Master Ken Melbourne
Ken Melbourne was born in January 21st. 1950 and grew up on a farm in Hope Valley RI. He started his combat training with the USMC in 1967 seeing duty in Viet Nam.
Started, Shorin-Ryu training 1972 in New London CT. then with world champion Mario Yambao in 1975. Studied for 15 years earning 4 Dan.
He studied Shaolin Chin-Na 1978 until present earning Master Instructor certificate from GM Woo Ping Chui of Hung Gar. During this time Ken was practicing Tai Ho Jitsu and teaching police and prison guards. His teachers in this study are GM Ken Miarecki of Springfield MA, Bernard "Gil" Gilbert, and currently President of the ATJA Al Cunningham of East Bridge water MA. Ken holds 9TH dan in American Tai Ho Jitsu under the ATJA.
Judo and Ju-Jitsu 1982 under Master James Byersdorf GM Phil Porter and later GM Ken Miarecki earning 5Th dan in Judo and 6Th dan in Ju-Jitsu.
In 1997 at GM Ed Brown's Grand Master's meeting Ken was promoted to 9Th. dan in his art of Kempo-Jitsu Pre 1900 Martial Art. Seven 10Th. dans signed his certificate. He also hold co-Vice President of the North American Grand Masters Council. He has written two books on Kempo-Jitsu Pre 1900 MA as well as authoring articles in magazines and produced seven videos on K-J.
Ken teaches private and small classes 7 days a week at his small Ashaway school he built behind his home. Ken is married to wife Judy and is father to 4 grown children and 6 grand children.
