Sempai Glen Pearson

2nd Degree Black Belt – Qualified Instructor

I was first introduced to martial arts in 1986 by a friend at the time who asked me if I wanted to try the new Karate school in our area. I had never even thought about training in martial arts before but was keen to join and try something new. It turned out that most of my friends in the area did the same thing. It was a great old time and a good introduction to something that was going to interest me up until this present day.

I trained in several different dojos over the next ten years and tried several different styles. I also like to throw in gym work and cardio into the mix, something I continue to do.

In 1996 I decided to do some research into what other styles of martial arts there were in Brisbane. After a pretty decent search I decided and settled with a Kempo school about 40 minutes from where I lived.

I received my 1st degree black belt in Kempo in 2001 and my 2nd degree in 2004. I developed a real passion for the style of Kempo and averaged training 6 days of the week. I was hooked!

In 2000 I received the title of assistant instructor and qualified instructor in 2002. I have had many years experience working with, teaching, and assisting the grading of other students.

I also discovered internal training through the practice of Tai Chi and this too was something that I found most intriguing and rewarding. I obtained the level of grey sash in 2002 and 1st blck tab grey sash in 2003.

Martial arts has had an enormous effect on most parts of my life, from giving me direction, coordination, fitness, confidence, the ability to learn many different moves and techniques, to having discipline and grit to endure hard times in life.

I would say that skill with Kempo weaponry piqued my interest the most for a lot of those years but I made sure it wasn’t at the expense of empty hand self defence.

I have returned to the practice of Kempo this year (2023) after some time off, where I kept myself fit and active. Kempo fits in very nicely with other training and sports I do and am loving the fact that I’m doing way more these days than when I was younger.

Old guys rul lol…

I am focused on many goals within my overall training and am looking forward to learning new techniques and having the opportunity to work with others.

Congratulations guys,

Challenge yourselves to take the next step, you have an instructor who still learns everyday to make sure you guys keep progressing in the fight to save your lives, be grateful for the knowledge he has and the time he puts into you all, he will always be there for you and so will the school, have a merry kempo xmas, theres always more to learn, what ever the attitude, so the response!!!

Thanks Daniel D

My 3 children have attended Kempo classes for the past 3 years and in that time the difference in their attitudes towards other people has changed immensely for the better. Shaolin Kempo has excellent instructors who keeps the attention of all in the class. All the instructors are always willing to help wherever possible in all aspects of the children’s training. Thank you John and the other instructors for your help throughout the year with the children’s training.

Thanks Tammy

Lara started at Shaolin Kempo in 2^nd term 2012 at the age of 5. Our busy life style with both Brendan and I working full time we currently can only accommodate training once a week, although she ‘plays’ self defense on the weekend with daddy. Lara has excelled in self confidence and looks forward to her class every week. We were very proud of her and Lara’s cousin when they both graded and obtained their Orange Belts at the Christmas 2012 break up. Lara has already started to ask when classes start again for next year.

Thanks Mel

My 7 year old daughter Katarina has attended Kempo for one and a half years and just graded to orange belt. we are very proud of how much she enjoys Kempo and has grown respectfully as a young girl, Katarina enjoys the classes and goes twice a week. thank you to the instructors and school for your efforts and my 4 year old son cannot wait to start soon.

Thanks Stephen