2012 Poway Kenpo Black Belt Photo

Back L-R: Ryan Strommer, Brian Gist, Kyle Strommer, Heath Gross, Dave Dunn, Bryan Taylor, Dave Arnold, Ed Theodore, Kyle Froland, Scott Hoffman, John Hippen, Jim Loevenguth, Jody Wall, Tim Mullins Middle L-R: Colleen Heller, Nicola Ruskin, Sheri Hughes, Dai Phipps, Lisa Jackson, Cassie Li Front: Joshua Lara-Barker, Rosie Barker, Barry Barker, Jordan Barker

Personal History – Barry Barker became interested in martial arts like many other adult practitioners today.  He saw Bruce Lee in action and was hooked.  In 1973 he enrolled at Brian Adams Kenpo Karate School in San Diego, studying under Parker Linekin. Still young and unfocused he dabbled in various martial arts until 1980 when he found an Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate School in El Cajon run by a very technically sound instructor, Jim Mitchell.

Mr. Barker earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in 1983 with Mr. Ed Parker as a member of the testing board. Jim Mitchell broke away from Mr. Parker in 1984 and promoted Mr. Barker to 2nd Degree Black Belt, then 3rd Degree in 1987 and 4th Degree in 1990. Additional certification came in 1994 when Orned “Chicken” Gabriel & Steve “Nasty” Anderson recognized Mr. Barker as a 4th Degree under their United Karate Federation (UKF). Master Ernest George Jr., promoted him to 5th Degree Black Belt in 1995, with Master Parker Linekin as a witness and 6th Degree in 2000.  Mr. Barker was promoted to 7th Degree in 2005 by Masters Rick Hughes and Willy Steele, both Ed Parker Black Belts and IKKA Master Instructors. In 2010 Mr. Barker was promoted to 8th Degree by Grand Master Parker Linekin with additional authorization coming from Sr. Grand Master Brian Adams. Formal education consists of an AS Degree in Management with 12 years working “real” jobs at Buck Knives Inc, Allenbach Industries, and National Pen Corp. Most of his job experience at that time was in positions of management and supervision before leaving the corporate world to run the karate school full time in 1986. Mr. Barker graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) with his Master’s Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine in 2007.  He had earned his 1,000 hour ‘Holistic Health Practitioner’ license several years earlier. He now is a Nationally (Dipl. O.M.) and California State Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac). Mr. Barker competed for about 10 years (way back in the 80’s, early 90′s) and won his share of awards, but with those days behind he is focused on having a great martial arts school, teaching the awesome Kenpo Self-Defense System, turning out quality Black Belts (up to 54 now), practicing Acupuncture and enjoying life.

Additional Training:  Ed Parker Advanced Kenpo Karate Theory Seminars - Jeff Speakman Kenpo Training Seminar - Joe Lewis Several Fight Training Seminars - Steve “Nasty” Anderson Several Fight Training Seminars - Orned “Chicken” Gabriel 2 years Personal training - Orned “Chicken” Gabriel Many Fight Training Seminars - Brian Adams Knife & Stick fighting Seminar - Dave Hebler Power & Speed Seminar - Richard Post Knife Fighting Seminar - Rick Hughes Many Classes & Seminars - Willy Steele Many Classes & Seminars - Toke Hill Olympic Style Sparring Seminar - Mike Stone Martial Arts Training Seminar - Eric Lee Martial Arts Training Seminar - Parker Linekin Daito Ryu Jitsu – John Denora Daito Ryu Jitsu Seminar - George Dillman Pressure Point Seminar - Prof. Wally Jay Small Circle Ju Jitsu Seminars -Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminars - Nelson Monteiro BJJ Several Years - Carlos Valente BJJ Many Classes & Seminars - Vic Zamora Boxing Personal Training & Classes - Vince Soberano Muay Thai Personal Training, Seminars & Classes - Melchor Menor Muay Thai Seminars & Classes - Nelson Siyavong Muay Thai Seminars & Classes - Kaewsamrit Muay Thai Training Camp Bangkok Thailand - Cepeda Brothers Arnis de Mano Classes - Krav Maga Seminars - CDT Certification Seminar - Cung Lee San Shou Seminar - Jim Tian Tai Chi (several years) - Frank Primicias Lo Han Chi Gung Seminar - Herman Kauz Push Hands (many classes) - Chen Sitan Taiji Seminar - Rey Leal Current Taiji Instructor - Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) Graduate Master’s Degree Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) - International Training Program at Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Province China - Nationally Certified Diplomate in Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) - California Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac)

