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F.K.K.A. PROFILE Our ongoing advise to anyone interested in beginning in the martial arts is: “Don’t give up. Keep going, and one day your accomplishments will positively impact many lives, especially your own.”
 
April, 2022
Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Featured in: “Martial Arts Extraordinaire Magazine.”
 Welcome to Grandmaster Flaherty’s MARTIAL ARTS PROFILE page. We are delighted to share information about Kenpo Grandmaster Randall Flaherty, his martial arts affiliates, past and current FKKA members, and individuals who have made a significant impression on the owners of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association (FKKA). Please consider checking back from time to time because additional names and stories will be added. If you would like to read extended karate stories, then consider viewing our HISTORY page on the Karate Today website. (Click Here) 2023 On Thursday, October 26, 2023, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association (I.e., FKKA) won the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics. To read more: (Click Here) On Saturday, April 15, 2023, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez and his wife, Sara, offered an excellent training seminar/workshop at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. If you are interested in reading additional “Jet” Seminar information, then consider viewing our HISTORY page. (Click Here) 2022 On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, the Instructors of Team FKKA are proud to announce that we have bounced back well from the pandemic. If you are interested in reading the complete FKKA progress report for 2022 and more, then click here. On Monday, April 11, 2022, Team FKKA offered a special recognition to all the excellent Black Belt members who didn’t make it on Flaherty’s History/Profile pages, please remember that you are highly admired, honored, and respected by the FKKA family. 2021 On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate (FKKA) opened martial arts classes on a full time bases. 2020 On Saturday, October 17, 2020, many Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Black Belt Instructors, including Grandmaster Flaherty, received USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame Awards during the “Hall of Heroes” banquet event in Los Angeles California. On Saturday, July 11, 2020, Grandmaster Randall Flaherty of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association received “Ambassador of the Year,” “School of the Year”, and other awards and recognition from the American Martial Arts Alliance. On January 25, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Grandmaster Randall Flaherty was inducted into Action Martial Arts Magazine as a “Distinguished Renowned Martial Artist.” In addition, the Grandmaster’s brief martial arts autobiography was offered for publication in the “Ultimate Destination” Martial Arts History Book. 2019 On November 16, 2019, Dr. Jim Thomas, USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame Founder and President, instructed a training class/workshop at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. On May 17, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate received “crystal” & “plaque” awards for Best in Martial Arts Training. On June 28, as one of the authors, Grandmaster Flaherty attended the book signing event for the Masters & Pioneers Autobiography Book, dedicated to the world renowned grandmasters, pioneers, and legends who have paved the way for today’s martial artists. On June 29, Grandmaster Flaherty was inducted into the American Martial Arts Alliance Masters & Pioneers Autobiography Program. On July 30, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate is thrilled to offer “a healthy business progress report” to all families in San Joaquin County and our surrounding cities. We are proud to announce that the FKKA is stronger and better than ever, with student enrollment high, belt or degree promotions on the rise, program attendance up, and the association owners showing no signs of slowing down. We, the instructors, especially want to thank all the students and parents who travel from outside of the Stockton area to attend martial arts classes at the academy. 2018 On March 12, FKKA added a new bow and beginning material to the mass attacks form/kata, and others. Great Improvements !!! At the FKKA, Competition is always optional, but we prepare those interested in competing for tournaments in weapons, forms/katas, sparring, and more. 2017 On May 20, Randall Flaherty received “Grandmaster of the Year” award from Hall of Fame Founder, Dr. Jim Thomas. In addition, Mariana Flaherty received “Kenpo Instructor of the Year”. On December 16, the FKKA “Student/Instructor Code of Conduct” pages were released. 