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Tracy's Kenpo Karate Shreveport, LA
Over 1,000
schools and clubs teach the Tracy System of Kenpo
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On September 16th, 1991, after earning his purple belt, Mr. Hopper became a certified instructor of Tracy's Kenpo Karate and began teaching kenpo at the National Headquarters and at Bill Lowry's studio in Georgetown, KY. In 1992, Mr. Hopper became the manager of Tracy's International Studios of Self Defense World and National Headquarters in Lexington, KY. In December of 1992, Mr. Hopper completed studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from the University of Kentucky. On October 8th, 1993, nine years after beginning in the martial arts, and two years after taking up the study of kenpo, he earned his Shodan from Steve Finn. Registration #B-1198-146. In August of 1994, Mr. Hopper married Kathryn Mercer. In August of 1994, Mr. Hopper and his family moved to Shreveport, LA. Tracy's Kenpo Karate of Shreveport was opened October 3, 1994. On December 30th, 1994, Mr. Hopper received his Nidan from Steve Finn. Registration #B-2168-75.
In June of 1997, Mr. Hopper and Jeff McMahen worked as actors and stuntmen in the Andy Sidaris movie, "Return to Savage Beach." Andy Sidaris also produced and directed "Seven," with Ed Parker. On August 4, 1997, Mr. Hopper earned his Sandan from Steve Finn. Registration #B-3135-65. In June of 1998, Mr. Hopper and Mr. Hughes attended a knife and stick fighting seminar hosted by Guro Hock Hockheim of the World Congress of Knife Fighting.
In 2000, Mr. Hopper added the concept of short courses to his curriculum to allow students to take a separate, customized training program to supplement their kenpo training. He also attended an advanced training camp taught by Grandmaster Al Tracy, focusing on advanced applications of the kenpo self defense techniques. During the year 2001, Mr. Hopper trained in the Tao T'an Pai system of qi gong learning various qi gong forms to supplement his kenpo training and to aid in his knowledge of internal martial arts. He also completed a 100 day training in the Tao T'an Pai Short Power Set. Mr. Hopper continues to study the internal martial arts daily and considers them to be a valuable part of his life, both on and off the mat. Also in 2001, Mr. Hopper, working with members of the Louisiana State Office of Probation and Parole, developed a kenpo course designed to supplement PPCT Training. In August of 2002, Mr. Hopper attended another of Al Tracy's advanced training camps. The camps main focus was the form Tam Tui (Springing Thigh Kata), jujitsu applications of the kenpo techniques, and photograph sequences for some of the advanced training manuals.
In June of 2003, Mr. Hopper attended Roger Greene's 2nd Annual Warrior's Weekend at his ranch in Oklahoma. It was a privilege training with three gentlemen who live the title of Kyoshi/Master not just on the mat, but in their personal lives as well. Dr. Greene's Dynamic Punching seminars gave Mr. Hopper a theoretical base and some great new application drills that have been implemented into the training at Tracy's in Shreveport. The seminars also focused on jujitsu applications of kenpo techniques, some integration of animal and element theory using Terry Bryan's 18 Postures form, (9 animals and 9 elements) and a workout class taught by Dave Simmons using kenpo techniques, partner work, and an enormous "Bull in the Ring."
