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OUR HISTORY Welcome to the FKKA’s “HISTORY” page. We are delighted to share some, but not all, information about our past and current members who have made a significant impression or impact on the owners of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. Please, consider checking back from time to time because additional names, short stories, and positive quotes will be added. If you would like to read more karate stories, then consider viewing our black belt graduates on our “Success Stories” page and the “FKKA Profile” page on the Karate Today web site.
 
SPECIAL BLACK BELT 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. 2023 Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate won the 2023 Better Business Bureau's “Torch Award for Ethics.” The Torch Award was created for the purpose of recognizing and celebrating businesses that exemplify the highest standards of trust and marketplace ethics. The mission of the Better Business Bureau of Northeast California is to lead the way in promoting trust within the marketplace, and the Torch Awards embody its commitment to this mission. The Torch Awards are presented to businesses that consistently go above and beyond in their interactions with customers, employees, vendors and the wider community. These businesses, like Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate, have demonstrated a dedication to ethical business practices, honesty, transparency and accountability. Let’s Celebrate Excellence by joining us in recognizing and applauding the outstanding efforts of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association, which has made a significant impact on our community through its ethical conduct. A friendly message from the Business Owners: We would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of our online communities, our local vendors, our neighborhood families, our students, parents, grandparents, lobby guests and Instructors for believing in us and helping us win the 2023 Torch Award for Ethics. Thank You! 2023 BENNY “THE JET” TRAINING SEMINAR AT FLAHERTY’S KENPO KARATE, STOCKTON, CA. On Saturday, April 15, 2023, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez and his wife, Sara, offered an excellent training seminar/workshop at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. Grandmaster Randall Flaherty was proud to present the Master’s Class Workshop Program to his students, parents, guests, and instructors. This year's guest, program instructor and speaker was none other than Grandmaster Flaherty’s Kickboxing Instructor, Benny “The Jet" Urquidez. We all had a great time learning from the Living Legend, "The Jet" himself, on such subjects as kickboxing, self-defense strategies, and more. At the event's end, Benny “The Jet” took the time to offer a brief speech and answer many participants’ questions. We, the instructors of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate, would like to take this opportunity to thank Benny “The Jet” and his wife for a wonderful time learning and developing better skills in the Martial Arts. Excellent Seminar! 2022 AN FKKA PROGRESS REPORT We, the Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Owner’s, are thrilled to offer a brief, healthy progress report: Since reopening, from the pandemic, we have had the good fortune to meet and teach, along with our returning students, many new enrollees, and their numbers are continuing to rise. In other words, we have bounced back well! Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association has been in business since 1991 and we are looking forward to many, many more years to come. We want to thank all the excellent students and their wonderful families and friends for supporting Team FKKA on our mission, “To make a positive difference in the communities we serve by teaching family karate!” 2021 KARATE REOPENING On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate (FKKA) opened martial arts classes on a full time bases. At this time, we are not yet at full capacity, however, we are pleased to announce that we are well on our way. In addition, we are pleased to announce that the FKKA managed to survive the pandemic, a power outage for one month, and a lack of on-demand supplies from martial arts suppliers. And we survived well! All in all, the real credit goes to our karate students, instructors, parents, and the general community for their ongoing helpful support. We’re Back! (Thank you, everyone!) 2020 USA MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS !!! (Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate received “School of the Year.”) Grand Master Flaherty and many of the Association's Kenpo Karate Black Belt instructors received Hall of Fame Awards at the USA Martial Arts "Hall of Heroes" banquet in Los Angeles, California on October 17, 2020. Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association was chosen as "School of the Year." Other FKKA award winners were Gabrielle Hattori (“Female Karate Black Belt of the Year”), Ricardo Maciel (“Kenpo Black Belt of the Year”), and Alejandro Maciel (“Kenpo Junior Black Belt of the Year”). Mariana Flaherty received an award celebrating her "10 Years in the Martial Arts" and for being “Karate Instructor of the Year. ” The awards were presented by the Grandmaster’s good friend, martial arts brother, and event director and owner, Dr. Jim Thomas. Several FKKA Black Belts not in attendance received induction awards and recognition. These were Barbara Griggs (“Kenpo Instructor of the Year”), Benjamin Alarca (“Kenpo Black Belt of the Year”), Mae Kyla Barrera (“Junior Karate Black Belt of the Year”), and Jordan Ota (“Martial Artist of the Year”). All 2020 Martial Arts induction awards were proudly accepted on behalf of the entire student body of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association, our parents, our supportive families, and guests. 