2016 On July 16, Mrs. Mariana Flaherty received her 3rd Degree Black Belt (i.e., head instructor status). On December 17, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Celebrated 25 years in business. 2015 On May 23, KCRA 3 A-List Reports: Voters Love Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate (Ranked in the top 5 of 106 schools for Best Martial Arts). 2014 On January 16, Randall Flaherty received a Professional Manager License approved by The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). The CSAC letter of approval states that, “This approved manager directs or controls the professional boxing or martial arts activities of any professional boxer or martial arts fighter.” On May 15, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate received the Business of the Year award for the third consecutive year (plaque & trophy). On December 27, Grandmaster Flaherty created new FKKA forms (aka: Short #4, Short #5, and Short #6). 2013 On April 10, Grandmaster Flaherty developed a new kenpo form (aka: Short Zero). On August 06, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association received the 2013 “Best of Stockton Award.” (Presented by the Stockton Award Program. Nationwide, only 1 in 70 (1.4%) 2013 Award recipients qualified as Two-Time Award Winners.) 2012 On January 12, Grandmaster & Mrs. Flaherty modeled karate uniforms for the Tiger Claw Magazine. On April 28, Randall Flaherty was inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Kenpo Grandmaster of the Year). On September 21 & 22, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace instructed a super-workshop/seminar at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate, Stockton CA. 2011 On September 9, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate joined National Federation of Independent Businesses - “The Voice of Small Business”. On October 20, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate was voted #1 for “Best of San Joaquin County” (Stockton Ca.). Randall Flaherty received Distinguished Service to California Award - (From the State Capital / State Board President in Sacramento, CA). 2010 On November 15, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate joined the Stockton California Better Business Bureau (BBB) and received an A+ Rating! 2009 On November 24, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association held a “Sparring Event” in San Jose (based on tournament competition, footwork, maneuvering concepts, and sparring drills). 2008 On May 10, Randall Flaherty received the "Silver Life Award" from the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame. On September 27, world renowned Grandmaster Alfredo Bandalan Sr. performed a workshop/seminar at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. 2007 On January 2, 2007 Master Flaherty opened a kenpo karate business (“Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association”) at 4343 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA. 95207. We, the FKKA instructors want to offer our sincere appreciation to all students and parents who have traveled from as far as San Jose (Bay Area), San Francisco, and many other surrounding cities to attend classes or programs, and who have come with a committed interest in learning and developing in the martial arts under the association founder, Master Randall Flaherty’s direct tutelage. 2006 On March 1, Master Randall Flaherty received the U.S. National Martial Arts Team / Official Letter of Appointment (presented by Dr. Jim Thomas). On April 4, Randall Flaherty received the "Pioneer Award" from the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Randall Flaherty received Congressional Order of Merit Award from Washington D.C. 2005 Randall Flaherty received National Leadership Award & Honorary Chairman (Business Advisory Council) in Washington D.C. Randall Flaherty received Businessman of the Year in Washington D.C. (Congress). 2004 On August 7, Randall Flaherty received "Master of the Year" from the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame. (Presented by Dr. Jim Thomas.) On November 5, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate promoted the Master Class Workshop/Seminar with guest speaker and performer Great Grandmaster Ralph Castro, and his Black Belt Instructors (including: his son Grandmaster Rob Castro). Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate joined the San Jose Better Business Bureau (B.B.B.). A+ rating! 2003 On January 1, Master Flaherty met with Great Grandmaster Ralph Castro and his “Thunderbolt” team and Academy. On November 15, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate promoted the Master Class Workshop/Seminar with guest speaker and performer Grandmaster Chuck Sullivan. 2001 During this year, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate was developing the "Tiny Tigers Youth Program." 2000 On January 2, Randall Flaherty opened a kenpo karate business (“Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate”) at 302 Toyon Ave., San Jose, CA. 95127. During this year, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate was developing successful martial arts programs (for local School Districts). 