About
Kyoshi Ken Morgan has been in the Martial Arts since 1967 and in addition to his initial Isshin Ryu training, he holds Dan (Black Belt) rank in Shorin Ryu ate Okinawan Kobudo and GoJitsu. His Martial Arts performances have garneredawards in kumite and kata in tournaments throughout the Eastern Seaboard and in 2001 Kyoshi Morgan was presented with the prestigious “Martial Achievement” award during induction into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2001, the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2008 and “Golden Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Universal Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame in 2009.
Mr. Morgan was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the City of Virginia Beach for co-development and organization of the Volunteer Martial Arts Program for At-Risk Children in Virginia Beach. He also served the community as coordinator of the Annual Naihanchi Cup Karate Tournament for the benefit of these children. Sensei Morgan is acknowledged nationally for his commitment to the need for recognition of the problem of missing and exploited children and for developing the first Martial Arts internet site directly linked to the National Center for Missing and Exploited children.
Sensei Morgan began formal karate training in Isshin Ryu Karate in 1967 under Gunnery Sergeant Donald F. Bohan at HQ Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia and before beginning Shorin Ryu studies, he studied Isshin-Ryu Karate under Sensei Donald Bohan, Kyoshi Karl K. Hovey and Sensei Lee Paul.
Upon transitioning to Shorin Ryu Sensei Morgan began studies
in Shorin Ryu and received rank from such prestigious Okinawan Instructors the legendary Hanshi Tadashi Yamashita (9th Dan) and Seifuku Nitta (10th Dan).
Ken is a NAUI Certified SCUBA Instructor and shares his interests in diving and Martial Arts with his
two sons Matthew and Ryan.
Ranks and Certifications:
8th Dan – Kyoshi, Okinawan Shorin Ryu- Hanshi Seifuku Nitta
5th Dan – Yamashita International Shorin Ryu – Hanshi Tadashi Yamasita
Certified Instructor – C.O.B.R.A. Self Defense Systems
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Helping people develop the physical and mental attributes which provide the self confidence to react in a positive manner to assault and circumstances outside their comfort zone.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We normally start with a short telephone survey to try to determine specific goals of the students trying to accomplish.
Subsequent to the initial survey incremental goals are determined and a training schedule .
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I began my martial arts training that 1967 And I have subsequently earned 8th Degree Black belt in Shorin Ryu, 5th Degree in Okinawan Kobudo, 8th Degree in Kai You Shin Jitsu ( self defense) and am a certified COBRA Self Defense Instructor.
I have owned and operated successful schools for decades and have trained security staff, police officers and special forces personnel.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private lessons start at $50 per hour
How did you get started teaching?
In 1970 I was assigned the task of developing a self defense program for military dependents of personnel stationed at Marine Corps HQ, Quantico VA.
I found the task challenging and the results highly fulfilling and have continued developing my personal self defense skills and my curruculum since that time.
What types of students have you worked with?
From 4 years old to 76 years old!
My students have included early childhood beginners and encompassed security personnel, police officers and active duty Special Forces personnel.
We have special programs for ADD children and adults, Realtors, Active Shooter in the Workplace, Workplace Violence, Bully Response (including proactive school board and law enforement procedures).
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Although I teach a tremendous number of adults in self defense and defense against weapons, I am constantly in awe of the response I get from parents to the changes we have made in the lives of their children.
I recently received a small gift along with a note from a parent which stated "we are so thankful for all that you do. We have see a huge difference in (SON) since beginning your program, far more and far more positive than we ever expected"!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
1-SPEAK WITH THE INSTRUCTOR
you are hiring someone to whom you will entrust your money and your personal safety. Make sure that (s)he is the type of personality you are comfortable with and whom you can trust.
2- CHECK INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS
does the indiviual have long term standing with respected industry associations and organizations
3- ASK QUESTIONS
don't let them control the interview, ask them "how" they teach, "what" is the lesson sequence and what are the objectives, "why" are they taught in the order/sequence (s)he recommends, "who" will actually do the instruction (will you be taught by an assistant, if so what are their credentials)
MOST OF ALL
Make sure you feel very, very comfortable with the instructor. This is personal, physical "hands on" training; don't settle for someone that your gut tells you isn't right for you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Am I looking for fitness or self defense?
Am I looking for sport karate or self defense?
Am I trying to solve a specific problem (e.g. spousal abuse, bullying, neighborhood violence, travel to violence prone countries/cities)?
Am I looking for quick cure for an immediate threat or a long term "insurance" program?
Many instructors can handle any of these issues, but ensure that you know what you are looking for and that the instructor you choose has credible experience for that specific goal.