2020 AMERICAN MARTIAL ARTS ALLIANCE INCLUSION !!! (Book/Volume 3: “School of the Year.”) On Saturday, July 11, 2020, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association (FKKA) was named “School of the Year” by the American Martial Arts Alliance Masters & Pioneers Autobiography Program. The FKKA was one of two martial arts studios to receive this worldwide recognition. The Martial Arts Alliance also recognized Grandmaster Randall Flaherty’s journey and his business success stories, along with over 200 other martial arts world leaders during the AMAA on-line Hall of Heroes Awards Ceremony. Legendary movie actor, Chuck Norris was honored, along with the Grandmaster’s kickboxing instructor, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez. Grandmaster Flaherty was also named the "Martial Arts Ambassador of the Year," and his autobiography was included in the Who’s Who in the Martial Arts History Book. An AMAA Advisory Board Council Member, Grandmaster Flaherty proudly accepted the honors on behalf of all FKKA members, students, parents, guests, and Black Belt instructors. 2020 ACTION MARTIAL ARTS MAGAZINE HALL OF HONORS !!! (Worldwide Induction!) During January 23-25, 2020, Grandmaster Randall Flaherty attended the Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honors event in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Legendary martial artists, movie actors, and authors joined forces within this largest world event of its kind, attending the expo activities, the VIP night of dancing and entertainment, tournament competition, and the formal induction banquet ceremony. On January 25, 2020, Grandmaster Randall Flaherty, was one of five people worldwide to be chosen to receive the “Distinguished Renowned Martial Artist” award. He proudly accepted the award on behalf of the entire student body of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association and their parents. 2019 HALL OF FAME FOUNDER’S TRAINING WORKSHOP! (Stockton California) 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. Many students were in attendance during this grueling, intense training class. The two hour class was informative, rich with history, entertaining with a strenuous physical workout that left all participants exhausted and physically sore. Thomas’s training event ended with everyone having a great time celebrating Grandmaster Flaherty’s 40th year in the martial arts. 2019 AMERICAN MARTIAL ARTS ALLIANCE INDUCTION !!! (Book/Volume 2: “Gold Membership Status.”) On June 28, 2019, Grandmaster Randall Flaherty attended the signing event for the Masters & Pioneers Autobiography Book, as one of the authors and world renowned Grandmasters of the 21st Century. The book is dedicated to the countless number of Grandmasters, pioneers, and legends who have paved the way for today’s martial artists. Through this publication we are preserving and sharing our journey with the world. Martial Arts Masters & Pioneers, Volume 2, will serve as the official history book for Grandmasters, senseis, practitioners, students, and martial arts enthusiasts around the globe. On June 29, 2019, Grandmaster Randall Flaherty, 10th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate was inducted into the American Martial Arts Alliance Masters & Pioneers Autobiography Program for his years of dedicated public service in the field of martial arts training, teaching, developing, and expertise. The Grandmaster was one of five martial artists to be chosen to represent the entire state of California, along with many other martial arts world leaders/inductees during the AMAA Who’s Who in the Martial Arts Hall of Heroes Banquet. On behalf of all the supportive Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate students, parents, instructors, and family members, the awards, certificates, and recognition were proudly accepted. 2018 THE “FKKA” IS STRONGER AND BETTER THAN EVER! (“A healthy business progress report.”) Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association is thrilled to announce that The FKKA is stronger and better than ever, with student enrollment high, belt or degree promotions on the rise, and program attendance up, and the association owners showing no signs of slowing down. The year 2018 was an exciting time, one that gave the FKKA instructors the opportunity to meet and greet many, many families within the San Joaquin area, along with people who traveled a great distance to come to classes. We would like to demonstrate our appreciation to all karate attendees for your excellent martial arts performances, kind words and thoughts, and the high commitment you have demonstrated by attending classes on a regular basis. Thank you, to all members, for choosing Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association (FKKA) !!! 2017 SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO: BEN ALARCA Special recognition to Mr. Ben Alarca, as well as all the members who participated in the development of the FKKA “Student/Instructor Code of Conduct” pages, for assisting Grandmaster Flaherty by participating in many meetings regarding changes at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. Besides Alarca’s participation in almost weekly meetings for approximately five months, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate would like to recognize his great teaching style and martial arts performance abilities. With a military background and a current 2nd Degree Black Belt, Mr. Alarca brings to every class he teaches or trains professionalism, confidence, discipline, and respect. From the bottom of our hearts, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate appreciates Mr. Ben Alarca, especially the Grandmaster and Mrs. Flaherty! 