Kenyon’s Soo Bahk Do, at 1551 Grand Ave., is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the martial arts business on Saturday, Dec. 2 with a martial arts training class starting at 9:30 a.m. It is open to all current, and former, Kenyon’s students, as well as any visitors interested in experiencing the traditional Korean martial art of Soo Bahk Do. The class will run from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at their studio in Pacific Beach where their school has been located for the past 40 of the 50 years. This will be followed by an open house until noon for sharing of photos and memories from the past. Later in the evening, there will be a dinner reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. with some afterhours fun at Society in PB.
The current Master Instructor, Daymon Kenyon, is an 8th Dan (equal to 8th degree black belt). The studio’s founder, Master Fred Kenyon, has promoted more than 500 students to the rank of 1st degree black belt or higher. There have been 20,000 students during the past 50 years who have trained, for at least some period of time, with the Kenyons. Kenyon’s Soo Bahk Do was founded in 1967 by Fred Kenyon on La Jolla Boulevard; who, in 1976, was one of 15 founding, charter members of the United States Soo Bahk Do Federation. Daymon Kenyon took over control of the schools after his father died in 1988. During the 50-year span, there have been Kenyon Karate locations in Kearny Mesa, Carmel Mountain, La Costa, South Bay and Rancho San Diego in addition to two Kenyon’s martial arts clubs in La Jolla and at Mission Bay High. Currently, they maintain the long-standing studio in Pacific Beach and another in Solana Beach. The lineage of martial artists continues in the Kenyon family with Daymon’s wife, Vicki, and his two daughters, Carli and Laural, who are both 3rd Dans.
Soo Bahk Do is a traditional martial art with roots in Korean martial arts history dating back more than 2,600 years, and is the oldest, known, named and documented martial art. This art is a striking art (as opposed to a grappling style such as Jiu Jitsu), and is characterized by its dynamic and focused punching and kicking style. Training in our martial art develops concentration, self-confidence, balance and fitness while promoting mental, as well as physical, well-being. Anyone of all ages can benefit from training in this martial art and everyone is welcome to come and visit the studio on Dec. 2 during the open house from 11 a.m. to noon. If you would like to attend any of the events, feel free to stop by at the Pacific Beach studio to meet with Master Kenyon, or call 858-483-3330.