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10th Degree Black Belt - Senior Master of the Arts

Mr. John Sepulveda

Founder of the Advanced Kenpo Training System

John Sepulveda, has over 60 years experience in Kenpo and holds an 10th Degree Black Belt (Senior Master of the Arts). Mr. Sepulveda was one of a very few who was a direct student of the Senior Founding Grandmaster before his untimely passing. Mr. Sepulveda is featured prominently in Tom Bleecker’s recent book, The Journey and the International Journey, which profiles prominent Kenpoists. He is also included in the book “Kenpo Perspectives, The Diversity of American Kenpo” written by Michael Miller. To the uninitiated, this is a singular honor. 

Mr. Sepulveda has actively and successfully competed in many Open, National and International tournaments and has many junior and senior students who have also competed successfully at the same levels of competition. His students are known for their speed and explosive power as well as their character. Mr. Sepulveda has also appeared on television, and in national and international martial arts magazines, and has written numerous articles on the art of Kenpo. 

Mr. Sepulveda is the founder of the “Advanced Kenpo Training System”™. This organization boasts member schools in the United States, from coast to coast. He is proudly affiliated with Ed Downey’s European Kenpo Karate Association at http://www.europeankenpo.com. 


Mr. Sepulveda is one of the founding members of the “Senior Council” which boasts some of the best Kenpo practitioners worldwide. He has been recognized worldwide for his committed efforts in promoting Kenpo, which has included receiving many awards, including the California Karate League’s “Official of the Year Award,” and the Associated Teachers Association of the Martial Artists (ATAMA) “Hall of Fame Award.” In 2007 he was inducted as a Charter Member of the Kenpo Hall of Fame, in 2008 he was inducted into the World Martial Arts Masters Association Hall of Fame, and in 2009 he was inducted into the World Master’s Hall of Fame. In 2015, he was inducted into the Master’s Hall of Fame and received the Mike Stone Leadership Award for his contributions to the martial arts community. In 2024 he celebrated 60 years in the Art of Kenpo and was honored with Black Belts Magazine's Kenpo Instructor of the Year Award. At the present time there are over 50 schools affiliated with Mr. Sepulveda throughout the United States, Europe, South America, and Mexico.


Mr. Sepulveda is a 10th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate and is a tremendous asset to Knight Method Kenpo. We are honored that he has accepted the position on our Masters Council (as our Kenpo & life Coach) and we are thrilled to have him be a part of our Kenpo Family!

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