2016 SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO: MARIANA FLAHERTY “Special recognition to Mariana Flaherty for receiving her 3rd Degree Black Belt (Head Instructor Status).” In addition, we, the FKKA Instructors are very proud of Mrs. Flaherty and her outstanding martial arts achievements! TEACHING FROM THE HEART… Special recognition to Mariana Flaherty for her abilities at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate in instructing students of most age groups, especially the children. Mariana, Grandmaster Flaherty’s wife, has made significant personal improvements in her communication and public relations skills, her teaching style, and overall martial arts performance. Most FKKA students and instructors have come to understand one very important fact about Mariana Flaherty; and that is that she doesn’t play when it comes to teaching and developing students at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. Besides Mariana’s willingness to teach people from the heart, the students of all belt colors, ages, and ranks, and their parents, grandparents, and legal guardians appreciate Mariana. Without any doubts or reservations, Mariana Flaherty is the absolute best business/life partner Grandmaster Flaherty could ask for! FKKA’S GRANDMASTER R. FLAHERTY (“A 5-TIME USA MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAMER.”) Beginning in the year of 2004, Flaherty was inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame and met Dr. Jim Thomas, Hall of Fame founder. Flaherty's awards include: 2004/“Master of the Year”, 2006/”Pioneer Award, 2008/”Silver Life Award”, 2012/ “Kenpo Grandmaster of the Year”, and 2017/ “Grandmaster of the Year”, with additional honored awards of a wooden tonfa and Samurai Swords. All Hall of Fame awards are on display at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Academy in Stockton, CA. CELEBRATING 25-YEARS IN BUSINESS 2016: Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate students, instructors, and parents with additional karate family members celebrated 10 years in business at the Stockton location, and at the same time, celebrated over 25 years in business as Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association (i.e., F.K.K.A.). 2012 BILL “SUPERFOOT” WALLACE (PERFORMED A 2-DAY WORKSHOP AT FLAHERTY’S KENPO KARATE) Flaherty was inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame as “Kenpo Grandmaster of the Year.” Flaherty reconnected with his former kickboxing instructor, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, after an approximate 23-year gap. Bill “Superfoot” Wallace led two “SUPER WORKSHOPS” for children, teens, and adults at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate, Stockton, CA. 2010 MASTER ALFREDO BANDALAN (PERFORMED A WORKSHOP AT FLAHERTY’S KENPO KARATE) World renowned, Grandmaster Alfredo Bandalan performed a workshop at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate in Escrima stick fighting. Flaherty and Bandalan go way back to the early 90’s, sharing a retail space at Flaherty’s old karate business at the Champion Martial Arts Training Center, located in San Jose. Master Bandalan had Tuesday and Thursday evenings while Flaherty had the other weekdays and weekends. The Bandalan’s would often travel to different parts of the world participating in Escrima (stick-fighting) competitions, and then return to Flaherty’s gym for teaching and training their Kenpo Karate and Escrima stick fighters. The Bandalans are Flaherty’s good friends! ED HUTCHINGS (BRUCE LEE’S 1ST ENROLLED” STUDENT) 2010: REMINISCING ABOUT THE GOOD OLD DAYS: At Ricardo Chaverri’s home in Modesto California, Flaherty and the Chaverri family, and a couple of other martial arts acquaintances, including one of Bruce Lee’s first students, exchanged stories of the old training days when Ed Hutchings would train under the tutelage of Bruce Lee for 8 to 10 hour days. Flaherty also recalled putting in those long hours when he had been training under the tutelage of Bruce Crary. Hutchings and Flaherty began swapping old Bruce Lee concepts and ideas, such as, “moving from point of origin”, “stopping the hand a few inches beyond the target”, “the famous one-inch punch”, “the straight blast”, and more. Flaherty has always implemented and instructed students on great Bruce Lee concepts, principles, and ideas in class sessions, workshops, and seminars. Bruce Lee is the founder of Jeet Kune Do (aka: intercepting fist). JKD teaches that the best defense is a strong offense, hence the principle of an “intercepting fist”. For someone to attack another hand-to-hand, the attacker must approach the target. This provides an opportunity for the attacked person to “intercept” the attacking movement. 