Bio - David Wigent

David Wigent began training in the late 60's when Aberdeen Kenpo Karate first started classes. He remembers training at the Warwick home and the Weir theatre more than any other place.  He received his Black Belt in 1975 when classes were ongoing at the Weir.

David states that his "memories of Kenpo are not as sharp as they used to be, but that he remembers his time training with the Warwick family fondly." At the spry young age of 78, David says he still occasionally trains to this day, but does so on an individual basis and at the local YMCA, practicing strikes on a mannequin built for that purpose.

I asked David for some stories from when he was training in Kenpo and he definitely did not disappoint. He remembers various training partners, situations that occurred at the Warwick home, and shared what he has done since his journey in Kenpo ended.

David recalls that he had something of a reputation for not putting up with being hit in class and was able and willing to give whatever he got. "I always tried to stop one inch from the target, but sometimes we made contact." He remembers John Delia being a large, barrel-chested fella about 6'1" tall who had all the physical gifts in training, but also had a temper. He also remembers training with Wayne Toy, and later Mike Skinner Sr.

David says that Rick Warwick did not want to leave David unattended when he was sparring because "Rick was afraid he would come back into the room to see me picking my teeth with their bones!"

David shared a story about a Martial Artist who showed up to spar with some of the students at the Kenpo school...
This guy who came in had an absolutely beautiful spinning back kick! Rick told me to spar with him. I was a colored belt at the time. I don't remember whether it was Blue or Green. As we started sparring, I realized that this guy was throwing his techniques with full power. I was able to avoid his first two kicks, and then when he threw his third, I closed the distance and caught his leg, leaving him standing on one leg with me behind him. I popped him solidly on the back of the head to let him know that if it was not his intention to have a friendly competition, then I was able to respond in kind!" "The same guy sparred with Rick and the two of them used the entire training space, bouncing off the walls and everything." The visiting Martial Artist explained that his school practiced everything with full power at all times. David says "Rick did not invite that guy back to the school because he didn't have any control."

David has added to his knowledge beyond Kenpo with Aikido, Jujitsu, Judo and vital area strikes known to some as Dim Mak.

I look forward to meeting with David soon and sharing stories of our journey that went down different paths, but also reached the same ultimate destination.

Thank you David for your valuable time in sharing a bit about your Martial Arts journey.