the Marron legacy
By Riggle Shihan
Having two older brothers who were bigger and stronger, I was always interested in learning karate. And I admittedly had a bad temper. It didn't take much to set me off. In 1986, my Martial Arts journey began. I have been blessed to know, work and learn from the finest Martial Artists in my thirty plus years of training, most notably Professor William H. Marron and Hanshi Dan Kennedy. I learned a great deal from both of these men, but they were not the only ones who influenced my life and Martial Arts training and teaching. Hanshi Kathy Marron and Hanshi Crayton Moss continue to guide me on this journey as well as Professor Ken Baker. I have met many fine Martial Arts students who have guided me as well. I have laughed with them, worried with them on belt tests, and sparred with them. I learned about my own abilities and limitations in all aspects of the Martial Arts. Martial Arts gave me the confidence to stand up for myself and helped me to rein in and control my emotions. Martial Arts made me who I am today. It is my passion.
All of my teachers have been mentors in my training, but Professor Marron wanted more for me. It showed in the way he spoke and taught me as I began to teach my own classes. I started teaching with only three students in 2004. With the encouragement of Professor Marron, I started RIDOJO Karate Club. I was a novice teacher and made many mistakes. Often I questioned if teaching was right for me. Professor Marron must have seen something in me that I hadn't seen in myself. He encouraged me and gave me great advice. He told me that teaching and having students of my own was the next phase in my Martial Arts journey. He said I would learn so much more from teaching my own students than just being a student in a class.
Professor Marron visited my class sometimes with Hanshi Kennedy. At first I questioned why they stopped by. Did they want to take over? Was I doing something wrong? I quickly realized that they were mentoring me to become a better teacher. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this impromptu training helped me to become an even better student. And as I taught the Hawaiian Kenpo system, I learned the Okinawan Weapon system.
When Professor Marron and Hanshi Moss decided to develop a book and DVD set for the Hawaiian and Kobudo systems, I wanted to be a part of it-- even if only in a small way. I helped where and when I could, proofreading the books or being on the video as an Uki so they could bunki what was being done in a self-defense set or kata. This led to the formation of American Kenpo Karate & Weapons (AKK&W).
Professor Marron taught Hawaiian Kenpo, Okinawan Kenpo, and the Okinawan Kobudo (Weapons) systems as they were taught to him. Professor Marron knew I wanted to teach the system as he taught and as it was taught to him over the years. I had the greatest opportunity visit Professor Marron’s home in Arizona before his passing on November 6, 2017. I was promoted to 6th Dan in both the Hawaiian and Okinawan Weapons systems. While I was there, Professor Marron and I worked on the self-defense sets 10 & 11. He allowed me to film them to one day share. It is my goal to share the knowledge that Professor Marron shared with me and to pass down the knowledge to the next generation of Martial Artists. My only regret is that I did not earn a black belt from Professor Marron in the Okinawan Kenpo system and that we didn't have an opportunity to make a book or DVDs for the Okinawan Kenpo system before his passing.
I have talked with Hanshi Kathy Marron about continuing Professor Marron’s legacy and the purpose of AKK&W. Professor Marron wanted his knowledge to continue. With Hanshi Kathy Marron's permission, it is my honor and pleasure to announce that RIDOJO Karate Club will now become American Kenpo Karate & Weapons (AKK&W). My goal is to continue to sell the books and DVD’s that were developed by Professor Marron and Hanshi Moss. I will also continue teaching Hawaiian Kenpo, Okinawan Kenpo, and Okinawan Weapons systems as they were taught to me by these legendary Martial Arts masters.
American Kenpo Karate & Weapons (AKK&W)
Welcome to AKK&W... a traditional, Hawaiian, Okinawan Kenpo and Okinawan Weapons school. We sincerely believe that each individual is personally responsible for his or her own self-defense and safety, and the safety of his or her family. Our system is strongly grounded in the traditional forms (kata) and fundamentals of Hawaiian Kenpo AND we emphasize techniques that work in the real world. The fancy kick and techniques that you see in the movies are exciting to watch... but what the average person needs are techniques that will actually work. AKK&W will teach you those practical, real world techniques.
As an organization we are dedicated to maintaining 3 key aspects of the Martial Arts:
Quality - AKK&W strives to provide consistent, quality martial arts instruction for every student. Having over 30 plus years of consistent martial arts training, 6th degree black belt Sensei Terry Riggle leads the school with highly knowledgeable and skilled instruction.
Tradition - AKK&W is affiliated with the American Kenpo Karate & Weapons Federation, an organization that has been teaching karate and self-defense for over 30 years. Under the direction of 10th degree black belt Professor William H Marron, AKK&W is one of the few traditional martial arts organizations in the Kansas City area. We focus on the traditional martial arts of Hawaiian Kenpo, Okinawa Kenpo and Okinawa Weapons.
Excellence - AKK&W maintains an attitude of excellence in all aspects of the organization.
The beauty of training in the martial arts is that not only does it provide a means of self defense, but it also improves the student's:
Self-Discipline
Self-Esteem
Respect
Physical Condition
Confidence
Self-Control
Character
These are especially valuable benefits for our children and teenagers as they struggle with the modern pressures of our society.