2007 FLAHERTY’S KENPO KARATE MOVED (NEW LOCATION: 4343 PACIFIC AVE., STOCKTON, CA.) On January 2nd, the new Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Academy opened at 4343 Pacific Ave. # D2, Stockton, CA. 95207 with central heating and air-conditioning. We have our window lobby area for viewing purposes (safety for children and everyone to learn martial arts), an eight security camera system in place, an open floor plan (no locked training area doors), grids over the front doors and windows for added DOJO security, and an open door of communication for all karate members, spectators, students, parents, grandparents, guardians, and instructors. Again, “hard moving work pays off.” SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO: GRANDMASTER RANDALL FLAHERTY 2007: Flaherty set and broke on-line “Martial Arts World Records” with the most bricks broken at once (stacked), and hand-speed movements. (Flaherty’s hand speed was clocked at over 70 MPG) 2006 JERRY MAHONEY (NATIONAL BLACK BELT LEAGUE CHAMPION) Jerry Mahoney, formerly of Lees Martial Arts, a 6th Degree Black Belt, and formerly a National Black Belt League (NBL) Point Fighting Champion, instructed a workshop/seminar at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. Students of various ages, belt colors, and black belt members attended the training, learning point-fighting concepts; such as, “moving or striking through transition.” 2004 GREAT GRANDMASTER RALPH CASTRO (THE “THUNDERBOLT” TEAM) Great Grandmaster Ralph Castro and his son, Grandmaster Rob Castro, (International Shaolin Kenpo Association), along with their team of black belt instructors, instructed a workshop/seminar at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. 2003 GREAT GRANDMASTER RALPH CASTRO Flaherty was given a tour of Great Grandmaster Ralph Castro’s Studio, located in San Francisco, CA. on the top floor of a building. It was a very large and clean facility, and with lots of back-in-the-day pictures as you walked up the stairway toward the DOJO. Castro, a former student of Professor William Chow was delighted to show Flaherty around, to show him the circled entrance way, the training area with bleachers, and the “Thunderbolt” room named after his instructor, William “Thunderbolt” Chow. GRANDMASTER CHUCK SULLIVAN (4TH IKKA BLACK BELT IN THE UNITED STATES) 2003: Kenpo Grandmaster Chuck Sullivan (The Karate Connection Founder) instructed a workshop/seminar at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. Grandmaster Sullivan was the fourth Kenpo black belt in the United States who received rank under the Great/Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker’s tutelage. SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO: DR. BOB DOIG 2003: Dr. Bob Doig wrote out, word-for-word Flaherty’s development of a 36 technique system (our archived system), along with the system’s forms and sets. After a long period of time, Dr. Doig transferred the information over to a word document, copied it to a CD, and then gave the CD to Flaherty as a gift. Dr. Doig had previously come from a martial arts background before joining Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. Master Flaherty would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Bob Doig (our FKKA 1st Degree Black Belt graduate) for his kindness, generosity, his precious time, energy, and his consideration! 1999 FLAHERTY’S KENPO KARATE MOVED (TIME TO ROLL UP THE SLEEVES!) Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate moved to 302 Toyon Ave. Unit B, San Jose, (from the Piedmont Shopping Center). This was the location of the late CJ Stewarts Martial Arts business. The walls were originally blue, with a big brick flower pot in the middle of the lobby floor, with the same office set up, with same radius/arched walls, back walled mirrors, and office entrance. Flaherty rolled up his sleeves and pulled the bricked flowerpot out of the floor, leaving a hole in the cement floor, filled the hole in, laid down a lobby carpet, and painted the blue walls white (a few students helped with painting). Flaherty placed the window in the lobby for customer viewing, and placed cameras for DOJO and student/customer safety. Flaherty remained at this location for approximately six years. EXCELLENT KARATE WORKSHOPS At the Toyon location, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate had the good fortune to bring out martial arts masters and grandmasters on seminar/workshop training days, such as: Master Ricardo Chaverri, Jerry Mahoney, Grandmaster Chuck Sullivan, and Great Grandmaster Ralph Castro and his son and black belt team, to just name a few. SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO: GARY SCHOOLCRAFT AND MONICA TEIXEIRA 1999: At the Piedmont Shopping Center, Mr. Gary Schoolcraft and Ms. Monica Teixeira were the first to receive 1st Degree Black Belts from Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. Flaherty is very proud of his first two excellent black belt graduates! Years later, Mr. Schoolcraft became Flaherty’s head instructor as a 3rd Degree Black Belt. According to Master Flaherty, Mr. Schoolcraft is a very much admired and respected student/instructor of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate! 1998 MASTER FLAHERTY Flaherty continued building successful martial arts programs, such as, stripes for graduating color belt members (electrical tape style), appropriate testing time frames in which students could qualify for belt or degree graduation, implementing the color belts with a color stripe through the center (to demonstrate student progression), annual master class training days, and the low cost “Karate Master’s Program” for the Alum Rock School District, located in San Jose (a successful after school children’s program for eight consecutive years). SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO: THE “AKAU” FAMILY (Approximate year: 1998) Flaherty was putting up a banner for his karate storefront when up walked Jeff Akau. Flaherty asked Jeff to help him hang up the banner. During the hanging of the banner, Flaherty found out that Jeff had a real passion for the martial arts. Flaherty, realized money could be the issue for Jeff's not pursuing additional martial arts training, so Flaherty asked Jeff, “Would you like to clean the karate studio for free lessons?” Jeff, immediately agreed. Later, Jeff brought in his father and brother to learn. Master Flaherty is very proud to announce that Mr. Jeff Akau (son) and Mr. Wes Akau (father) are both excellent FKKA Black Belts! 