1998 On June 15, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate awarded the first two F.K.K.A. Black Belts to Mr. Gary Schoolcraft and Ms. Monica Teixeira. In addition, Randall Flaherty joined the United World Karate Association (U.W.K.A. Owner: Kenpo Master Roland Gonzales). 1997 During this year, Flaherty's gave a Kenpo Karate Demonstration at the San Jose Rose Garden (San Jose, CA.). During this year, Randall Flaherty continued Tae Kwon Do training under Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing Instructor Miguel Hurtado (Owner of West Coast Athletics). 1996 On January 2, Professor Randall Flaherty opened a kenpo karate business (“Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate”) at 1030 Piedmont Rd., San Jose, CA. 95132. During this year, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate was featured in Bay Area Magazine. Throughout the year, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate promoted In House Tournaments & Seminars (involving other Bay Area Local Martial Arts Schools) including the International Martial Arts Academy, Gonzales's Kenpo Karate, and West Coast Athletics to name a few. 1995 On May 5, Flaherty's Kenpo Karate performed a demonstration at the Santa Clara Fair Grounds and the Cinco-de-mayo Parade. (1st Place) Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate joined the Larry Tatum's Kenpo Karate Association (L.T.K.K.A.). In addition, Randall Flaherty received Instructor of Excellence verbal recognition within a small group seminar at Flaherty's Kenpo Karate Academy by world renowned Kenpo Master, Larry Tatum. 1994 Flaherty's Kenpo Karate Instructed a Women's Week in Self-defense at San Jose State University (Over 50 Women were in attendance). 1993 Throughout the year, Flaherty's Kenpo Karate demonstrated self-defense and breaking at over 20 exhibitions at the San Jose Fair Grounds and other events. Many times during this year, Randall Flaherty studied "Tai Chi" from a Val Pak Advertising Representative Ms. Charlotte Hargrave (a veteran in Chinese Philosophy). Randall Flaherty was introduced to Tae Kwon Do Master CJ Stewart (a respected member of the local San Jose Community). Master Stewart trained and mentored Ronnie Lott (Black Belt, NFL player, and Hall of Famer). 1992 Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate joined the San Jose Chamber of Commerce. 1991 On June 1, Randall Flaherty opened a kenpo karate business (“Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate”) at 225 La Pala Dr., San Jose, CA. 95127. Many times, during this year, Randall Flaherty learned IKKA material from John Sepulveda (“A top leading Master Instructor for the I.K.K.A. family”). Randall Flaherty earned a place on Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker's I.K.K.A Family Tree (4th Degree Black Belt). 1990 At times, during this year, Karate Instructor Flaherty studied “Tae Kwon Do” directly under Instructor John Holland. 1989 Randall Flaherty became a student member of the International Kenpo Karate Association (I.K.K.A.). Flaherty had a meeting with Grandmaster Ed Parker Sr. - (Los Angeles CA.). Ricardo Chaverri & Randall Flaherty visited Frank Trejo (IKKA President) at his LA studio. 1988 Many times, during this year, Flaherty trained with top fighters, such as, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, Benny “The Jet,” and others. Randall “Bullet” Flaherty served as assistant promoter to the Bill "Superfoot" Wallace Seminar in San Jose, CA. 1987 Throughout the year, Ricardo Chaverri & Randall Flaherty were students of Wushu Kung fu. (WuShu Instructor: Master Jin Sun Ding) Ricardo Chaverri & Randall Flaherty made special guest appearances at the San Francisco WuShu Tournament. 1986 On January 1, Instructor Randall Flaherty, became the sales manager & senior trainer for the International Martial Arts Academy (New owner: SIFU Ricardo Chaverri). At times, during this year, Flaherty studied the art of “Aikido” from Instructor Bart (Bart's Instruction was directly under the leadership of "The Old Man" within the Philippines). Randall Flaherty performed Martial Arts for a local newspaper & Spanish television commercial with Ricardo Chaverri. 1985 On July 1, instructor Randall Flaherty, became a silent partner with official business owner Angel Martial (International Martial Arts Academy, San Jose California). In addition, Flaherty took on the business name as "Golden Dragon" (due to his blond hair). During this year, Flaherty completed the fighting training with Black Belt Student Victor Phillips (Nickname "Quick Vic"). Mr. Phillips was known for his flexibility (Chinese Splits) and incredible human speed. Mr. Phillips is a college student in Nashville Tennessee (majoring in general medicine). 