Howard Singer, recently promoted to 7^th Degree, has in his possession something that would catch the interest of any Kenpo practitioner.  Howard’s 1^st Degree Black Belt certificate of July 14, 1970 is signed by none other than Senior Grandmaster Edmund K. Parker.  But one item of note is that the IKKA document also includes the signature of the then Secretary/Treasurer of the organization, one Mr. Charles Sullivan!  Howard recalls this test with fondness because of the famous ‘Parker Kick’ he was on the receiving end of at the end of the day.

                Raised in Chicago IL, Howard has spent the majority of his adult life in Southern California.  He began his career working for North American Aviation, later known as the aerospace industry giant Rockwell.  Howard counts it a privilege to have been working for North American as an engineering draftsman when they had the task of designing the Lunar Landing Module during the Apollo program for NASA in the late 1960’s.  Since then Howard’s career has been primarily involved in management of the consumer electronics industry.

                Starting in Shotokan when he was 19 years old, Howard soon switched and studied Kenpo under Chuck Sullivan’s classmate Joe Dimmick .  An active participant in Dimmick’s Downey school, he was an active tournament competitor.  “Sparring was my forte.” Howard says, “I was able to capture three State Championships, but what I’m really proud of is the five trophies that I received at the Long Beach Internationals.”  “In fact I was in the running for the 1966 Brown Belt sparring title.  My wife, Mary Ann, was 8 months pregnant with our first child and in the stands.  She has always been so supportive. In the final match I was trailing 2-0 and was able to come from behind and win the title!”  Howard discovered though that being so heavily involved in the tournament competition did have its drawbacks.  “Mary Ann got to the point where she refused to sleep in the same bed with me the night before a tournament.”, he relates, “I guess it was because I was dreaming about competing!”  Howard recalls some of his toughest opponents and training partners, a veritable Who’s Who of Kenpo and the American martial arts scene, people like Donnie Williams, John Sepulveda, Bob White and Frank Trejo.   Howard’s studies with Mr. Dimmick continued until he reached his 4^th degree.  At this point his instructor relocated and Howard took a hiatus from the martial arts for about ten years.  “There were other things I wanted to do.”, he says.  At SGM Parker’s urging Howard returned to Kenpo, and was granted his 5^th degree by Mr. Parker.

                Six years ago Howard became one of Chuck’s personal student’s and his association with the IKCA began.  “I had known Mr. Sullivan as one the original students of Mr. Parker and I knew of the respect for him in Kenpo circles.  Vic had been a dear friend for many years.  The greatest honor of my life was to be accepted to the IKCA.”  Howard continues, “I was instantly accepted by everyone and treated like family from the time I entered.”  Upon successfully completing the IKCA requirements, Howard’s IKKA rank of 5^th degree was acknowledged.  He successfully tested for 6^th degree three years ago and is rapidly approaching his test for 7^th degree.  He considers his weekly studies with Chuck a privilege.  “Remember, here is a man that tested for his own Judan (10^th degree Black Belt).” he says, “ That’s unheard of!  It was not ‘bestowed’ on him, he earned every bit of it!  I have nothing but the highest respect for Chuck and Vic and all of the IKCA members.  We are part of something special in the Kenpo community and the martial arts.”  Howard states that he is continually impressed with the video students he has the opportunity to meet at the seminars.  “I’ve known a lot of great fighters, including Steve (Sanders) Muhammad.  I know good martial artists when I see them.  A lot of the IKCA students are absolutely top-notch.  That’s how well trained they are.”  Over the years Howard has heard accusations that the IKCA system is “watered-down Kenpo”.   To this he responds, “Look and see if all the principles are there, they are.  Everything is useful and usable in the IKCA.  You always have follow-ups.  Why practice something you can’t use?  Remember the 10/100 rule!”

To all of the IKCA students he says, “Stick with it, complete it.  The majority of the students never make it to Black Belt.  It’s a constant learning process, even after you make it to that goal.  Never give up!”  Pretty sage advice from someone the IKCA is privileged to have as a member.