1997 DAVE THOMAS & MASTER JIN SUN DIN (THE F.K.K.A. WELCOMES SPECIAL GUESTS) Dave Thomas and Master Jin Sun Ding came to Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate about joining their lion/dragon dance demonstration team. A few Flaherty’s karate members stepped up for the challenge. However, not before Master Ding demonstrated an excellent “Broad Sword” routine by spinning his body horizontally off the ground in a rapid 360 degree rotation, and landing with his sword routine in perfect form. In fact, the rippling effect of Master Ding’s sword was so loud and near the students who were sitting on the training floor, that the students tried to back up quickly in excitement. Flaherty has the greatest of respect and admiration for Mr. Dave Thomas and Master Jin Sun Ding! 1996 ROLAND GONZALES (KARATE CONNECTION MEMBER) Flaherty joined a local Black Belt Club instructed by Roland Gonzales, who owned a small retail martial arts business in Santa Clara. The business was in the rough part of town - so rough, that there were bars on the windows. Gonzales would crank the heat up, so if it was 100 degrees outside in the shade, then inside the DOJO was 115 to 120 degrees or hotter. Flaherty remembers the two-hour grueling workouts, the last thirty minutes in intense sparring. About 14 to 20 practitioners were present and eager to learn and practice the Karate Connection Material, along with hard contact sparring/fighting. FLAHERTY’S FINAL I.M.M.A. DEGREE 1996: Flaherty earned the 6th Degree Black Belt under his Chief Instructor, Master Angel Martial. This degree would be the final degree offered by Flaherty’s Instructor, before decisions were made by the master and other top leading officials to have a go at what would now be known as, “Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association (i.e., the F.K.K.A.). 1995 MASTER LARRY TATUM Kenpo Master Larry Tatum instructed a workshop/seminar at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Academy. Tatum offered a hand-sword chop to Flaherty’s throat while demonstrating his speed. In addition, Flaherty joined Larry Tatum’s Kenpo Karate Association (L.T.K.K.A.). Instructor Flaherty appreciates Master Tatum for his wisdom, his videos, and his workable knowledge of American’s Kenpo Karate! SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO: CHRISTIAN BONNER 1995: A special recognition to Christian Bonner for developing the fastest openhanded speed that Flaherty had ever seen as an advanced brown belt. Other members of the academy would comment to Bonner that his hand speed was very fast. Bonner would then reply with confidence in his abilities, “I could go faster!” Christian Bonner participated with Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate in parade and martial arts demonstrations. 1994 WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE (AT SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY) Flaherty instructed women's self-defense at San Jose State University to more than 50 ladies, a few of them in wheelchairs, with the company of a handful of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate students, and the event was a huge success. Flaherty touched base on a few effective hands-on concepts and simple self-defense ideas, along with a personal demonstration on the technique called, “Silk-wind.” SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO: DAN HERNANDEZ 1994: A special recognition to Dan Hernandez (Brown Belt), along with other students, for accompanying Flaherty to the San Jose State University “Women’s Week” training days. Flaherty and his Kenpo Karate helpers made the training event memorable and educational for all ladies who were in attendance, including university student reporters. SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO: MONICA FARIAS AND HER MOTHER 1994: A special recognition to Monica Ferias and her mother who enrolled Monica in Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. The mother explained to Flaherty that, her daughter, Monica, was being bullied by the boys in school. Could Flaherty help her? Flaherty told her to enroll Monica at the FKKA for six months and "we’ll fix that problem.” Approximately six months later, the mother approached Flaherty and said, “You have to control my daughter because she is beating up all the boys in school!” Then Flaherty began to teach Monica self-control. 1993 FLAHERTY’S KENPO KARATE (MARTIAL ARTS DEMONSTRATIONS) Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate demonstrated over 20 exhibitions at the San Jose Fair Grounds including self-defense and board and brick breaking, and took 1st place at the Cinco-De-Mayo Parade (sponsored by The GI Forum) where many, many participating members lined the streets as far as one city block. The demonstration included styles such as, Kenpo Karate techniques and forms, a Wushu kung fu sword set, and Tai-Chi movements. 