Master Willy Steele began studying Kenpo in 1971 in San Diego, California. In 1974, along with Jeff English and Dan Laxson, he opened up Chinese Kenpo Karate, located in La Mesa, Ca. The school would later become an Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate School and this is where he met and became a personal student of Senior Grandmaster Edmund K. Parker. After receiving his Black Belt from the International Kenpo Karate Association (IKKA) in 1976, Master Steele went out into the world to practice and teach the art. During the intervening years, he personally taught at various Ed Parker schools, including El Cajon, Lemon Grove, and Solana Beach, California. He remained a personal student of Senior Grandmaster Parker, studying and staying close to him until his death in December 1990. During that time, he was personally promoted to 2nd, 3rd and 4th Degree Black Belt with Senior Grandmaster Edmund K. Parker as his “Instructor”. Master Steele is listed as a 1st Generation Black Belt on Senior Grandmaster Parker’s Family Tree.
Master Steele was also very involved with Grandmaster Dave Hebler, who he met in 1974, and in the Original American Kenpo Karate Association (OAKKA). He held the office of Secretary for the OAKKA and served as a National Director as well. He is currently the Senior Head Instructor at American Family Kenpo in La Mesa, California and continues to enjoy being involved in the on going evolution of American Kenpo. In 2006 Master Steele was inducted into “The Masters Hall of Fame” and “The World Amateur Martial Arts International Federation”. Master Steele currently holds the rank of 8th Degree Black Belt.
For over 12 years, Master Steele worked full time for Personalized Protection Services in the field of Executive Protection Services, spending eight of those years as a personal body guard for members of the Saudi Royal Family. Those who know Master Steele are well aware of the additional “Street” experience and knowledge that he brings to the table. His knowledge of real life scenarios and executive protection is well documented, and his exceptional ability to teach and explain effective self defense to students and clients makes him a very sought after as a teacher. His popular seminar involving the master key moves in Kenpo and information regarding SGM Parker’s view’s on how he wanted “his” art taught are available. A few of the seminars are: “Kenpo in the 70’s,” “Basic and How to use Them”, “Breaking Down Techniques” and “Do You Really Know What your Doing?” |
