Costa Mesa, CA (For Release) – Senior Professor of the Arts Shawn Knight, a 7th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate, was inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame at the 20th Anniversary Awards Banquet on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at the Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa. The event featured Dr. Robert Goldman as Grandmaster of Ceremonies and action film star Sifu Cynthia Rothrock as Keynote Speaker. Mr. Knight was nominated for induction by Senior Master of the Arts Bob White.
“The depth of your struggle is matched only by the extent of your reach!” Senior Professor of the Arts Shawn Knight
Mr. Knight discovered Kenpo in 1990 and quickly realized it would be his life’s passion. He became a certified instructor in 1992 under his teacher Bill Packer, with whom he studied for 15 years, and earned his Black Belt in 1994. Mr. Knight would ago on to earn awards for AKKA Black Belt of the Year (1995) and AKKA Instructor of the Year (1996). In 2005 Mr. Knight and Mr. Andrew Pilch co-founded The American Institute of Kenpo (AIK) in Tucson, Arizona, where they have two locations. In 2010 Mr. Knight had the honor of being accepted as a personal student of Sigung Stephen LaBounty.
Throughout his nearly 30 years in Kenpo, Mr. Knight has devoted himself not only to his craft but his community as well. He volunteers countless hours teaching at-risk kids through after-school karate and self-defense classes in Tucson and across the country. Mr. Knight also helps provide a local Basis PE Program serving nearly 1500 students a week. He is dedicated to teaching the next generation the Code of Bushido: Truth, Bravery, Courtesy, Compassion, Sincerity, Discernment and Loyalty.
The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as the premier Martial Arts event on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. Honorees are chosen for their dedication to and support of the martial arts and their work in the community.
For more information about The American Institute of Kenpo or to contact Shawn Knight, visit the website at kickyour.com. Find more information on the Masters Hall of Fame at mastershalloffame.org. For media information, contact Kamatoy Media Group at 307-461-9833 or press@jugglemail.com.
