Martial Arts Loses A Master

Martial Arts Loses A Master: "The world of disciplined combat lost one of its most influential and respected figures on Friday, August 19th when American Kenpo Karate Academies (AKKA) founder and president, Bill Packer, lost his ongoing battle with cancer. He was 59 years of age.

Approximately a year ago, Packer, who held a 10th degree Black Belt, was successfully treated for a form of esophagus cancer. After one of his lungs suddenly collapsed a month ago, however, Packer underwent tests, which revealed that the cancer had returned and spread to other parts of his body. The growth of the disease caused a rapid deterioration of his health.

“He was a man of integrity, honesty, and respect, and his spirit will be missed by the entire martial arts world,” said K-1 North America CEO Scott Coker, who also credited Packer as being one of his mentors and a strong support system early in Coker’s career as a promoter. “Bill was always there for me when I got started in this business. He always encouraged me to keep my head up and helped me pull through during the tough times.” "

Karate with a Christian focus: Lyons class combines martial arts, the Gospel

Karate with a Christian focus: Lyons class combines martial arts, the Gospel: "Dave Cialini’s list of the seven Cs of karate includes a word many would not expect: Christ.

But there it is — right after character and cost on the framed needlepoint list Cialini displays at his William Street karate school — and there it is again on the sandwich-board sign out front, which reads “Karate for Christ.”

The Marion man says there isn’t anything inconsistent about pairing Christian teaching with martial-arts training.

In fact, he believes the two complement each other.

“Christians are used to Oriental philosophy coming from the martial arts,” Cialini said. “So they immediately get cynical. But Christians that have been exposed have been pleasantly surprised.”"

He’s one cool karate champ

News Sentinel | 09/05/2005 | He’s one cool karate champ: "Some people might be tempted to call him Fort Wayne’s version of the karate kid.

Robert Bowles Karate Academy is his Mr. Miyagi, a place where he has learned the grace and power of martial arts and the self-control needed to be a true practitioner. But none of the young students who attended a class with him at the school at 2735 E. State Blvd. one Wednesday night uttered the “wax on, wax off” phrase made popular by the 1984 film in which young Daniel learns there’s more to karate than fighting."