He began his Martial Arts training in 1960 with the study of Judo and then started karate in 1962 and received his Black Belt in 1964. He received his nidan from Shobayashi Shorinryu, Master Eizo Shimabukuro, in 1966. Then in 1975, he received a 5th dan from Hidetaka Nishiyama’s ITKF organization. He is presently ranked at Kyoshi 8th dan in the Dai Nippon Bu Toku Kai.

Ken started training with Sensei Kim around 1966 and continued training with Sensei Kim until the early 1990s when he chose to go his own way.

His school in Daly City California called Washinkan Dojo has many of Sensei Kim’s old students still training with him.

Ken Shockey’s knowledge of weapons kata, and openhand kata has always been looked at with great respect by all those who have known him over the years.

He knows well over 100 katas and that alone is an amazing feat just to be able to remember them all.

He is now the proud California representative of the Dai Nippon Bu Toku Kai under the direction of Mr T. Hamada.

These are Mr. Shockey’s senior students: Herb Weiner, Peter Juliano, Louise Guerrero, Maria Garcia.