10th Degree Black Belt

Senior Master of the Arts

Founder of the American Kenpo Karate Association

 

(1946 - 2005) Before studying Kenpo Karate, Bill Packer had martial arts experience in Okinawan-Te, Wing Chun, Tai Chi and Boxing. His most extensive prior training was in Boxing. 

 

From 1964-1968, Mr. Packer was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Boxing Team. During this time, Mr. Packer was undefeated with a record of over 30 wins. At a very early stage in his career, Mr. Packer had already mastered a variety of principles common to all martial arts, (mind set, pressing an opponent, pushing down, skill enhancement techniques, physical training, etc.) 

 

After completing his tour with the Coast Guard, Mr. Packer immediately began full-time training in American Kenpo under Mr. Tom Connor. By 1971, Mr. Packer's skill, enthusiasm, and drive had earned him the position of Southwest Regional Director for TRACO International. As the Regional Director, he was interacting with a great number of schools, instructors, and students. Although the physical element of American Kenpo was superior, Mr. Packer wanted to incorporate more philosophy, tradition, and personal internal development.

 

In 1972, the Southwest region was reorganized, and renamed as the "American Kenpo Karate Association, Ltd. (AKKA)". Under the guidance and direction of Mr. Packer, his style of American Kenpo began to come full circle back to the roots of Chinese Ch'uan Fa.

 

Mr. Packer started by researching the history, philosophy and meaning of the animals, elements, and colors associated with Kenpo. He incorporated the various icons, according to belt, into the system. To ensure the incorporation of traditional Chinese ideas, Mr. Packer had a renowned professor of Chinese philosophy teach martial arts philosophy classes to instructors.

 

Parallel with the mental and philosophical advancement of the system was the explosion of AKKA kickboxing. After observing the first World Karate Association (WKA) Championships, Mr. Packer knew that with his knowledge of mental conditioning, physical training, and fighting techniques, the trained AKKA kickboxers could excel in world competition. 

 

Starting in 1974, AKKA kickboxing became a dominant force in world competition. The following is a list of accomplishments under Mr. Packer:

 

• 128 World Ranked Fighters

• 15 World Titles

• 8 North American Titles

• 8 U.S. Titles

• 3 Intercontinental Muay Thai Titles

• Regional Karate Champion for 7 years (Mr. Packer)

• Premier Inductee to Martial Arts Hall of Fame

• 1982 Kickboxing "Trainer of the Year"

 

In 1978, the AKKA and TRACO systems were unified and again expanded.

 

After the death of Mr. Connor in 1989, all the TRACO and AKKA schools strengthened their interconnection by unanimously adopting the AKKA name and world famous "Dragonman" logo. 

 

During his lifetime, Mr. Packer remained the sole authority on the unique AKKA style of Kenpo Karate. As president of AKKA, Ltd., Mr. Packer continued to research, develop, and improve the system of the American Kenpo Karate Association.

 

The American Institute of Kenpo is forever grateful to Mr. Packer for years of mentoring and leadership.