David L. Ghigliotty
IKCA Director – Public Relations & DLP
HQ Certified Video Instructor
IKCA Certified Instructor – West Bay Martial Arts, Warwick, RI USA

Dave Ghigliotty: Martial Arts Roots

David Ghigliotty is a lifelong martial artist who started his martial arts journey over 42 years ago. Dave started in Kenpo Karate as a boy and stayed with Kenpo for years studying with some of the best Rhode Island had to offer.

In the late 80s, Dave transitioned to Japanese Jiu-jitsu and achieved his present rank of 7th Degree Black Belt. He has gone on to train in various systems including Judo, Krav Maga, and Iaido (a Japanese sword art). In addition to his studies, Dave was also an active Judo and grappling competitor for many years. His considers himself fortunate to have trained with a variety of high-level experts from around the world.

Returning to Kenpo

Dave’s love for Kenpo never left him, and he vowed to finish what he had begun many years earlier. With the advent of the internet, he was able to look far and wide outside his small state and found us here at the IKCA. In Dave’s words, “It fit the bill, it has all the wonderful Kenpo principles and concepts and none of the fluff, lean and mean!” He made the call to IKCA HQ and has been with us ever since.

The Present: IKCA Directorship

Dave is highly active in our organization, supporting and running seminars all over the world. This drive has taken him through the ranks to achieve 8th Degree Black Belt with us; then continuing on to earn status of both IKCA Certified Instructor and IKCA Certified Video Instructor. We recognized his commitment and passion, and in February 2022 installed him as our Director – Business & Membership and an integral part of our management team. In February 2023 he was elevated to Director – Public Relations & DLP.

Aside from holding various positions in other martial arts associations throughout the years, Dave is also one of the honorees in The Journey 3, a prestigious Kenpo trilogy. He is also a recognized instructor in the International Brotherhood of American Kenpo.

Dave is the owner and head instructor at West Bay Martial Arts Academy in Warwick Rhode Island, where he teaches IKCA Kenpo 6 days a week, in addition to his full-time commercial fishing business.

Dave Ghigliotty’s Media Appearances

Kaizen Karate Podcast, Season 2, Episode 22.

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