Testimonials from our Mentors
Sigung Stephen LaBounty (1942-2020)
10th Degree Black Belt - Senior Master of the Arts
Founder Stephen LaBounty's American Kenpo
I wish it to be known by all that I have had the good fortune to asked by Shawn Knight and Rebecca Knight to be teacher and guide in their martial journey. This was a decision that took some hard questions to be asked of myself, i.e. How do they move really? Are they performers, actors looking for a Senior Kenpoist to add his name as a figure head to give them some credentials as authentic? Do they wish to entertain me with flattering and ego building statements, trips, awards, etc? All serious and inclusive thoughts of genuineness and honor. Both of these fine people, foreseeing and quite expecting these misgivings, made sure that they "proved" themselves as truly genuine.
They brought me in, allowed me to teach their cadre of advanced belts, took private lessons, updated their required forms for inclusion in their curriculum, and most of all, befriended their soon to be extended family of the LaBounty lineage. Completing every task given to them, working to stay sharp with Kenpo, even through injury, participating in lively and up close and personal training sessions, they never wavered in their desire to continue to learn as they say, "Until the last day”.
It is therefore, my acceptance of them both as my personal public and private students. I also accept their students and schools as part of my ongoing lineage, and give these two personal students permission to teach all and everything that I teach them, with the understanding that with this lineage they show the true calling of a Kenpo Black Belt of their rank. As the Senior Belt, I insist on Shawn Knight, to guide and keep the high standards of the Rough and Tumble application of this system while teaching the principles and concepts as set down by our Senior Grand Master with all due diligence and honor.
Stephen LaBounty
10th Degree Black Belt - Senior Master of the Arts
Mr. Lee Wedlake
10th Degree Black Belt - Senior Master of the Arts
Founder of Progressive Kenpo Systems
I’m a senior instructor of Parker Kenpo and have taught across the U.S. and overseas. I met the Knights in Florida at a seminar event back in the 2000s and was invited to teach at their school in Tucson not long after. On my first visit I was impressed at their ability to organize an event and even more so with how supportive they were to their students and friends. One of their students was fighting cancer and they had 1,000 origami cranes at their annual banquet, the crane being a symbol of good fortune and the folding of which are said to make one’s heart’s desires come true. To me, it showed a spirit of family, which has proven to be so in their school.
I was asked to be a part of their Master’s Council, demonstrating their desire to have mentors and thus be able to provide that to their students as they matured in the art. Mature they did, coming under the tutelage of one of the most senior instructors of Kenpo Karate, the late Mr. Stephen LaBounty, who was a direct student of the founder of the system, Mr. Ed Parker.
With their teacher’s passing they pursued further education by taking ongoing instruction from myself and two other Council members, Mr. Bob White and Mr. John Sepulveda. With that, their skills, understanding of the art, and ability to successfully transmit it improved. It’s a pleasure to work with them and teach yearly at their school. Their “Knight Method Kenpo” is not just about Karate, it’s about life. See for yourself.
Lee Wedlake
Senior Master of the Arts
San Antonio, Texas
Mr. John Sepulveda
10th Degree Black Belt - Senior Master of the Arts
Founder of the Advanced Kenpo Training System
I first knew of Shawn and Rebecca Knight in 2014 through my mentor and good friend Sigung Stephen LaBounty. I was introduced first to Rebecca that same year at the Bandera, Texas Spirit Camp where I was an invited guest instructor. Rebecca was also an invited guest instructor representing Sigung LaBounty's Lineage.
Sigung was keen on me meeting Rebecca and more importantly witnessing her teaching skills. The expectations he painted for her were spot on. She was very articulate and her movement was just as impressive. Rebecca was full of energy, knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions and able to demonstrate.
The following year I was able to meet Shawn, inviting him and Rebecca to my annual New York Spirit Camp to participate and train with my organization. I found Shawn to be just as articulate and impressive in his movement and knowledge. Sigung was proud of his new students and how they had progressed under his tutelage. They both demonstrated a willingness to explore new ideas, expand their skill set and had a great work ethic.
As time passed we got to know each other better at Sigung's “Work Parties” and gatherings especially on a personal level. Throughout this time we have developed a great Kenpo and family relationship. To the point, I call them my adopted Kenpo Kids. I have taught several times at their Winter Workshops and have been inspired and impressed by the attention they give their seniors and equally their students. They both certainly show a great quality, of leading by example.
Throughout the years they have sought counseling with their business growth and Kenpo knowledge eventually asking me to be one of their Master Council Members along with Senior Master of the Arts Lee Wedlake, which I humbly accepted.
