Master Harvey L. Kennedy, 8th Dan began studying Isshinryu karate under Sensei L. William Pogue in October 1967, while a student at Louisiana Tech University. He was an instructor for the Louisiana Tech Isshinryu Karate Club from 1969-1971. Upon graduation from Louisiana Tech University in 1971, Master Kennedy moved back to the Shreveport/Bossier City area and opened a professional karate studio, "Dixie National Karate Studio", in Bossier City, LA. In the mid-80's, he opened "Holistic Fitness", which was a traditional karate studio and also offered massage therapy, on Texas Avenue in Shreveport. In January of 1992, the dojo was moved to its current location on Youree Drive, and is now called "Kennedy's Karate USA". During the 1970's, Master Kennedy won numerous trophies in tournament competitions all over the USA with national champions such as Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis, and Demetrius "The Greek" Havanas. In the 80's and 90's, emphasis shifted to seminars with world-known martial artists such as Robert Trias, Jeff Smith and the Gracie Brothers. In 1991, as a member of a 3-man Louisiana team, Master Kennedy and his teammates won first place in the USKA World Championship Tournament in New Orleans, LA, competing in the Senior (over 30) division, beating the team from Argentina in the final round. Master Kennedy has served on the Board of Directors for the Isshinryu Karate-Do Association for the past 20 years. He also has been inducted into the Museum of Champions in Shreveport, along with Terry Bradshaw and other outstanding athletes from the Shreveport / Bossier City area. In August 2008 Master Harvey Kennedy was inducted into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame.
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