Kenpo International is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote a personal commitment to constant, unending self-improvement in the areas of physical health, mental well-being, emotional strength, personal integrity, and community responsibility through the study of American Kenpo Karate.
We will pursue this mission by fostering our organization's growth through national and international classes, workshops, seminars, and tournaments that create an atmosphere of cooperation that brings our community together, forms alliances, and encourages others to join us.
We welcome all martial artists and all American Kenpo practitioners, organizations, federations, and associations to join us to that we may all share ideas in the pursuit of this mission.
Our Founders
The visionary Grandmasters behind Kenpo International Ltd.
Grandmaster Gilbert Velez
Grandmaster Gilbert Velez is a monumental figure in the world of Kenpo Karate, known for his decades of dedication and unparalleled achievements. His influence is felt globally as the Co-Founder and President of "Kenpo International, Inc," one of the leading Kenpo Organizations in the world. A true international ambassador for the art, Grandmaster Velez has brought his expertise to students across continents, teaching highly sought-after Kenpo Karate seminars throughout the United States, Mexico, South America, Europe, and from New Zealand to Greece. His legacy is inextricably linked to the founder of American Kenpo, Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker. Grandmaster Velez trained personally with Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker for more than 17 years, a period of intensive study that set him apart. His mastery was officially recognized by the highest levels of the International Kenpo Karate Association (IKKA): he is the only Black Belt to have received 1st through 9th Degree IKKA certificates directly from Grandmaster Parker and then from Mrs. Leilani Parker. Further cementing his unique standing, Grandmaster Velez was also the first and only person to receive the rank and title of "Master of the Arts" with a 9th-degree certificate from the original IKKA. (This does not include the Honorary Black Belts he bestowed.)
Grand Master - Gilbert Velez
Grandmaster Doreen DiRienzo
Grandmaster Doreen DiRienzo is a martial arts luminary, renowned as the First Woman in the American Kenpo Karate System to achieve 10th Degree Black Belt. Her lifelong journey in martial arts began in April 1973 when, at sixteen, she watched a karate class and felt a profound awakening that this was her path. Starting in a tough, male-dominated environment, DiRienzo developed into a fierce competitor, overcoming gender challenges to become one of the top female fighters in New England. DiRienzo coupled her dedication to Kenpo with a strong educational background, earning a B.S. in Health and Physical Education, an M.A. in Physical Education, and a Certificate of Adv. Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership. In 1987, her skill and commitment were formally recognized when she was selected as an original member of the Atlantic World Karate Team, which was notably the first professional team to include women. In February 1980, having been unable to find a teaching job, she opened the Revere Karate Academy (RKA). She has continuously owned the Revere Karate Academy for 46 years, transforming it into an international institution that has taught approximately 40,000 students. Her philosophy at RKA goes beyond self-defense, focusing on instilling confidence, strength, and courage to help students become the best version of themselves. Her mastery of the art was cultivated under two pivotal mentors. She was a personal student of the late Senior Grandmaster Edmund Parker from 1983 until his passing in 1990, after a seminar with him convinced her to adopt and teach the Ed Parker's American Kenpo System exclusively at her school. She continues her rigorous training today as a personal student of Grandmaster Gilbert Velez. Leveraging her position in the international community, DiRienzo is a Co-Founder and Vice-President of Kenpo International, an organization dedicated to fostering American Kenpo's principles of self-improvement worldwide. She has significantly contributed to the global spread of Kenpo, having taught throughout the U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Europe. Her exceptional career has garnered international recognition and numerous honors: she was the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of all time) Award recipient in 2024; she was inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame in 2014; she is a Journey Book and International Journey Book honoree; and she also served as the Executive Producer of the 2003, 2013, and 2018 Boston International Karate Championships. Grandmaster DiRienzo's journey is a powerful demonstration of pioneering female leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence in the martial arts community.
Grandmaster Norman Sandler
Grandmaster Norman Sandler is a distinguished martial artist with a career spanning over five decades, marked by both competitive excellence and profound dedication to instruction. His extensive training began under influential figures in the martial arts world, including Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker. He is notably a personal student of Grandmaster Velez, a relationship that began in 1974 and continues to the present day. Grandmaster Sandler showcased his talent on the international stage as a dedicated member of the United States National Karate Team from 1977 to 1987, where he earned distinction as a medalist in both the Pan-Am Games and the Olympic Festival. A testament to his mastery of diverse disciplines, his knowledge base includes Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), CTS, and JKA Shotokan, as well as the internal practice of Practical Method Tai Chi. Committed to propagating this rich tradition, he is also a co-founder of Kenpo International. Having served as a martial arts instructor for over 45 years, Grandmaster Sandler has shared his expertise extensively, teaching throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Europe. He has also committed his philosophy to writing as the author of: Martial Arts for Kids the Road to Inner Strength. Self Awareness and a Peaceful World.