GM Carl Schalyo
10th Dan, IKCA Kenpo

In 1963, Grandmaster Carl Schalyo commenced his martial arts training at the inaugural Crenshaw “Ed Parker/Chuck Sullivan Kenpo Karate School” located on Crenshaw Boulevard in Southwest Los Angeles, studying under the tutelage of the esteemed system founder, Senior Grandmaster of Kenpo Karate Edmund K. Parker, Sr. (IKKA), and Senior Grandmaster of the International Karate Connection Association (IKCA), Chuck Sullivan. His dedication and proficiency led to his promotion to 1st Degree Black Belt by Mr. Parker and Mr. Sullivan in 1968.  Notably, Carl holds the distinction of being one of the pioneering members of the Over Hill Gang, an elite group of 15 Black Belts promoted at the Crenshaw School and is also a Charter Member of the Ancient Warriors being one of the first 15 from the Crenshaw School.  Beyond his own training, Carl served as an instructor at both the South La Brea Studio in Inglewood and the Santa Monica School in West Los Angeles.

Throughout his professional tenure, Carl seamlessly integrated teaching into various facets of his work. Upon retirement, he chose to persist in his teaching endeavors, ultimately reconnecting with an acquaintance from his teenage years, Chuck Sullivan. A straightforward phone call to the International Karate Connection Association (IKCA) ensued, during which the interactions with Chuck and Vic felt akin to conversing with longstanding friends, as if resuming a conversation from just the previous day. The subsequent developments in this renewed connection have since become an integral part of my personal history.

During my teaching tenure at both Ed Parker’s West Los Angeles Studio and the La Brea School, I adopted a comprehensive approach to martial arts education. The training sessions were structured, emphasizing a brief warm-up followed by a dedicated focus on the fundamentals. The curriculum included rigorous drills on basic techniques, underscoring the importance of mastering the essentials. Our training regimen also incorporated running technique lines and engaging in sparring sessions, providing practical experience in the application of learned skills, with a specific emphasis on the art of fighting.

With comprehensive training at the Crenshaw school under the guidance of Senior Grand Master Ed Parker Sr and Chuck Sullivan, the latter holding the rank of a 1st Degree black belt at the time. The learning experience was enriched by the expertise of skilled martial artists, including George Quinones, Vic Leroux, Steve Saunders (Muhammad), Stacy Picascia, and Chuck Boyd, all of us were white belts during that period. This diverse group of brought a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the training sessions, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. The interactions with individuals at various stages of their martial arts journeys added a unique dimension to my training, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual growth within the martial arts community. Each instructor, irrespective of their belt level, played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of martial arts and contributed to the foundation of my skills.

Vic Leroux’s poignant quote, “Hey Carl I still remember the day you and Mr. Parker kicked me in for my 1st Dan Black Belt. Your Brother. Vic Leroux 10th Dan”, captured in an autographed copy of Masters Magazine, reflects a significant and cherished moment in the martial arts journey of both Carl and Vic. The phrase “kicked me in” is a colloquial expression within martial arts communities, symbolizing the ceremonial or formal acknowledgment of an individual achieving the rank of black belt.

This momentous event not only underscores the shared history and camaraderie between Carl Schalyo and Vic Leroux but also highlights the supportive and collaborative nature of the martial arts community. Vic Leroux’s choice of words, “your brother,” signifies a deep bond forged through the mutual pursuit of martial excellence, emphasizing the familial and interconnected spirit within the martial arts family.

The autograph becomes a tangible memento of a significant milestone in Vic Leroux’s martial arts journey, forever linking him to the mentorship and support provided by Carl Schalyo and Mr. Parker during this pivotal moment of achievement. It serves as a testament to the enduring connections and shared memories that make the martial arts community a truly special and supportive environment.

Today GM Carl is the next person who is slated to hold the position of IKCA Senior GrandMaster following SGM Chuck Sullivan, and regularly contributes at seminars, digicons, and Leadership Team tasks.

GM Chuck Boyd & GM Carl Schalyo
GM Chuck Boyd & GM Carl Schalyo

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