Tim Mullins

6th Degree Black Belt 2010

5th Degree Black Belt (earned from Jim Mitchell)

Began training 1980 (Instructor – Jim Mitchell)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosie Barker (aka Mrs. B)

5th degree black Belt 2007 – San Diego CA Instructor – Sr Professor Barry Barker – 7th degree Kenpo Black Belt Witnesses – Master Rick Hughes – 9th degree Kenpo Black Belt Associate Master Willy Steele – 8th degree Kenpo Black Belt 4th degree Black Belt 2003 – San Diego CA 3rd degree Black Belt 2003 – San Diego CA 2nd degree Black Belt 2003 – San Diego CA Instructor Barry Barker 1st degree Black Belt – Levelland Texas Instructor – Sharkey LeCroy Began Training 1978 – Instructor: Sharkey LeCroy Certified Feng Shui Consultant 2004 Instructor of the Year – Master Hall of Fame
Personal History – Rosie Barker (aka Mrs. ‘B’) became interested in martial arts as a 16-year old high school student when a classmate demonstrated the flexibility she had gained through karate training by placing her toe on the wall over her shoulder with her back to the wall. That’s all Mrs. B needed because she loves a challenge and was soon demonstrating this flexibility herself. Mrs. ‘B’ trained under the top Professional Full-Contact Kickboxer in West Texas at that time, and one of the top fighter’s in the country, Sharkey LeCroy. This tough physical training developed her skills for competition in both Kickboxing and Karate Tournaments. In her competition days she won many fights and trophies in both areas. She is currently running our Boxing Gym in Lubbock Texas but is still a part of Poway Kenpo Karate and The Boxing Club of Poway. Her formal education is as a Legal Secretary.

Additional Training: Joe Lewis Fight Training Seminar - Steve “Nasty” Anderson Fight Training Seminars - Orned “Chicken” Gabriel Fight Seminars - Rick Hughes Assorted Seminars & Classes - Ernest George Jr. Kenpo Seminars - Mike Stone Martial Arts Training Seminar - Eric Lee Martial Arts Training Seminar - Vic Zamora Boxing (many classes) - Brian Adams Knife & Stick fighting Seminar - Melchor Menor Muay Thai KB Seminars & Classes - Dave Hebler Power & Speed Seminar- Stephen Doss KardioKickbox Certification Seminar - Licensed Feng Shui Consultant – Tom DiFrancesco Boxing Personal Training

Bryan Taylor

5th Degree Black Belt 2008

4th Degree Black Belt 2003

3rd Degree Black Belt 1998

2nd Degree Black Belt 1994

1st Degree Black Belt 1991

Began training 1987 Instructor – Barry Barker Additional Training: Mike Stone Martial Arts Training Seminar – Eric Lee Martial Arts Training Seminar – 3 Years Amateur Kickboxing – Rick Hughes Assorted Seminars & Classes – Richard Post Knife Fighting Seminar – Brian Adams Knife & Stick Seminar – Ernest George Jr. Kenpo Seminar – Steve “Nasty” Anderson Fight Training Seminars – “Chicken” Gabriel Fight Training Seminars

 

Heath Gross

4th Degree Black Belt 2008

3rd Degree Black Belt 2001

2nd Degree Black Belt 1998

Began Training Poway Kenpo Karate 1996
Instructor – Barry Barker

1st Degree Black Belt 1995 (earned from Jody Sasaki in Ventura)

 

 

 

 

 

