ISHI-RONIN

Ron Brett-Smith 3rd degree Black Belt, Tom Kelly's Kenpo Karate

I started studying at Kansas Kenpo Karate sometime prior to August 1989 here in Wichita Kansas. Soon Sibok Tom Kelly came and took over the school becoming my teacher and my real martial arts journey began. I have been in the art for over 30 years and all of my promotions in Kenpo were earned with Sibok up to a 3rd degree in Tom Kelly's Kenpo Karate. I chose to not pursue rank after Sibok passed because I felt there was not another person I could follow after having spent so much time with the best Kenpo or any other art had to offer hence the name, ISHI-RONIN. I have had some training in other styles of Martial arts but my love is for his Kenpo and my goal is to share what I have learned in his school to the best of my abilities. 

For a few years before his passing I acted as his Head instructor and continued to run the school for a couple of years after his passing. Please see the section on Sibok Tom Kelly to learn more about his amazing history and contributions to SGM Ed Parkers American Kenpo.

ISHI-RONIN'S basic translation:

ISHI=will; volition; intention; intent; determination.

RONIN=a wandering samurai who had no lord or master.

"Our intent is to honor our instructors teachings but are not bound to any group or person who would sway us from that task."

This is simple to explain. Our goal is to teach with the same love of the art as my teacher had and try to share that with fellow martial artists. We try to hold the same standards for loyalty, honor and effort that were expected by him and carry on the art in this tradition as best we can.

SIBOK WAS OUR MASTER IN THE ART AND WE WISH TO HONOR HIS TEACHINGS IN THE BEST WAY WE CAN.