Sean Kelley biography

Sean P. Kelley......

Sean P. Kelley, a 7^th Degree Black Belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo Karate, is the Head Instructor and Owner of Kelley Karate Center, Inc. located in Greenacres, Florida, and President of the Chinese Karate Federation (CKF). www.chinesekaratefederation.com

Since its establishment in 1985, Kelley Karate Center has provided quality martial arts instruction for both children and adults. In addition, Sean Kelley and his staff have proved to be a major educational force in the community through numerous programs at local pre-schools, elementary schools, local colleges, and recreation centers. The purpose of Sean Kelley’s programs is to foster self-confidence, encourage self-discipline, discourage violence, and increase personal safety.

In addition to his regular classes and private students, Mr. Kelley has taught throughout the United States, the United Kingdom and Chile. In 2007, Mr. Kelley was featured in the South American magazine "EL Budoka" with Maestro Roberto Vidal.

Training History

Sean Kelley began his martial arts traning in Moo Duk Kwan in 1975 under Francisco Conde, earning his Black Belt in 1983.

However, when he met Grandmaster Ed Parker in 1978, Mr. Kelley developed an appreciation and respect for the art of American Kenpo. When he moved to Florida in 1983, Sean Kelley began serious training in Mr. Parker's art, opening his own Kenpo school in 1985. During this time, he organized and hosted seminars featuring instructors such as Ed Parker, Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis, Jeff Speakman and Billy Blanks. Presently, Mr. Kelley trains under Grandmaster Michael Robert Pick.

In 1992, Sean Kelley became a student of Parker Kenpo instructor, Lee Wedlake, Jr. of Fort Myers, Florida. Mr. Kelley and Mr. Wedlake have collaborated in promoting the Florida Kenpo Camp three-day seminars held yearly at Kelley Karate Center. Guest instructors have included such outstanding kenpoists as Michael Robert Pick, Richard 'Huk' Planas, Frank Trejo, Tom Kelly, Gil Hibben, Lee Wedlake, and David Hebler.

Mr. Kelley's rank advancements:

Promoted to 5th Degree in 1995 by 8th Degree Lee Wedlake
Promoted to 6th Degree in 1999 by 9th Degree Richard 'Huk' Planas, first generation Parker Black Belt and ten-year Vice President of Ed Parker's IKKA
Promoted to 5th Degree in 2000 by kickboxing legend Joe Lewis in Joe Lewis' American Karate Systems.
Promoted to 7th Degree in 2007 by 10th Degree Michael Robert Pick, first generation Parker Black Belt

Awards, Citations and Affiliations

Youngest martial artist included in the 2001 book, THE JOURNEY, the Oral Histories of 24 of the Most proficiant American Kenpoists of Today
Promoted to 5th Degree in 1995 by 8th Degree Lee Wedlake
Promoted to 6th Degree in 1999 by 9th Degree Richard 'Huk' Planas, first generation Parker Black Belt and ten-year Vice President of Ed Parker's IKKA
Promoted to 5th Degree in 2000 by kickboxing legend Joe Lewis in Joe Lewis' American Karate Systems.
Promoted to 7th Degree in 2007 by 10th Degree Michael Robert Pick, first generation Parker Black Belt.

Awards, Citations and Affiliations

Youngest martial artist included in the 2001 book, THE JOURNEY, the Oral Histories of 24 of the Most proficiant American Kenpoists of Today
Voted into "who's Who" of Martial Arts in 1992 by KARATE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
Chosen for the Crime Stoppers Award in 1989 by the Palm Beach Crime Prevention Association
Awarded "Citizen of the Month" in 1987 by the TOWN CRIER NEWSPAPER
Member of Bill Wallace's Superfoot Systems
Member of Joe Lewis' American Karate Systems
Appeared in 2007 movie "Protecting the King" a D. Edward Stanley production
Created TCB Security/Safety Patrol for Private and Corporate Security in Palm Beach County along with Brian Phelan.
Received 2007-2008 Sacc Award from Hagen Ranch Elementary School as a P.E. Coach/ Instructor.
Awarded "Dare to Care" award 03/12/08 from Palm Beach Guardian Angels director Richard Head
for Crime Prevention & Safety training for over 20 years.
Appeared as a Guest on the Danny& Theresa Zaino Martial Arts Radio show along with GM Dave Hebler, GM Mike Pick, and David Stanley as a Featured episode. Log onto the official Web site http://www.actionradio.net/
Featured in the July 2008 "Inside Kung-Fu" magazine with GM Dave Hebler

The Guardian Angels

The Guardian Angel Motto "Dare to Care" embodies Mr. Kelley's concern for the community. A long-time friend of Guardian Angel founder Curtis Sliwa, Mr. Kelley has been the South Florida Coordinator of the Guardian Angels for over sixteen years, and actively patrols the streets to deter crime and gang activity.

The Urban Angel Program is a satellite program of the Guardian Angels, taught by Sean Kelley and sponsored by the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. This outreach program effectively uses martial arts training to develop physical and mental strength in troubled youth, allowing them to build self-esteem, confidence and character.

Projects

KENPO FOR KIDS--(produced by Sean Kelley, featuring Cindy Graham, Black Belt). In this original video, Miss Graham demonstrates effective methods for teaching the principles of Kenpo to the youngest students.

STICKY HANDS--(produced by Sean Kelley). Frank Trejo, 9^th Degree Black Belt, along with Sean Kelley, demonstrates the energy drills of "sticky hands," and how to use these drills effectively in manipulating, Controlling, and maneuvering an opponent.

THE GUARDIAN--(produced by Scott Johnson). Designed for men, women and children, this video provides simple instruction by Dave Hebler, Sean Kelley and Martin Wheeler on how to use a pocket stick and a kubaton (keychain) as effective self-defense devices.