch Award – Tim Crister
Inspirational Leader of the Year – Karen Greene
Karen Conley Greene is a master of both Kenpo and Kang du Won Karate and the widow and student of the late Great Roger Greene. And while most of us never had to spend our lives toiling in the shadow of a Martial Arts Legend, Karen bore the situation with grace and dignity. Karen never resented or chafed at the celebrity or adulation her husband received but was in fact his greatest admirer. And upon the untimely passing of the Legend, Karen resolved that his memory and his great work would not be resigned to a back shelf as has happened to so many. With great energy she took upon the task of keeping his school operating and continue his great organization The Greene Machine. The Greene Machine, under Karen’s leadership has continued to thrive and has become one of the staunchest supporters of Kenpo educational and fellowship events. She continued and is determined to continue Roger’s beloved annual event The Warrior Weekend at the Greene Ranch in Oklahoma each year. Seldom in history has a flag fallen been lifted up and carried forward with such dedication and determination. The Inspirational Leader of the Year – Karen Greene.
Humanitarian of the Year – Vance Murakami
As a second generation Japanese American Vance Murakami was, of course, exposed to the rigors of the martial arts at a very young age. Sent to the Buddhist Temple to learn Judo is his preteen years he began with enthusiasm and dedication that would carry him into adulthood. When he found Kenpo he undertook a demanding training regimen whereby he learned and mastered all the requisite skills and abilities for Black Belt. But he did not stop there. He continued to train, learn and teach through the advanced ranks. When I retired to Austin in 2013 it was to Vance that I left the charge of teaching the students at San Jose Kenpo. In 2008 I had begun a program called Rehabilitation Trough Kenpo whereby we rehabilitated brain injured veterans using Kenpo training techniques. Having met with fabulous success the program had to be terminated due to lack of an instructor. The only person to whom I could possibly entrust such a fragile charge was Vance and his obligations as a full time Engineer at Hewlett Packard did not allow the time. But Providence took a hand and his employers decided it was time to give back and enthusiastically endorsed Vance to administrate the RTK Program giving him time off to teach during the week. RTK has soared and Vance has taken it to new heights and actually developed some of the totally disabled students to the point that they are able to function on their own in mainstream society. Among the many Kenpo Instructors Vance Murakami stands tall and casts a long shadow.
The Kenpo Humanitarian of the Year – Vance Murakami.
Kenpo Woman of the Year – Barbara White
Barbara White lives a very full life. She is a full-time registered nurse, a wife and homemaker as well as a Kenpo student, and Kenpo instructor. Then one fine day she way blindsided…her indestructible husband had been stricken with cancer. Where some would collapse in despair at arrival of the widow makers Barbara took on the resolve of a Spartan Warrior at Thermopalyae facing the attack of the Immortals and determined to put their name to the test. She met the misfortune head on continuing to provide top notch care for her patients, while acting as advocate and primary caretaker for her husband. She shepherded him through his treatments and oversaw his physical therapy and rehabilitation while taking on all responsibility for their household and as head of their extended family. She took on the burdens of running their large and successful Karate School making sure classes, lessons and testing continued without interruption. Two years she bore these responsibilities with her cheerful nature and a dazzling smile. And through all this she never wavered, never stumbled and through diligent study earned her 6th Degree Black Belt.
The Kenpo Woman of the Year – Barbara White.
Blood and Guts Fighter – Bob White
Bob White began Kenpo as a teenager and at the age of 19 had his own school. That has been his career, his life and his passion for over 50 years. During that time he fought many fights…the fight to get students, the fight to pay the bills, a few scraps with ex-wives, and he fought in many competitions against some of the best in the world. And back, before he became the sagacious teacher and inspirational leader you see now, when he did not care the way the scoring was going in the ring, the fight continued in the parking lot until he got the outcome he wanted. But Bob’s most crucial and monumental fight came when the most ruthless bully of all time decided to test Bob White. Bob was ambushed by not one, but two cancers double teamed him. Thyroid and pancreatic jumped him out of nowhere. But this time the bullies picked the wrong victim. As is his custom, Bob fortified himself with prayer, then enlisted the best medical professionals available. The battle thus begun was continued with unremitting fury Bob fought back with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and that indomitable heart of a Champion. And when the dust had settled, buy the grace of Almighty God, Bob White emerged the victor.
The Blood and Guts Fighter – Bob White.
And henceforth this award will be known as the Bob White Blood and Guts Fighter Award.
Living Legend Award (50+years)
Golden Life Award (40+years)
Silver Life Award ( 30-40 years )
Diamond Life Award (25-30 years )
Bronze Life Award (20-25 years)
Grand Master of the year award
Master of the year award
Instructor of the year award
School of the year award
Full Contact Fighter of the year-male
Full Contact Fighter of the year-female
Fighter of the year award- male
Fighter of the year award- female
Male Competitor of the year- forms
Female Competitor of the year- forms
Grappler of the Year
Outstanding Leader
Outstanding Trainer
Instructor of the Year – American Kickboxing
Instructor of the Year – Kenpo
Instructor of the Year – Kajukenbo
Instructor of the Year – EPAK
Instructor of the Year – CHKA
Humanitarian of the Year (charity, outreach)
Man of the Year –
Woman of the Year
Martial Artist of the Year – Police
Martial Artist of the Year – Military
The Bob White Award Blood and Guts (for the artist who defeated a lethal life threatening situation)
The Ed Parker Sr Award
The Al Tracy Award
The Judo Gene Award
