Black Belt Thesis
My name is Cash Nickerson and I am a student of several martial arts. My primary art is American Kenpo Karate. I earned my black belt on November 5, 2005 under Sifu Rick Fowler, an eigth degree Black Belt. This web site was my thesis for my black belt, a requirement at my school. I have been studying Kenpo for over 7 years on a daily basis. My home school is Rick Fowler's Kenpo in Irving. Texas (see banner below) http://www.rfkenpo.com/. Sifu Fowler has been teaching Kenpo for over 30 years. I began as a student under Sifu Fowler in November 2003 as a Blue Belt. I achieved my blue belt rank as a student of 5th degree Black Belt, James Garvey at Ten Chi Kenpo in New Albany, Ohio http://www.tenchi-kenpo.com/.
Six of us tested for Black Belts back in November 2005; three for first degree and three for second degree. One of my black belt brothers, Chuck Barron, who achieved his first degree black belt with me on November 5th, 2005, died a few weeks later November 26th, 2005. He was sparring at our school and died of a heart attack. All of the black belts from the school attended his memorial service. We mourn Chuck's loss. He was buried in his Gi wearing his black belt with pride.
On December 14, 2007 I was awarded my 2d degree black belt by Sifu Fowler. I was honored that my jiu jitsu instructer and 2000 world champion Carlos Machado was in attendance. It was intense and non-stop, physically challenging and tested the ability to focus and concentrate. It ended with sparring multiple opponents, including kickboxing coach 2005 IKA/IKF champion Evan Thompson.
The purpose of this web site is to provide the ultimate site for students of the art of American Kenpo Karate as conceived and created by Ed Parker to find information to succeed them in their quest to be the best. We provide resources, rankings, products, books and materials to assist fellow students in the development of their art of American Kenpo Karate and complementary styles.
Kenpo has helped me focus, lose weight and brought discipline to all facets of my life. I am in the process of training for my second degree black belt test which is scheduled for November of 2007. I plan to post my training schedule at a future date. I began cross training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Carlos Machado, 2000 Masters World Champion, in August of 2006. I spend two to three hours per week with Mr. Machado and sessions at his school http://www.carlosmachado.net/ are the highlight of my training week.
I also have become involved with Systema, for which I have to travel. I have had the opportunity to train with Vladmir Vasiliev in Toronto and in Colorado as well as with martin Wheeler in Culver City, California.