1991 GRANDMASTER PARKER’S FAMILY TREE (THE TREE: “DEGREES OF BLACK BELT MEMBERS”) Flaherty earned a place on Grandmaster Parker’s Family Tree (4th Degree Black Belt). Attended the Jeff Speakman seminar (the movie star/actor of the box office movie: “The Perfect Weapon”). Flaherty states that, “The Speakman’s seminar event was a blast, being around other intense martial artists within all ranks and levels, and from a wide variety of cities, and local communities.” Truly, a great day for Kenpo training! OLD SCHOOL WEATHER CONDITIONS At the LaPala Shopping Center location, the weather conditions outside, created almost the same conditions inside the DOJO. When it rained outside, buckets were placed in many locations of the Academy to catch the rain from flooding the DOJO floor. If it was cold outside, then it was cold inside due to students training directly on the carpet, which was directly on cement with no additional padding. All students, at times including Flaherty, would warm up with approximately 500 jumping jacks and many other exercises as well. There was no central air-conditioning or heating, no mats (or tatami), and each group class session lasted for one hour. 1990 JOHN HOLLAND (OLD SCHOOL “TAE KWON DO” EXPERT) Flaherty received lessons in the art of “Tae Kwon Do” under Instructor John Holland. At this time, Flaherty was a 4th Degree Kenpo Black Belt and Holland a 3rd Degree in Tae Kwon Do. Because Flaherty was of higher rank, Holland told him he needed to pay Holland $1.00 per month, so Flaherty would respect the art. This was a life lesson that Flaherty would never forget, and of course, Flaherty openly admits to respecting the art of old school Tae Kwon Do. CHAMPION MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING CENTER 1990: Flaherty opened his local retail business, originally under the business name, as “Champion Martial Arts Training Center (DBA),” located at 225 La Pala Shopping Center in San Jose. The business name lasted for a short time before it became "Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Academy (DBA)." However, members from the Academy enjoyed their intense Kenpo training while having opportunities to perform their skills in martial arts/parade demonstrations. 1989 DON ALVES (YEARS LATER: “GSKA TOURNAMENT PROMOTER”) Don Alves, along with a dozen other martial artists, answered an advertisement for instructor trainees. Part of their employment application was to spar with Flaherty in the training area for instructor placement. All qualifying applicants were welcomed for free instructor training privileges. In addition, Flaherty and Alves, along with other fighters, fought with martial arts from the early morning hours until the sun came up (3:00 AM and on). Then after the grueling fighting matches with shoes on, no helmet for protection, only gloves, all the fighters would hang out for a while, talking, laughing, and enjoying the relaxed after-workout moments of good company, fellowship, and friendship. They wholeheartedly respected each other’s fighting abilities and differences in styles. SENIOR GRANDMASTER EDMUND K. PARKER SR. (A PRIVATE “SIT DOWN” LESSON) 1989: Flaherty joined the International Kenpo Karate Association (I.K.K.A.), received a couple of Grandmaster Parker’s patches (association crest), and had private conversations based on leadership. Flaherty felt humbled, receiving words of wisdom from the greatest pioneer in martial arts of all time. Senior Grandmaster Parker told Flaherty, among other priceless ideas, “if you want to become successful, then you need to get out of the seat.” In other words, give other people a chance for business opportunities. In addition, Flaherty visited Frank Trejo’s studio in Los Angeles, took a picture and had some laughs. DEVELOPED MARTIAL ARTS FORMS/KATAS (GRANDMASTER FLAHERTY DEVELOPED “MATERIAL” FOR FKKA MEMBERS) Over the years, Flaherty, the sole developer of particular FKKA forms/katas, has been delighted to share his insights through the expressions of movement within kata applications with his students and student/instructors at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. Flaherty’s undisputed kata developments were uniquely designed for purposes of tournament competition, realistic views for fighting concepts, and effective street or ring fighting methodology and principles. Here are the names of his kata/form developments: the “Triple Ridge Hand Set,” “Jammers Back-Knuckle (stationary and exploding),” “Short Zero,” “FKKA Short Four, Five, Six,” “Masters One, Two, Three, Four,” “FKKA Stance Set (One and Two),” “Double Ram Set,” “Strike Set,” “Jammers One, Two, Three,” “Blockers One, Two, Three,” “Runners One, Two, Three,” “Arnis Set,” “Kenpo Master Form,” “FKKA Sword Set,” and the “SAI Set.” More importantly, to study the correct in-depth meaning of each form, kata, or set, students of all ranks are highly encouraged to study directly with Grandmaster Flaherty and his immediate team of black belt instructors. 1988 BENNY “THE JET” URQUIDEZ (FORMER KICKBOXING CHAMPION & LEGEND) Flaherty trained privately under the instruction of top kickboxing champion fighters, legends, and, movie actors, such as, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace and Benny “The Jet” Urquidez (location: the Jet Center, Los Angeles, CA.). Flaherty couldn’t make the trip from San Jose to Los Angeles often, but when he was able to make the trip, he enjoyed his time training and learning kickboxing skills, boxing movements, and working-out in the weight room with lots of sweat, exercise, fellowship, and more. Flaherty also enjoyed learning excellent fighting and training ideas from “The Jet.” One was how to properly execute a back kick with the foot/toes facing toward the floor. Another idea was leg checking, and the list goes on. BILL “SUPERFOOT” WALLACE (FORMER KICKBOXING