Gallery I
Gallery 1 is the beginning of Aberdeen Kenpo Karate in Washington State. Rick and Maria Warwick opened their small business on the corner of Market and H Streets in Aberdeen, Washington. The school itself was short-lived, but the footprints left were large and lasting. Ripples are still being felt to this day, with many of the Martial Artists from the lineage remaining involved in Shaolin Kenpo more than 50 years later!
The number of photos from this time frame are few, but thanks to Mr. John Delia, Mr. Rob Ronald, and Mr. David Wigent, some of the memories have been recovered. Thank you gentlemen for your time, your efforts, and your willingness to provide us a glimpse into what Shaolin Kenpo was all about in the early 1970's.
Most of the photos are in black and white. We have color copies of most of what is exhibited here. It is far more difficult to colorize a black and white photo than it is to use a newsprint filter on a color photo. If you see these photos elsewhere on the Internet, please do let us know.
Rick and Maria Warwick began their training in Martial Arts sometime in the early 1960's. This is a photo of the school in California in which they began their journey.
photo courtesy of John Delia
A young Rick Warwick with Senior Grandmaster Edmund K. Parker, considered by many to be the "Father of American Karate."
Per first generation Ed Parker Black Belt Ron Chapel, this photo was most likely taken prior to 1964, as Ed Parker was wearing an earlier version of a Kenpo Crest which was far different from his later design.
The Kenpo Karate crest that most are familiar with did not make an appearance until the first year of the Long Beach Internationals Karate Tournament.
photo courtesy of John Delia
One of John Delia's many pieces of hardware obtained during his Martial Arts career. This is a trophy from the Seattle Open in 1969
photo courtesy of John Delia
John Delia, who was the first student of Rick and Delores (Maria) Warwick in Washington State was an avid tournament competitor. Here he battles in the colored belt division of what was most likely the Seattle Open, which was one of the largest tournaments in the northwest for many years. Note the lack of protective gear!
photo courtesy of John Delia
3rd Place in Brown Belt Heavyweight Sparring at the Seattle Open Karate Championships in 1971 - awarded to John Delia
photo courtesy of John Delia
Front page of a program for the 1971 California Karate Championships, promoted by the late, Great Grandmaster Ralph Castro. On the cover is a young version of the current Great Grandmaster of the Shaolin Kenpo system - Rob Castro.
photo courtesy of John Delia
Inside cover of the 1971 CKC Program. Unique in that it has the autographs of Chuck Norris, Joe, Lewis, Mike Stone, Thomas Kelly, and Byong Yu all on the same page.
Photo courtesy of Mike Skinner Jr via gift from John Delia
Page 3 of the 1971 CKC Program with April and May Castro as 1st Degree Black Belts in what at the time was simply called Kenpo Karate. The pageantry of early 70's tournaments was extravagant, and both April and May served as Princesses for the event.
Photo courtesy of Mike Skinner Jr via gift from John Delia
Seattle Open tournament poster from the early seventies.
Photo courtesy John Delia
Results of the Seattle Open Karate Tournament from the early seventies. Photo on the right shows Ed Parker as center referee and Dwight Scott as one of the competitors.
Photo courtesy John Delia
John Delia action shot from the 1970's at a tournament. No pads, no pause, no problem!
Photo courtesy John Delia
John Delia performs a breaking demonstration at the Seattle Open. Wayne Toy in the foreground holding the boards.
Photo courtesy John Delia
Wayne Toy and John Delia practicing for the California Karate Championships. Notice the CKC logo on the back of the uniform.
Photo courtesy John Delia
Wayne Toy performs a perfect side kick on John Delia.
Photo courtesy John Delia
Wayne Toy signs up for the Seattle Open while a young Joe Warwick looks on.
Photo courtesy John Delia
John Delia during kumite division of the Seattle Open in the early 1970s.
Photo courtesy John Delia
Front cover of the membership card owned by John Delia during his training.
Photo courtesy John Delia
Interior of the membership card of John Delia detailing promotion dates and whom he was promoted by. All members of Aberdeen Kenpo Karate had one of these cards back then.
Photo courtesy John Delia
John Delia's Black Belt Certificate, dated
10-19-1973. John was the 2nd individual promoted to Black Belt by Rick and Maria Warwick. This photo has been watermarked to prevent theft.
photo courtesy of John Delia
John Delia's poses in a side horse wearing his Black Belt with the creed (before it was changed to Shaolin Kenpo) and the American flag in the background.
photo courtesy of John Delia
These old photos are awesome
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an entirely new photo gallery.