FOUNDING & MEMBER ORGANIZATION BIOS

The OKINAWA KENPO KARATE KOBUDO UNION (OKKKU) ® is an unbrella type martial arts organization dedicated to the preservation of the traditional art of Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo.

The following presents a brief bio of the four Founding Organizations of the OKKKU.

INTERNATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO FEDERATION - Hanshi C. Bruce Heilman, 10th Dan, President

The International Karate Kobudo Federation (IKKF) is recognized as a leading traditional martial arts organization dedicated to the preservation of the "Old Ways", offering an alternative for serious dojos. The IKKF was founded in 1991 by C. Bruce and Ann-Marie Heilman internationally recognized as leading practitioners of Okinawa Kenpo Karate and Kobudo. Hanshi Heilman a student of the arts for 52 years is assisted by his wife, Hanshi Heilman, herself a 45 year practitioner of the arts. The IKKF is supported by an Executive Board comprised of some of the leading martial artists in the world covering a variety of traditional disciplines. Additionally, the IKKF is a founding member of the World Union Of Martial Arts Federations.

IKKF President Hanshi C. Bruce Heilman, 10th dan
and Vice-President Hanshi Ann-Marie Heilman, 9th Dan
IKKF Web Page

TODE KAN - Hanshi Larry Isaac, 10th Dan, President

Hanshi Larry Isaac is President and Founder of the TODE KAN. This is a brief history on Hanshi Isaac's extensive Martial Arts career that has been time tested. For almost five decades, Shihan Isaac's expertise, experience, and positive teaching and training methods have literally dominated the Martial Arts tournament curcuit, both regionally and nationally. Hanshi Isaac is the first and only Martial Artist/Instructor from the Carolina's to be National Triple Crown winner. In fact, he is six-time National Champion who has been rated in all the major Karate circuits.

Nationally, Hanshi Isaac has been ranked No.1 in Kata (forms), ranked No.1 in weapons, and ranked No.2 in fighting in the Senior Divisions. In 1990 and 1991 he was inducted into the Professional Karate League's (PKL) Hall of Fame. In 1989, after winning the National Karate Championships in Edison, N.J., Hanshi Isaac was inducted into the IAMA organization by Master Gary Alexander (10th degree black belt). Shihan Isaac is an active member of the International Okinawa Kenpo-Kobudo Karate Council under Grandmaster Seikichi Odo (10th Degree Black Belt).

Mr. Larry Isaac currently holds the following ranks: 10th Dan - Okinawa Kenpo-Kobudo Karate; 7th Dan - Okinawa-te; 5th Dan - Shorin-ryu Karate Do; and 2nd Dan - Goshindo Karate Do.

TK President Hanshi Larry Isaac
TK Web Page

KESSHIN KAN - Hanshi Vic Coffin, 9th Dan, President

Hanshi Victor Coffin is the President and Founder of the KESSHIN KAN. He is an highly skilled martial artists who has amassed an excellent tournament record at the regional and National level. Hanshi Coffin , a long time practitioner of the arts, holds ranks of Hanshi, 9th Dan, Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo. He is assisted in the operation of the Kesshin Kan by his wife, Kyoshi Chris Coffin, 7th Dan, Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo.

KK President Hanshi Vic Coffin, 9th Dan
and Vice-President Kyoshi Chris Coffin, 7th Dan
KK Web Page

HAWAII OKINAWA KARATE-DO KOBUDO SHUDOKAN - Hanshi Joseph Bunch, 9th Dan, President

The Hawaii Okinawa Karate-do Kobudo Shudokan (HOKK) was founded by Hanshi Joseph Bunch. Hanshi Bunch, who passed away in 2010 held ranks 9th Dan in Okinawa Kenpo Karate and a 9th Dan in Okinawa Kenpo Kobudo, is a past student of both Seikichi Odo and Seijiro Maehara. He headed up a large multi-dojo organization in Hawaii and the US mainland and was a very strong part of the Hawaii Karate Kodansha Kai and the USA-NKF Program. He served from 1984 to his passing in 2010 as the Secretary /Treasurer and a member of the Ranking Committee for the Hawaii Karate Kodansha Kai. He also serves as the Hawaii Representative for the USA-NKF. Upon his passing he was elevated to the title of Hanshi, and promoted to 9th Dan. He was a highly respected traditional practitioner and we will miss him as part of the OKKKU family. Hanshi Bunch's family are all active Yudansha and are expected to continue his lineage as we look forward to assisting them as part of the OKKKU Family.

The late HOKK President Hanshi Joseph Bunch and HOKK Secretary / Treasurer Sensei Linda Bunch