1984 On March 27, Dan Ancheta accepted and welcomed Randall Flaherty into the Brotherhood of Arnis (as an insider). At this point, he was introduced to Dan’s sister, Clara Stone and many other family members. Flaherty was also invited to attend family parties and gatherings, and became known as “brother.” On July 10, Randall Flaherty received his "First Degree Kenpo Black Belt" under two Kenpo Schools and a group of expert instructors. The first black belt was received at the International Martial Arts Academy under Angel Martial (Mr. Martial had received his Black Belt under Lee Thompson of "Lee's Martial Arts"), and the second first degree black belt received was under the roof of the "Twin Dragon Academy” (owned by twin brothers - Ruben and Roger Ruiz). Flaherty became the Top Kenpo, Kung-fu, and Fighting Instructor of the International Martial Arts Academy. In addition, he was rated #1 Martial Arts Fighter (Competition: Sparring Division). 1983 At times, during this year, Randall continued his quest to learn the art of “Arnis” by asking its founder, Dan Ancheta, many times throughout the year, only to repeatedly be told NO because he was an outsider (not a family member). 1982 On April 15, Randall Flaherty was presented the nickname as “Bullet” (by: Mr. Bruce Crary), and received the international martial arts title as “Junior Instructor”. During this year, Randall participated in sparring matches at Lee's Martial Arts ("Friendship Meet"). At different times, throughout the year, Randall Flaherty would ask Dan Ancheta to teach him Arnis (A Filipino Martial Art of stick, knife, and dagger fighting) and was often told “NO,” because he was an outsider and not an insider (a member of the Ancheta family). As Ancheta explained, “The Brotherhood of Arnis is only taught to family members.” 1981 At different times, throughout the year, Randall Flaherty participated in the I.M.A.A. demonstration team. In addition, Flaherty was appointed as an assistant karate instructor to the academy's chief instructor, Mr. Angel Martial. Randall Flaherty was introduced to Jeff Thorbs and they became close friends and sparring partners (Jeff Thorbs was an olympic track competitor who suffered a minor ankle injury). At different times, throughout this year, Bruce Crary & Randall Flaherty instructed the "Guardian Angels" in karate & self-defense. 1980 In the early 1980‘s, Flaherty joined Kenpo, Karate, Kung-fu, and Judo classes at the International Martial Arts Academy. Later Randall Flaherty, began teaching new students privately for the International Martial Arts Academy (owner, Angel Martial). 1979 In mid June, Robert Flaherty, enrolled his son, Randall, in a neighborhood karate school ("THE DOJO") - a classic fighting / sparring school located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Randall Flaherty trained at "THE DOJO" in Kentucky under Marty Senior and Marty Junior, a father & son team, for a short while. In November, Flaherty moved to San Jose California from Kentucky. 1974 Throughout the year, Randall Flaherty became involved with school sports such as, baseball (fast pitch), basketball, football, wrestling, and track. 1972 Randall was introduced to Kenpo Karate when he was eight years old by his father, Robert Flaherty. Randall remembers sitting on his father’s knee outside of their country home in Kentucky and listening to army stories about his father’s Asian friend. The story was that back in 1951, his father was observing his friend being harassed by a GI for several minutes. “Before he could blink an eye,” his father recounted, “my Asian friend reached into the big GI’s rib cage with incredible hand-speed, and popped it out using his finger-tips. That was Kenpo Karate in action!” Needless to say, stories like that motivated Randall to learn.History.htmlB_B_B.htmlHistory.htmlHistory.htmlshapeimage_6_link_0shapeimage_6_link_1shapeimage_6_link_2shapeimage_6_link_3
What you should know ? CHIEF INSTRUCTOR Grandmaster Randall Flaherty (Founder/Owner) (10th Degree Black Belt) SENIOR INSTRUCTOR Mrs. Mariana Flaherty (Owner) (4th Degree Black Belt) KARATE STYLES Kenpo Karate Kung-fu Arnis (stick, sword, and dagger) Other BEST FKKA INSTRUCTORS Barbara Griggs Ben Alarca Gabrielle Hattori Alejandro Maciel Ricardo Maciel Nevaeh Doss William Emigdio Mae Kyla Barrera COMPETITION Available (optional). Champion competitors attend the FKKA. OUR ACADEMY PHOTOS  WHY JOIN KENPO KARATE ? Respect. Discipline. Building Confidence. Teaching Opportunities. Practical and realistic self-defense for the streets. Kenpo is great for studying motion, logical principles, and physics entwined into a comprehensive martial arts system. Kenpo includes stand-up fighting, throws, grappling, hand and foot striking, nerve attacks, joint locks, and more. Kenpo is designed for men, women, and children of most age groups. Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate provides a work-at-your-own-pace environment. PEOPLE LOVE KENPO KARATE BECAUSE - it’s a self-defense system that works well with everyone.