Joshua Lara-Barker

3rd Degree Black Belt 2005

2nd Degree Black Belt 2001

1st Degree Black Belt 1997

Began training 1989 Instructor – Barry Barker

Additional Training:  5 Years Wrestling – 2 Years Amateur Kickboxing – Mike Stone Martial Arts Training Seminar – Eric Lee Martial Arts Training Seminar – Vic Zamora 2 years Boxing – Melchor Menor 2 years Muay Thai – Rick Hughes Assorted Seminars & Classes – Richard Post Knife Fighting Seminar – Carlos Valente Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (assorted classes) – Brian Adams Knife & Stick Seminar – Ernest George Jr. Kenpo Seminars – Steve “Nasty” Anderson Fight Training Seminars – ‘Chicken’ Gabriel Fight Training Seminars – Jo Abueg Arnis de mano (assorted classes) – Willy Steele Seminars – Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Seminars – Tito Ortiz MMA Seminar – Cung Lee San Shou Seminar – SMAC Certified Judge – XMA Instructor – Nelson Monteiro Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Odie Neto Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Alex Palma Muay Thai & MMA

 

 

 

Brian Gist

3rd Degree Black Belt 2008

2nd Degree Black Belt 2001

1st Degree Black Belt 1998

Began Training 1993 Instructor – Barry Barker

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dai Phipps

3rd Degree Black Belt 2008

2nd Degree Black Belt 2004

1st Degree Black Belt 2002

Began Training 1997 Instructor – Barry Barker

Personal History – Dai Phipps has always been a physically active individual and was involved in weight training when first introduced to karate.  Shortly after enrolling her son in classes at Poway Kenpo Karate she had a slip and fall accident and severely broke her left ankle.  Barry Barker (aka Mr. B) would encourage her to try karate when she was better.  Returning to weight training after getting the okay to return to physical activity was a little daunting.  Dai was concerned about the weight on her still healing ankle, so she started karate. Mr. B was right … Dai instantly loved karate and the full body workout it provide.  She took to Kenpo like a sea turtle newly born, making its way to the ocean and through it to find home.  Her hard work and determination helped her to earn her 1st Degree Black in just over 5 years.  She continues to embrace and enjoy Kenpo and other martial arts.

Additional Training Rick Hughes Seminars & Classes - Richard Post Knife Fighting Seminar - Ernest George Jr. Kenpo Seminars & Classes - Steve “Nasty” Anderson Fight Training Seminars - Willy Steele Kenpo Seminars - ‘Chicken’ Gabriel Fight Training Seminars – 1 Year Assistant Instructor to ‘Chicken’ Gabriel - Carlos Valente Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Nelson Monteiro Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Daniel Barnier

3rd Degree Black Belt 2008

2nd Degree Black Belt 2005

1st Degree Black Belt 2003

Began Training 1995 Instructor – Barry Barker

Additional Training: Willy Steele – 70′s Kenpo Seminar

 

 

 

Jody Wall

3rd Degree Black Belt 2008

2nd Degree Black Belt 2005

1st Degree Black Belt 2003

Began Training 1989 Instructor – Barry Barker

Additional Training: Willy Steele Kenpo Seminars – Emest George Jr Kenpo Seminars – Steve “Nasty” Anderson Fight Training Seminars – Chicken Gabriel Fight Training Seminars – Rick Hughes Seminars & Classes – Steve Muhammad Seminar

 

 

Dave Arnold

3rd Degree Black Belt 2008
2nd Degree Black Belt 2005
1st Degree Black Belt 2003
Began Training 1993
Instructor – Barry Barker
Additional Training:  Mike Stone Martial Arts Training Seminar - Richard Post Knife & Gun Seminars - Brian Adams Knife & Stick Seminar - Emest George Jr. Kenpo Seminars - Steve “Nasty” Anderson Fight Training Seminars - ’Chicken’ Gabriel Fight Training Seminars - Ron Chapel Sub Level 4 Kenpo Seminars - Frank Trejo Kenpo Seminar – Mike Pick Knife Fighting Seminar – Willy Steele Kenpo Seminars - Rick Hughes Kenpo Seminars - Gene LeBell Grappling Seminar - Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Seminar - Carlos Gracie Jr. Jiu Jitsu Seminars - Renato “Babalu” Sohral MMA Seminar - Tito Ortiz MMA Seminar - Carlos Valente Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training - Melchor Menor Muay Thai Training - Nelson Monteiro Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor (Currently Brown Belt Level)