I am very proud to have accepted them and their school as members of the Advanced Kenpo Training System. I am looking forward to many years of sharing and expanding the Art of American Kenpo Karate as perpetuated by the late Founding Senior Grand Master Edmund K. Parker Sr.
John Sepulveda
Senior Master of the Arts
Eagle, Idaho USA
Testimonials from our Students
Dr. Bil Hawkins
I have been with KMK Karate and Mr. and Mrs. Knight for about six years. I started with them when I was 71 years old. I am now 77 and attend class most days. This is a karate studio for all ages. Mrs. Knight is amazing with the young children and both are good with every age. There are several 'senior' students and the karate is adapted, in dedicated classes, for those in their later years. There is a mix of exercise, instruction, and, for those who enjoy it, classes in sparring. Both Mr. and Mrs. Knight make a point of showing why the moves are done and demonstrate them with each teaching module. There are regular belt promotions and quite a few of the students in the studio have either come with friends or have made friends while they were here. The level of respect from both Teachers to Students and from Students to their Teachers is really noteworthy. There is a family feeling to KMK karate and many of the students have been with the school for years. I started my own journey in the martial arts at age 10 with boxing, 10-17 with judo, and 17 onward with karate, having studied several kung fu systems along the way. I have never experienced better instruction, or more experienced and caring instructors than the Knights. This is a place to come yourself, no matter the age, or bring your children and know they will be valued and protected during their training. If you are older and have studied years before and have given any thought to returning to the martial arts [I had a break of almost 50 years] this is the studio for you. The Knights continue to train, themselves, weekly, with some of the highest-ranking Karate instructors in the United States. Mrs. Knight recently won the International Grand Championship at the Long Beach International Tournament. There is accomplishment in this studio alongside very highly skilled instruction.
Dr Bil Hawkins
5th Degree Black Belt, KMK Karate
Professor, Northern Arizona University [retired]
Veteran, 5th and 10th Special Forces Groups
Sara Higgins
I have trained at this school for over two years now. It is a welcoming environment for students of any age, ability, or background.
The teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Knight, are nothing but supportive and encouraging of their students. They are also excellent martial artists with years of experience teaching and training, and come from a respected lineage of excellent martial artists as well.
Many adult students in the school have prior martial arts experience. The Knights do not look down on other martial arts and recognize that though methods may differ at different schools and across different martial arts, it is valuable--not threatening--to have students with backgrounds in other martial arts. This is not something you will find at every martial arts school.
I always look forward to going to Kenpo class. If you're looking for a martial arts school, I highly recommend giving Knight Method Kenpo a try.
David Hatfield
Can't ask for more wonderful and caring people to learn from. It's as if you have expanded your family, every one from beginners to black belts want to help you grow. Me and my wife have grown closer to the kenpo family and we speak highly of kenpo as a great way to get mental and physical health,Having fun and learning couldn't be better. Oos
Testimonials from Parents
Shalane Simmons
Mr & Mrs Knight are amazing! They pay attention to detail, know students by name, and are always so friendly and kind. Their staff do a great job with the students, especially when there’s a variety of levels in one class. Their facility is always clean and organized! But what we love most, beyond the karate being taught, is the personal and dedication skills they’re teaching their students…respect and kindness, commitment and discipline, and dedication to the art! We love it here!!!
Deanna Huber
Mrs. Knight is amzing with the kids. I have a 4 yr old and a 5yr old in her class, one of my children is very very high energy. We tried him in swim and soccer and he kept getting sat out. We have been going to kenpo for about a month now and i have seen such a change him my son. She really knows how to keep him focused as well as keeping it fun. My son's loves going i dont ever have to fight them to go, they are always excited for classes.
Elizabeth Dennis
We so appreciate your patience, kindness and positive attitude along with all the amazing skills you teach.
Scott Gilliland
The absolute best Karate class in town. If you have a kid who is interested in Karate, skip the McDojos and start here. The Knights really care about your kid and teach such valuable skills and lessons
Matthew Miller
The Knights, staff and students present a welcoming community. My son joined about 6 months ago. He loves it. He had to join the adult class and I was afraid that it would be intimating for him. However, this was very far from the truth. Everyone trains together from white belt to black (black belts have a solo session after the main class.) Mrs Knight is energetic and funny while the more advanced students aid the novice one. Besides the basic physical aspect of the class there is a sense on integrity that is imparted to the lessons that reach beyond the studio.