CHAMPION & LEGEND) 1988: Flaherty trained privately at the Jet Center with Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, learning priceless moves that would not be forgotten. In fact, Wallace asked Flaherty to take a fighting stance while Wallace stood on one leg, lifted the other leg up with his bent knee, took his toes and parted Flaherty’s hair. Then Wallace, in his humorous way, said to the group of three students, “You can mess up the hair again.” At this point, with great balance and control, Wallace messed Flaherty’s hair up with his toes again. In addition, Flaherty recounts, he and his life-long friend in the martial arts, Ricardo Chaverri, drove to Los Angeles from San Jose to get lessons with Bill Wallace at the Jet Center. When they arrived, Wallace wasn’t at the training center. They drove back to San Jose, and as soon as they walked into the office of the academy, the phone rang, and guess who was on the other end of the line? Yes, “Superfoot!” Bill Wallace. He said, "Where are you guys?" Flaherty replied, “We were there and where were you?” Flaherty and Chaverri dropped everything and immediately got on the road for their second trip to Los Angeles. This time Wallace was there and ready to kick his two students around with training. Flaherty is thankful to his kickboxing instructor, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, for the incredible workouts that would usually leave him sore for a week or two. THE “SUPER” WORKOUT 1988: Flaherty was assistant promoter for a Bill “Superfoot” Wallace seminar at Independence High School, in San Jose, CA. Many people were in attendance for the incredible “SUPER WORKOUT” lead by Wallace himself and supported by the International Martial Arts Academy. 1987 STUDIED “WUSHU.” Flaherty had the extreme good fortune to study a “Wushu” form and weapon set from Wushu (Kung-fu) Master, Jin Sun Ding at the East West Karate School, formally located in San Carlos, CA. East West Karate was owned and operated by Dave Thomas. At times, Flaherty would teach Master Ding Kenpo Karate movements before receiving his Wushu lessons. He found it interesting to experience the soft approach of Master Ding’s hands-on touch while performing a Kenpo maneuver (like Springing Tiger), to gain a comparison between the explosiveness and realism of Kenpo and the soft, energetic athleticism of Wushu. Flaherty wholeheartedly appreciated the physical, mental, and competitive aspects of the “Wushu” Kung-fu system. With over 2,000 participants in attendance, Flaherty was invited by Master Jin Sun Ding to be a special guest at a Wushu tournament in San Francisco, where Master Ding was officiating. Tournament winners had the great opportunity to go to the Wushu Institute to study to continue their kung-fu education. A REAL HONOR, for the competitors to be selected by Master Ding, and for all 1st place winners! 1986 STUDIED, “AIKIDO.” Flaherty studied the art of “Aikido” from Instructor Bart (whose instruction came directly from the “Old Man Aikido” in the Philippines). Flaherty offered instruction in Kenpo to Bart, and Bart offered Flaherty Aikido instruction by tossing him around the training area of the DOJO. For Flaherty, the many lessons learned while participating in old school “Aikido” were both educational and enjoyable. STUDIED, “MARTIAL ARTS STYLES.” (INCLUDING: WEAPON SETS) Flaherty has had the privilege to study other martial arts throughout the years. Flaherty recounts being exposed to; Shotokan Karate, Tang Soo Do, San Soo Kung fu, Hung Gar Kung fu (Butterfly Swords), Lau Gar Kuen Kung fu (kata), Kajukenbo, and Muay Thai. In addition, Flaherty was exposed to martial arts weapons, such as: the Broad Sword, the Straight Sword, the Three-sectional Staff, and Tonfa. 1985 OFFERED FREE TRAINING Flaherty subleased two days of space weekly at International Martial Arts from instructor and mentor Angel Martial while taking on the name of the “Golden Dragon.” Flaherty gave his karate students free training while he personally paid for the DOJO days himself. SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO: VICTOR PHILLIPS 1985: A special recognition to Victor Phillips, a student of general medicine (karate nickname: “Quick Vic”), for his years of seeking out Flaherty’s fighting knowledge. Phillips was known by his splits, kicking speed, and hand speed, and was an excellent black belt champion fighter. Victor Phillips and his brother Tony participated with Flaherty in many, many karate class sessions under the tutelage of Angel Martial at the International Martial Arts Academy. 1984 ARNIS TRAINING Dan Ancheta (one of the founders of the “Brotherhood of Arnis”) finally welcomed Flaherty, as a stick-fighting brother, to join the family and learn Arnis. Flaherty was grateful finally to be considered an insider. He trained with many private Arnis lessons, and some martial arts movements thrown in, worked out, or just hung out with the Ancheta family for approximately six years. KUK SOOL WON MASTER 1984: At the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Flaherty asked a Kuk Sool Won Master if he could learn from him after watching an incredible display of martial arts. The Master asked Flaherty if he was currently studying martial arts, and Flaherty said he was. Then the Master asked, "What degree is your instructor?" Flaherty said, at this time, “a 4th Degree Black Belt.” The Kuk Sool Master told Flaherty that he couldn’t teach him because he was an 8th Degree Black Belt Master, and that Flaherty’s instructor was only a 4th Degree. This was a life-long lesson for Flaherty regarding black belt degrees and master-to-instructor or instructor-to-master respect. 