David Arnold has always enjoyed competition, competing in Point Sparring, Continuous Sparring, Forms, Breaking, Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and No Holds Barred competitions

Dave Rosenberg

3rd Degree Black Belt – 2011
2nd Degree Black Belt – 2008
1st Degree Black Belt – June 2006
Began Training 1998
Instructor – Barry Barker
Additional Training:  Steve “Nasty” Anderson Fight Training Seminar - Emest George Jr. Kenpo Seminars - Richard Post Knife & Gun Seminar - Professor Wally Jay Small Circle Ju Jitsu Seminars - William Chung Wing Chun Seminar - Remy Presas Escrima Seminar - George Dillman Breaking Seminar - George Dillman Pressure Point Seminar

1st Degree Black Belt – Ryu Kyu Kenpo – 1986
Instructor Mr. Stu Alton

Jordan Barker

2nd Degree Black Belt – July 2010
1st Degree Black Belt – August 2007
Instructor – Barry Barker
Began Training 1997 (Age 4)
Additional Training: XMA 1 year - Nelson Monteiro BJJ 1 Year - Kaewsamrit Muay Thai Camp Bangkok Thailand - Alex Palma Muay Thai & MMA - Poway High School Wrestling (4 years)
 

 

Nicola Ruskin

2nd Degree Black Belt – 2011
1st Degree Black Belt – July 2009
Instructor – Barry Barker
Began Training 2002

Additional Training: Blue Belt BJJ

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa Jackson

2nd Degree Black Belt – 2011
1st Degree Black Belt – July 2009
Instructor – Barry Barker
Began Training 2002
Additional Training
Muay Thai several years

 

 

 

 

 

Obleo Nobles

2nd Degree Black Belt – August 2007
1st Degree Black Belt – June 2004
Began Training 1998
Instructor – Barry Barker
Additional Training
Willy Steele – 70′s Kenpo Seminar

 

 

 

 

 

David Dunn

1st Degree Black Belt – 2003
Began Training 1992
Instructor – Barry Barker
Additional Training
Willy Steele – 70′s Kenpo Seminar

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Loevenguth

1st Degree Black Belt – June 2005
Began Training 1999
Instructor – Barry Barker

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tara Trujillo

1st Degree Black Belt – August 2007
Began Training 1999
Instructor – Barry Barker
Additional Training:
XMA – one year

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colleen Heller

2nd Degree Black Belt – 2005
1st Degree Black Belt – 2002
Began Training 1990
Instructor – Barry Barker
Additional Training:
Willy Steele – 70′s Kenpo Seminar

 

 

 

 

Brian Eisenberg

1st Degree Black Belt – 2005
Began Training 1990
Instructor – Barry Barker
Additional Training:
Willy Steele – 70′s Kenpo Seminar

Personal History – Brian Eisenberg started training in 1990 at the age of eleven after being inspired by the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Brian had no idea what martial arts style or school to begin with, but luckily the nearest school was Poway Kenpo. As he progressed through the ranks, he also progressed through adolescence and decided to stop training at 3rd Brown after graduating high school in 1997. He then became a full time college student, pursing his other passion, music. After graduating with Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from San Diego State University, he resumed training in 2004. Brian earned his 1st degree Black Belt summer 2005. Since receiving his Black Belt, Brian has been working periodically on cruise ships as a pianist traveling the world. Brian plans to continue his practice of the art wherever life takes him.

Scott Hoffman

1st Degree Black Belt
Instructor – Barry Barker
Began Training 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheri Hughes

1st Degree Black Belt
Instructor – Barry Barker
Began Training 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ed Theodore

1st Degree Black Belt
Instructor – Barry Barker
Began Training 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan Strommer

1st Degree Black Belt
Instructor – Barry Barker
Began Training 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kyle Strommer

1st Degree Black Belt
Instructor – Barry Barker
Began Training 2004