9th Degree Black Belt

Master of the Arts

Founder of the American Institute of Kenpo 

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Andrew Pilch’s martial arts journey began in 1977 at the age of nine in Albuquerque, New Mexico. What started as a young boy’s curiosity quickly became a lifelong passion. While Kenpo would ultimately become his core art, he explored many styles along the way before finding his true path.

 

In 1986, Mr. Pilch began his formal Kenpo training under the guidance of Mike Winkeljohn. That relationship would shape the next several decades of his development. Over the years, he trained extensively under several legendary figures in the art, including Sigung Stephen LaBounty and Ed Parker Jr.

 

His dedication and hard work have been recognized many times along the way:

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• 1986 ~ Began Kenpo Training with Mike Winkeljohn

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• 1993 ~ Certified Kenpo Instructor

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• 1997 ~ Instructor of the Year (AKKA)

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• 1998 ~ Moved to Tucson to take over his Karate School

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• 1999 ~ Competed in MMA & Kickboxing competitions for over a decade.

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• 2005 ~ Reorganized and Co-Founded the American Institute of Kenpo (AIK)

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• 2006 ~ Met and enbarked on his mentorship with Ed Parker Junior

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• 2007 ~ Inducted into the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame

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• 2012 ~ Accepted as a personal student of Sigung LaBounty

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• 2022 ~ Assumed full leadership of The American Institute of Kenpo

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• 2024 ~ Tested and promoted through the ranks, culminating in 9th Degree Black Belt

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Mr. Pilch has also competed and trained extensively in boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts. He has served as a Certified Kickboxing Instructor at Pima Community College, mentored countless students and instructors, and continuously worked to evolve and improve AIK’s curriculum.

In 2024, during the AIK Winter Training Camp and Awards Banquet, Ed Parker Jr. personally promoted him to the rank of 9th Degree Black Belt (Master of the Arts) — a deeply meaningful honor that reflects both his technical mastery and his lifelong commitment to the art and its students.

Today, as the leader of the American Institute of Kenpo, Mr. Pilch remains as passionate about teaching and mentoring as he was when he first stepped on the mat. His goal has always been simple: to pass on a powerful, practical, and complete martial art while building character, confidence, and real-world capability in every student who walks through the doors.