1983 DAN ANCHETA (BROTHERHOOD OF ARNIS FOUNDER) Flaherty would often ask Dan Ancheta to teach him the “Brotherhood of Arnis” while working on the job at Seaport Automotive Warehouse, formally located in Santa Clara, CA. Flaherty was told NO because he was an outsider and not an insider (family member). In Flaherty’s understanding, the Ancheta’s “Brotherhood of Arnis” was only taught to insiders. However, that didn’t stop Flaherty from asking ... or from observing Dan spin/twirl a Goodyear hose over his head! (The Goodyear hose is like a radiator hose or rubber products for automobile engines.) DEMONSTRATIONS Flaherty participated in International Martial Arts (I.M.A.A.) parade training and demonstrations. Often Angel Martial would have the team train for demonstrations in the wide front parking lot of the Academy, located at 225 LaPala Drive. Flaherty’s demo weapon of choice was the “nunchuck” set. MEDITATION Meditation was at an all time high at the academy (in every group class session). The chief instructor would have his students meditate at the start of each class and at the close of the session, like clockwork, and without fail. One of the best gifts Angel Martial gave his students was “meditation.” 1982 INSTRUCTOR MEETINGS Flaherty participated in many instructor meetings directly under the leadership of Angel Martial. Class topics included the proper ways of teaching students, motivating people through instruction, role playing, and always respecting all black belt instructors (anywhere, and at all times). All instructors were lectured on the importance of competing in a tournament or contest arena against any competitor, including black belt participants of various degrees. Flaherty was taught never to intentionally embarrass or insult any black belt instructor’s knowledge, intellect, or integrity, or to allow or permit such negative behavior from any student. The messages came across loud and clear for all attendees: “Train hard (i.e., practice diligently and seriously), self-motivate, test your skills when possible in a healthy competitive way, and above all else, humbly demonstrate RESPECT toward others. SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO: JEFF THORBS 1982: Jeff Thorbs (nickname: Panther), an Olympic track competitor, became a sparring partner and personal friend of Flaherty (nickname: Bullet). In fact, during a sparring match “Panther” almost broke “Bullet's” nose. In addition, the two sparring competitors had fun hanging out at Eastridge Mall, going on runs together, or visiting with Thorb’s mother. 1980 THE MOVE FROM KENTUCKY TO CALIFORNIA (JOINED THE INTERNATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY) After the very first four introductory lessons, the chief instructor (Angel Martial) told his student (Randall Flaherty) that he would be teaching for him some day. A big smile came upon Flaherty’s face as if to accept the instructor’s positive affirmation and plan for teaching. Darrell Flaherty (Randall’s brother) also joined the Academy. 1979 FLAHERTY’S FIRST DOJO In Kentucky, before moving to California, Randall Flaherty joined his first official karate studio called, the "DOJO.” At least the word “DOJO” was written with big letters on the top of the building that was formally a clothing store. At the DOJO, led by a father and son team, Flaherty learned fighting concepts; such as, the “slip roundhouse kick.” 1972 HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Randall remembers sitting on his father’s knee, outside their Kentucky country home, listening to army stories about his father’s Asian friend. As the story goes, back in about 1951, Robert was observing his friend being harassed by a GI for several minutes. Randall’s father recounted, “Before I could blink an eye, my Asian friend reached into the big GI’s rib cage with incredible hand-speed, and popped it out using his finger-tips (Kenpo Karate in action)." Needless to say, stories like this one motivated young Randall Flaherty to learn. PLANTING SEEDS FOR MOTIVATION 1972: Randall Flaherty (son of Robert and Juanita) had the opportunity to learn life lessons while participating in school sports, attending inspirational church services, and listening to his father’s army stories of old school martial arts. Humbling quotes by GM Robert Flaherty to his son Randall: “Son, it doesn’t matter how big (good) you get; there is always someone better,” and, “Wherever there are two or three that are known, there is always one who is unknown.” A continued response to the previous quote: “Train hard, in case you ever meet the unknown!” THE ABOVE INFORMATION INCLUDES HIGHLIGHTS OF FLAHERTY’S KENPO KARATE’S LONG AND DISTINGUISHED HISTORY OF LEARNING, DEVELOPING, TRAINING, AND TEACHING. THE SOLE PURPOSE OF WRITING THE HISTORY PAGES WAS TO OFFER BETTER CLARITY TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC REGARDING SOME INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE ARTS, AS WELL AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTED INFORMATION TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST IN LEARNING MARTIAL ARTS FROM US. GREAT PLACES TO FIND ADDITIONAL FKKA INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON KARATETODAY.COM, ON OUR “STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT PAGE,” “THE PLEDGE PAGE, “THE FKKA PROFILE PAGE.” AND IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE FKKA SCHOOL, THEN SIMPLY GIVE US A CALL AT (209) 956-5535 OR COME ON IN FOR A FREE COMPLIMENTARY CLASS. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU !!!