INTRODUCTION


The International Karate Kobudo Federation (IKKF) was founded by Hanshi C. Bruce Heilman, an internationally recognized leading practitioner of Okinawan Karate and Kobudo. A detailed Martial Arts Resume for Hanshi Heilman is presented as a supplementary section to this page for reference.(Click here for full CBH Resume)



CBH

IKKF President, Hanshi C. Bruce Heilman, 10th Dan Karate, 10th Dan Kobudo, Renshi 3rd Dan Ju-Jitsu


The IKKF was established to be .."a professional organization governed by a set of guidelines in compliance with international standards". Further, the IKKF is dedicated to the preservation of the "Old Ways", offering an alternative for serious traditional dojos / organizations.


The major focus for Hanshi Heilman and the IKKF is the preservation and popularization of the traditional art of Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo Koryukan ® for future generations. These arts with a direct lineage back to the mid 1700's contain a combativeness and warrior spirit that is lacking in many modern versions of the arts today. Further, the IKKF also seeks to foster certain martial virtues in its members by cultivating a true Warrior Way (body, mind & spirit).

At the 1995 IKKF Annual Training, President C. Bruce Heilman formally presented a "mission statement" for the IKKF. In brief, the key points of the IKKF's Mission Statement are as follows:


While growth in itself has never been a goal of the IKKF, the organization continues to grow at a nice pace. In particular, the IKKF which initially started out focused almost entirely on the Okinawa Kenpo system has evolved into a broader role becoming the focal point for a number of traditional Okinawan and Japanese arts. In short we have progressed, as one might say.."backward in time" and are now structured more in line with that of the original "Okinawa Kenpo Renmei" founded by Nakamura and Shimabuku Senseis as a means to bring together practitioners of the old ways. Today, a number of traditional styles are represented in the IKKF in addition to Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo.

The growth of the IKKF has not only occurred in the States, but also internationally. The IKKF is now represented in numerous countries and expanding each year. Of particular interest is the growth of our "IKKF Kobudo Division" internationally. One of the most interesting aspects of the growth of the IKKF has been that it has involved a lot of the "seniors in the arts". These individuals, some twenty (20) of which have been inducted into the IKKF San Ju Nen Kai (30 year + Club) at various IKKF Annual Training, are not interested in what the IKKF can do for them, but rather what they can do for the membership. These are also individuals who will not put up with "politics in the arts" and support the IKKF because it is operated professionally and ethically.

Additionally, the IKKF is also a Founding Member of two additional martial arts organizations - the World Union of Martial Arts Federations, and the Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo Union. With respect to the World Union of Martial Arts Federations (WUMAF). IKKF President C. Bruce Heilman represents his organization by serving for the last eight years as a WUMAF Vice-President. WUMAF was established to provide an organizational structure to facilitate cooperation between major traditional international martial arts organizations. Cooperation between traditional organizations is unique, and is the strength of WUMAF which in a short period of time has become a major force in the martial arts internationally.

The Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo Union ® (OKKKU) was founded in 1999 as a martial arts organization dedicated to the preservation of the traditional art of Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo. The OKKKU is comprised of five (5) independent Okinawa Kenpo Groups in the States, working together for the betterment and preservation of Okinawa Kenpo. Hanshi Heilman serves as President and Director of the OKKKU.

In short, the success of the IKKF has been based upon its "no politics" approach to the operation of the Federation and its strong belief in the value of each of the various traditional systems. These are two issues that are the heart of IKKF's beliefs and will not be compromised. The Officers of the IKKF are pledged to continue to do everything they can to make the Federation the most professional, ethical and responsive organization while at the same time maintaining our strong training focus - its the only way the IKKF operates.