Thomas Connor
Kenpo Black Belt
Member of COPAR Kenpo
(1929-1989) Thomas Connor commenced martial arts training at the age of seven in the local Wing Chun and Hung Gar schools in Newark, New Jersey, and New York City. He diligently pursued his studies until the age of fifteen, at which point he enlisted in the United States Army by falsifying his age to serve in World War II. Upon the conclusion of the war, he returned to the United States to pursue a degree in linguistics. During this educational period, he further refined his combat abilities and achieved a series of Golden Gloves awards.
From approximately 1950 to 1959, Mr. Connor served in the United States Government as an agent. During his tenure, he expanded his martial arts training to encompass Jiu Jitsu.
In 1960, Thomas Connor relocated to Mexico with his family to retire. With ample time for introspection, he decided to return to the United States to establish a martial arts school.
By 1965, Mr. Connor had established a thriving self-defense school and dance studio in San Jose, California. That same year, he formed a partnership (COPAR Kenpo) with Mr. Ed Parker, Sr., and together they opened a series of Kenpo schools in San Jose, San Francisco, and Phoenix, Arizona. During his tenure in California, Mr. Connor continued his involvement and training in Chinese Wushu. He frequently visited Chinatown in San Francisco to engage in training and exchange knowledge with other Wushu practitioners.
By the early 1970s, the partnership between Mr. Connor and Mr. Parker had expanded to include the Tracy brothers. However, by the late 1970s, the partnership had dissolved, with Mr. Connor retaining ownership of numerous Kenpo schools.
Mr. Connor’s proficiency in Chinese Martial Arts, boxing, and Jiu Jitsu was integrated into a formidable yet highly artistic form of American Kenpo. This distinctive system was subsequently named “American Kenpo Karate Association” (AKKA) by Mr. Bill Packer, one of Mr. Connor’s original students.
It is noteworthy that Mr. Pilch never had the opportunity to study under Mr. Connor. The information presented here regarding Mr. Connor is based on secondhand accounts and is presented with the utmost accuracy that is available given the nature of such information.
~ Last Updated 3/3/2025