Senior Grand Master Chuck Sullivan

IKCA Senior Grand Master Chuck Sullivan began studying the art of Kenpo in February 1959 with Mr. Edmund K. Parker, Sr., founder of the system known today as American Kenpo. Mr. Sullivan was the fourth person promoted to Black Belt by Ed Parker Sr. on February 27, 1962. In September, 1981 he was promoted by Mr. Parker to 7th Degree Black Belt at the original Karate Connection dojo in Hawthorne, CA.

Chuck Sullivan’s Legacy in Kenpo

Since beginning in 1959, Mr. Sullivan has studied or taught the art of Kenpo continuously for over 65 years. Mr. Sullivan has earned the highest levels of respect from the Kenpo community through his many decades of service. Today, Chuck is regarded as the “Elder Statesman of Kenpo” by numerous practitioners.

With his astounding tenure and influence, nearly all senior practitioners in Parker lineage Kenpo have either studied under or been influenced by the teachings of Mr. Sullivan.

Not being one to rest on his laurels, after nearly 31 years in the art, Mr. Sullivan was the first in the Kenpo community to design, develop, and implement a complete distance learning program. He was on the forefront of using technology to teach and evaluate his self-defense system, making Kenpo available to all. With the founding of the Karate Connection, later the International Karate Connection Association, and now IKCA, Inc,; he has allowed literally thousands of practitioners worldwide to learn and experience IKCA Kenpo. These people run the gamut from absolute beginners to highly experienced martial artists. The IKCA presently has over 625 people who have earned the level of Black Belt or higher.

Chuck Sullivan’s Media Appearances

Chuck has been featured in numerous publications and interviews over his amazing career. We highlight them here as we receive permission to do so.

Artists of Motion Podcast. Season 1 Episodes 11 (part 1) and 22 (part 2).

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