10th Degree Black Belt

Senior Master of the Arts

Founder of Bob White's Kenpo Karate Studio

(1949 – 2023)

 

Senior Master Bob White dedicated over five decades to the combat arts as a fierce competitor, masterful instructor, and dedicated coach. A true legend in American Kenpo, he amassed numerous state, national, and international fighting championships during his remarkable career.

He represented the inaugural International Kenpo Karate Association team, helping defeat the Chuck Norris team at the prestigious International Karate Championships. He also competed on the National All-Star Black Belt Team, which remained undefeated in both 1973 and 1974. Throughout his fighting years, he faced many of the era’s greatest champions, including the Urquidez Brothers, Brian Strain, Bob Alegria, Tom Kelly, Steve Fisher, Steve LaBounty, Howard Jackson, Darnel Garcia, Bob Mitchell, John Natividad, Ron Marchini, and many others.

In 1968, Bob White began his teaching journey at Ed Parker’s school in Garden Grove, California. By 1972, he had founded his own academy, which quickly became one of the most respected Kenpo schools in the world. During the 1990s, his students captured at least one Black Belt Grand Champion title at every International Karate Championships. His school ultimately amassed over 1,500 trophies at the IKCs alone.

In the mid-1980s, Senior Master White served as a technical advisor and appeared in Columbia Pictures’ The Karate Kid. He later trained players for the Los Angeles Rams and continued working with numerous professional athletes throughout his career.

A highly sought-after seminar instructor, he taught practical sparring and specialized self-defense programs. Together with his longtime student Captain Ron Sanchez, he developed the popular Urban Predators seminar series.

Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, Senior Master White built a network of affiliated schools across the United States and shared his knowledge globally.

On May 21, 2023, Senior Master Bob White passed away.

 

Today, his wife continues to carry forward his system and legacy with dedication.

Although our interactions were limited in number and frequency, Mr. White’s exceptional character, dedication, and contributions to the martial arts earned my deepest respect and admiration. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have known him.

Mr. White stands as a shining example of what a legendary martial artist should be — leaving an indelible mark on the world through his unwavering commitment and expertise.

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Andrew Pilch

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~ Last Updated 5/21/2026