ALL ABOUT US:
Grandmaster Flaherty (Right) American Martial Arts Alliance Las Vegas, NV
June 28 & 29, 2019 ~ Inducted Member ~
U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame Howard Johnson Hotel Los Angeles, CA.
May 20, 2017 (Inducted Members)
KCRA 3 A-List Reports: 
“Ranked in the top “5” schools of 106 for Martial Arts.”
2015 (Best of the Best)
Dr. Jim Thomas (Right) (USA Hall of Fame Founder) Master Flaherty (Left side) (Inductee)
Master Frank Trejo (Left) (Trejo’s Studio, LA.) Ricardo Chaverri Randall Flaherty Steve (Right side) (One-of-a-kind photo)
Grandmaster Parker’s Studio, LA (One of a kind Photo) “Mr. Flaherty had private talks with Senior Grandmaster Parker within his Academy Office.”
- Parker’s Studio - Mr. Flaherty took this picture during a training night (One of a kind photo) Los Angeles, CA
Randall Flaherty learned kickboxing skills from Benny “The Jet” Urquidez privately, LA.
Legendary Wallace: Undefeated Middle Weight World kickboxing Champion 1974 - 1980 { Grandmaster Flaherty Learned from Bill Wallace privately, LA. }
1988 Mr. Chaverri & Mr. Flaherty “Promoted a “Superfoot” Seminar at Independent High School.”
Randy, “Keep The Force.” Signed by: Bill Wallace & Joe Lewis

World Legend...
Joe Lewis
Master Jin Sun Ding (Center) Ricardo Chaverri (Left) Randy Flaherty (Right side) (Chaverri and Flaherty’s Wushu Teacher)
International Martial Arts Academy (I.M.A.A.) Randall Flaherty (Center) Victor Phillips (Right side)
International Martial Arts Academy 225 LaPala Dr. San Jose, CA. Owner: Angel Martial (Bottom Center) Randall Flaherty (Top Left)
June 28, 2019 (Book Signing)
American Martial Arts Alliance (Who’s who in the Martial Arts) Las Vegas, NV.
A.M.A.A. Legend 
“Grandmaster Flaherty Received American Martial Arts Legends Ring .”
2012 U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Bill “Superfoot” Wallace (Left) Randall Flaherty (Center) Mariana Flaherty (Right side) at the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame Los Angeles, CA.
May 20, 2017 (Inducted Members)
U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Honorary: Samurai Swords) Howard Johnson Hotel Los Angeles, CA.
August 07, 2004 ~ Inducted Members ~
Awarded to Grandmaster Randall Flaherty From U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Founder: Dr. Jim Thomas) Los Angeles, CA.
May 20, 2017 (Tonfa Set & Other)
1989 International Kenpo Karate Association
1989 International Kenpo Karate Association
1989 International Kenpo Karate Association
May 18, 2018 (Inducted Member)
Awarded to Randall Flaherty (“Grandmaster of the Year”) From U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Owner: Dr. Jim Thomas) Los Angeles, CA.
June 28, 2019 (Inducted Member)
1987 (Studied: Wushu Kung-fu)
1985 (Small Group Training)
1981 (Karate Instructors)
1988 (The “Jet” Center)
Kick Boxing (“Legends”)
1982 (Brown Belt Testing)
I.M.A.A. Test Performers: Ricardo Chaverri (Left) Randall Flaherty (Right side)
1988 (Saluting the “Big Burger”)
Bill “Superfoot” Wallace (Left) Ricardo Chaverri (Right) Randall Flaherty (Right side) Los Angeles, CA.
November 16, 2019 (Martial Arts Training)
Founder & President USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Dr. Thomas Class / Workshop) Stockton, CA.
January 25, 2020 (Inducted Member)
Grandmaster R. Flaherty Action Martial Arts Magazine Atlantic City, NJ
October 17, 2020 USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame, LA (Inducted Members)
April 15, 2023
Benny “The Jet” Urquidez At Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Stockton, CA.