Both Rick and Maria Warwick are recognized as Shaolin Kenpo Black Belts although the version of Ralph Castro's Shaolin Kenpo as it exists today was simply called Ralph Castro's Kenpo Karate. This was the case until 1981 when it became the International Shaolin Kenpo Association.

If you still possess your certification to Black Belt, we ask that you send us a photo of that certificate (well aware that in many cases it was 40 years ago) as proof of such things is paramount. It will be watermarked prior to being placed on the website to prevent theft.

Please send those photos to sifujj@hotmail.com

Due to a lengthy conflict among rival schools, ALL Black Belt promotions without exception from 1975 forward will be attributed to Sibok Maria Warwick. Additional Black Belt instructors for each student will be listed in the order that they appear on this list.  This was an equitable compromise made by the current Great Grandmaster of the ISKA, Rob Castro in August 2024. Sibok Maria Warwick passed in 2016, but without her expert guidance, literally none of us would be here today.

We have requested an honest accounting of those promoted in Washington State with correct names, dates, and instructors to be listed on the International Shaolin Kenpo Association Legacy Website ( legacy.shaolinkenpo.com ). We have been informed by Great Grandmaster Rob Castro that this would take place. As we await those changes and corrections, please consider this page to be the definitive listing for those promoted under the legacy initiated by Rick and Maria Warwick, and then continued by Mike Skinner Sr., Sue Messenger, John Kraft, Ben Galeana, and Clay Micheau.

While it is understood that some of you have waited more than 50 years to be recognized, know that you are both valued and recognized here. Thank you for the part you have played in the legacy of Shaolin Kenpo in Washington State.

As of 12.9.24, we were able to obtain a photo courtesy of Sifu Sue Messenger that provides the correct order of promotions. They have been updated to reflect the order.