GORAK´S KENPO KARATE SYSTEM

While American Kenpo Karate provides the foundation for our training at Sanchin Budokai, we practice a specific system known as Gorak's Kenpo Karate System. This approach preserves the core principles of American Kenpo—such as rapid response, logical flow, and environmental adaptability—while incorporating decades of cross-disciplinary experience from its founder, Sensei Bernie Gorak II. The result is a system that is both rooted in tradition and highly effective in modern self-defense and sport contexts.

Gorak's Kenpo Karate System, the foundation of Kenpo training at Sanchin Budokai, is the culmination of over four decades of intensive martial arts study, instruction, and competition led by its founder, Sensei Bernie Gorak II. Beginning his martial arts journey at the age of ten, Sensei Gorak has dedicated over 45 years to training and over 30 years to teaching. His extensive experience spans multiple martial disciplines, earning him black belts and instructor certifications across a wide range of systems, all of which contribute to the distinct character of Gorak's Kenpo Karate. At its core, Gorak's Kenpo is a refined and adaptable interpretation of American Kenpo Karate, heavily shaped by his direct tutelage under several notable grandmasters. He holds a 9th-degree black belt in Kenpo (as of June 5, 2023) under Grandmaster Ted Tomeski, and a 3rd-degree black belt in Kenpo under Grandmaster Larry Tatum, two of the most respected figures in modern American Kenpo.

In addition, he holds a 9th-degree black belt in Kan-Shu Kenpo Karate under Grandmaster John Cozatt. This system traces its lineage to Sijo Daniel K. Pai, a major figure in Chinese Kenpo and Pai Lum Tao. Kan-Shu Kenpo adds a complementary layer of structure and Chinese influence to the Gorak system, enriching its technical vocabulary and movement philosophy. Sensei Gorak is also a 2nd-degree black belt in Renzoku Jiu-Jitsu under John Cozatt, a system rooted in the traditions of Danzan Ryu Jiu-Jitsu and the teachings of its founder Seishiro Okazaki, as well as Kodokan Judo, founded by Jigoro Kano. These grappling influences are clearly felt in the takedowns, locks, and controls taught in Gorak's curriculum—elements that make it not only a striking art but a complete self-defense system.

Beyond these, Sensei Gorak holds ranks in Shorei-Ryu Karate, Soo Bahk Do, Tae Kwon Do, and is a certified instructor under the Chuck Norris System—each system contributing unique principles and strategies to his Kenpo. His system has proven itself not only in the dojo but in the competitive arena. Sensei Gorak is a former licensed professional boxer and kickboxer (6–3 record), and has amassed a sport karate point-sparring record of 112 wins and 28 losses. His emphasis on practical, adaptable technique and high-performance movement has produced numerous champions under the Professional Karate Commission (PKC), including multiple regional champions in both sparring and self-defense divisions.

His own competitive accolades include:

• PKC Self-Defense Champion (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020)
• PKC National Rankings in Self-Defense (7th in 2016, 6th in 2018, 8th in 2019)
• PKC Region 1 Sparring Finalist (7th place, 2018)

Sensei Gorak's contributions to the martial arts community have been widely recognized. His honors include:

• IBBA Kenpo Instructor of the Year (2023)
• USAMA Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee (2021)
• Illinois Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee (2019)
• Who's Who in Martial Arts (2017)
• International Kenpo Hall of Fame (2013, inducted by Grandmaster Al Tracy)
• IBBA Hall of Fame Kenpo Instructor of the Year (2015)
• SRMAA Hall of Fame – multiple years (2006–2019)
• AKA Hall of Fame Kenpo Instructor of the Year (2008)

He is also a Certified Women's Safe Network Agent, dedicated to empowering individuals through self-protection and awareness. Today, Sensei Gorak runs the Martial Arts Academy in Bradley, Illinois, where he continues to teach with the same passion, precision, and discipline that define his system. As President of Gorak's Kenpo Systems, and a lifetime member of organizations such as the Chicago Kenpo Karate Association, Shintai Ryu Martial Arts Association, and Larry Tatum Kenpo Karate Association, his influence reaches far beyond state lines.

Through his lineage, methods, and philosophy, Gorak's Kenpo Karate System has become a versatile and time-tested system—highly effective for both self-defense and sport—and the system proudly practiced and taught at Sanchin Budokai today.