More than a few of our IKCA Black Belts started their martial arts training in styles other than Kenpo. Such is the case with Glen Lyman who began the martial arts in the style of Isshinryu. Recently promoted to 6^th Degree and contributor to the Freestyle Fighting Tapes, Glen was born and raised in Cedar City, Utah, USA, Glen was initially exposed to the martial arts at about 12 years old through a scoutmaster who held a Black Belt in the Okinawan art.

Glen, who is still residing in Cedar City, is an educator who teaches behaviorally challenged and at-risk high school students.  His background before education included serving seven years in the Army National Guard as an artillery surveyor and combat engineer.  He was also assigned to a Special Forces unit for a time. He was also a Youth Corrections counselor for five years. In 1994 he received a Bachelors Degree in Education from Southern Utah University. He is married to Celesta, herself an IKCA Black Belt, and has four children.

Glen’s first instructor was Dennis Stout a 6^th Degree in Isshinryu under Gordon Farnsworth, a local war hero in Cedar City. “Dennis was very interested in a student’s progress, not in making money.” says Glen. Glen was taught Isshinryu with elements of Aikido and Judo included. Achieving his 1^st Degree Black Belt in 1987, he progressed to 3^rd Degree Black Belt in 1992. After studying the Chinese art of Wing Chun and dabbling in American Kenpo for about a year, Glen spent some time in Galveston Island, Texas where he had the opportunity to train with a “true hard-core” Isshinryu group.

It was while he was in Texas he was drawn to the art of Chinese Kenpo. “I had heard of Ed Parker and his art and knew that he was a fellow Utahan.” relates Glen, “I saw the Karate Connection ad in Black Belt and knew that I wanted supplement my knowledge, so I called the number and spoke to Vic. He was the nicest guy in the world.” After speaking at length with Vic, Glen decided to give the art of Chinese Kenpo a try. Glen admits that he didn’t think the first test would be that difficult. “I didn’t pay attention to the differences in the basics.” he says, “When I took the Orange Belt test I didn’t anticipate any problems and was totally shocked and surprised when I failed! It was at that point that I knew these guys were serious. Failing that first test was the best thing that ever happened to me. After that I was sold on the Karate Connection program, I knew that this wasn’t just going to be another certificate on the wall. One of my most memorable experiences was meeting Chuck and Vic for the first time.” When Glen broke the news to his Isshinryu instructor that he was switching over to Kenpo, his instructor watched Chuck and Vic on video and said, “Man, these guys are really sharp… go with ‘em!” After refocusing and retaking the Orange Belt test Glen persevered and completed the video testing program. In accordance with the IKCA bylaws he was awarded the rank of 3^rd Degree. He has been a staunch advocate of the IKCA over the years, often answering questions online from people checking out the Karate Connection as an option for their own martial arts training.

After returning to Utah and residing in the town of Enoch, Glen shared workout space with practitioners in the arts of Ninjutsu and Jiujutsu. “We called the area “The Pit”, and while there I developed a good core of students. I also trained with an American Kenpo group my cousin was involved with for about two years, and taught ground fighting and weapons at a local college.” Glen also had the opportunity to build a house and when he did he included an 800 sq. ft. area for practicing and teaching. Though he maintains 45-65 students, a city ordinance restricts the teaching of martial arts to nine students at a time. “It’s a little strange,” says Glen, “but it helps to keep the class size small. Obviously that helps you to give students more personal attention.”

When asked about what he likes most about the IKCA Glen responded, “The simplicity of the system mixing with sophisticated moves. But remember there’s a difference between sophisticated and complicated, the system is not complicated. I like the teaching methodology. The techniques are the form. There’s virtually no wasted practice time. When you do the techniques the form is getting better; when you do the form the techniques are getting better.”

Glen wants to pass along encouragement and advice to the IKCA family: “Don’t rush the rank. Be consistent in your training. Work timing and distancing with a partner, fluidity and exactness in the air, power on the dummy and speed and accuracy always. Perform at all times with emotional content, make Kenpo yours.” One of Glen’s favorite quotes comes from J.G. Hubbard (Chancellor of the Treasury of England, Late 1800’s): “One thing at a time, all things in succession. That which grows slowly endures.”