John Sepulveda
10th Degree Black Belt
Senior Master of the Arts
Founder of the Advanced Kenpo Training System
John Sepulveda, with over 50 years of experience in Kenpo, holds a 10th Degree Black Belt (Senior Master of the Arts). Mr. Sepulveda was one of the few direct students of the Senior Founding Grandmaster before his untimely passing. Mr. Sepulveda is prominently featured in Tom Bleecker’s recent books, “The Journey” and “The International Journey,” which profile prominent Kenpoists. He is also included in the book “Kenpo Perspectives, The Diversity of American Kenpo” written by Michael Miller. For those unfamiliar with this distinction, it is an exceptional honor.
Mr. Sepulveda has actively and successfully competed in numerous Open, National, and International tournaments. He has many junior and senior students who have also competed successfully at the same levels of competition. His students are renowned for their speed, explosive power, and character. Mr. Sepulveda has also appeared on television and in national and international martial arts magazines. He has written numerous articles on the art of Kenpo.
Mr. Sepulveda is the founder of the “Advanced Kenpo Training System”™. This organization comprises member schools across the United States. He is also proudly affiliated with the European Kenpo Karate Association, founded by Ed Downey.
Mr. Sepulveda is a founding member of the “Senior Council,” which comprises some of the most esteemed Kenpo practitioners globally. His unwavering dedication to promoting Kenpo has been recognized internationally, earning him numerous accolades, including the California Karate League’s “Official of the Year Award” and the Associated Teachers Association of the Martial Artists (ATAMA) “Hall of Fame Award.” In 2007, he was inducted as a Charter Member of the Kenpo Hall of Fame. He was further honored in 2008 by induction into the World Martial Arts Masters Association Hall of Fame and in 2009 into the World Master’s Hall of Fame. In 2015, he was inducted into the Master’s Hall of Fame and received the Mike Stone Leadership Award for his invaluable contributions to the martial arts community.
Mr. Sepulveda’s influence extends to over 50 schools affiliated with him across the United States, Europe, South America, and Mexico.
~ Last Updated 3/3/2025