John McSweeney Bio by Zoran Sevic

John McSweeney Bio by Zoran Sevic

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John McSweeney Bio by Zoran Sevic - Mar. 5th, 2007, 5:19:56 AM

Zoran

Posts: 140
Joined: Mar. 4th, 2007,
From: Chicago Area, Illinois
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John McSweeney

The AKKA Crest

The Battle Axes that you see
is Mr. McSweeney Family Crest.

Honored in Ireland
Father of Irish Karate, upon
his return in 1987, there were
over 2500 Kenpo practitioners.

A True Warrior

7th Black from Parker

Martial Arts History:

Mr. McSweeney began his training in the martial arts while very young in boxing. In 1952, while serving a tour in the U.S. Army, he was stationed in Japan where he trained in Kodokan Judo. Before returning to the U.S., Mr. McSweeney attained a brown belt rank.

In 1959, Mr. McSweeney met Mr. Ed Parker (father of American Karate). In late 1962, Mr. Parker awarded him a black belt. Mr. McSweeney was one of Mr. Parker’s first black belts.

" He was promoted to Shodan by Ed Parker in September, 1962 after having received the unanimous approval of the entire Kenpo Yuudansha which included Grandmaster James Mitose and Grandmaster, William, Professor, K. S. Chow, among others. And he was issued the first IKKA (International Kenpo Karate Association) certificate and given the first rank of Shodan in the IKKA."

Will Tracy, January 1997

That same year, Mr. McSweeney left for Ireland and opened a school in Dublin. By doing this Mr. Parker was able to make his Kenpo Association in to the I.K.K.A. (International Kenpo Karate Association). When Mr. McSweeney left Ireland, he left behind 4 black belts to carry on the legacy.
Mr. McSweeney came to New York and opened a Kenpo school. Mr. McSweeney did not make a living on martial arts. So, sooner or later Mr. McSweeney left New York because of his job. When he left, he left behind 3 black belts, one of which was Frank DeMaria.

In 1980 Mr. McSweeney opened a school in Elmhurst, Il. His first black belts there were, Tom Saviano, Ray Korda, and Mike Vassolo.

In 1995, Mr. McSweeney moved to Florida. He still resides there today.
Mr. McSweeney

On Tuesday February 26, 2002 at 2:00 pm, Grand Master John McSweeney, at the age of 74, passed away from a massive heart attack. There is a Tribute that you may read, click here. Authors Note:

Click get John McSweeney’s book titled
STREET KARATE

Click to see Mr. McSweeney’s Certificate from Mr. Parker in
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A Higher resolution image will take longer to download

Mr. John McSweeney is a true warrior. But, above all else the man is a true gentleman. Every time I have spoken with the man, he has treated me with true respect. This is what I love about the martial arts, the people like Mr. McSweeney and all the others. Don’t let that fool you though, the man is still a warrior!

< Message edited by Zoran -- Mar. 5th, 2007, 5:25:16 AM >