In September of 2003, Mr. Hopper attended a seminar taught by Grandmaster Al Tracy in Dallas, TX at the dojo of Dr. Nick Chamberlain. The event turned into an impromptu "Meeting of the Masters" due to the fact that several of Mr. Tracy's senior masters were present at the event. Kyoshi Roger Greene, 9th dan, Shihan Nick Chamberlain, 8th dan, Guy Crump, 7th dan, Jim Stewart, 5th dan, Gilbert Villereal, 5th dan, instructors Dave Hopper, 4th dan, Ricardo Castillo, 4th dan, Michael Megahan, 2nd dan, and Brandon Daniels, 1st dan were among the Tracy's Kenpo senior masters, masters, and black belts that were present at the event to support Al Tracy and to welcome Dr. Chamberlain and his studio into our brotherhood. In March of 2004, Tracy's Kenpo Karate of Shreveport hosted Kyoshi Roger Greene for a Dynamic Punching Seminar. Click here for photos of that event. In June of 2004, Mr. Hopper attended the Warrior's Weekend III, hosted by Kyoshi Roger Greene. During the weekend, Kyoshi Greene introduced and advanced his theories of dynamic punching, Master Dave Simmons led students thru an excellent kenpo workout, and several other masters taught seminars ranging from hand speed combinations, 2 man weapon sets, and arnis drills. Mr. Hopper was very excited to reunite with Mr. Brandon Tipton, who was a student of his back in KY 11 years ago. Mr. Tipton is now a 2nd dan, and one of the head instructors at Tracy's National Headquarters in Lexington, KY.
On October 3rd, 2004, Tracy's Kenpo
Karate of Shreveport, LA celebrated it's 10th Anniversary.
In March of 2005, Mr. Hopper traveled to Roseville, CA to attend the 2nd Annual Iron Dragon/Kosho Shorei seminar hosted by Ray Arquilla, Master #3 of Kosho Shorei Kenpo under James Mitose, Grandmaster of Iron Dragon Kosho Shorei Kenpo, and a 10th degree in Tracy's Kenpo. Master Arquilla presented the first 6 lessons of Kosho Shorei and Mitose's 4-Phase Principle as a guide to integrating the War Arts, Joint Striking and Locking Arts, Push/Pull Arts, and Total Evasion Arts within the Tracy System. Mr. Hopper was also able to hook up with Rick and Kathy Nelson, two of his first students back in Georgetown, KY, who are now 5th degree black belts.
In April of 2005, Mr. Hopper attended a seminar in Atlanta, GA, hosted by Master Pat Munk and Mr. Tony Niebank of Octagon Self Defenses Studios. The seminar was given by Masters Ted Sumner and Dave Simmons. Master Simmons focused on technique application and warrior spirit, and Master Sumner taught seminars on Application of Force, Nerve Striking, and the first 7 parts of the kenpo healing art, Chotaifukusi. On August 27th, 2005, Tracy's of Shreveport was honored to host Kyoshi Roger Greene for a 2nd seminar expanding on his principles of Dynamic Punching, breakdown of some forms, and some great sparring techniques. Assisting Kyoshi Greene were his wife, Shihan Karen Greene, and Mr. Jeremy Grisel, Sandan. In June of 2006, Mr. Hopper was able to attend Warrior Weekend V at Kyoshi Roger Greene's ranch. As usual, it was a great time with several seminars held by some true martial arts masters. In July of 2006, Mr. Hopper attended the 1st Tracy's Kenpo Super Camp in Lexington, KY. The seminars, hosted by Grandmaster Al Tracy and Master Steve Finn, were taught by such notable masters as Al Tracy, Joe Simonet and Addy Hernandez, Bart Vale (Black Belt Magazine's 2006 Full Contact Fighter of the Year), Steve Finn, Greg Mattson and Becky Mornar, and John DeLuca. As good as the seminar instruction was, what was perhaps most impressive was the participation of everyone attending the seminars. It was also a great time to reconnect with instructors, friends, and students from the past! In June of 2007, Mr. Hopper attended the 3rd Gathering of Eagles in Chicago, IL. At that event, Mr. Hopper was honored to be inducted as a Charter Member of the International Kenpo Hall of Fame. Walking to the stage to receive the honor from Grandmaster Al Tracy was indeed an honor, but to do so in the company of men that he has always admired and considered to be role models, mentors, and legends, was a humbling and unforgettable experience. Mr. Hopper is an avid kenpo and martial arts historian and physical fitness enthusiast, blending a grounded, traditional kenpo program with innovative, modern training. He stays active in the kenpo community by traveling to and hosting seminars, as well as participation in a growing internet martial arts community. He currently manages the Industrial Hygiene department for ALTEC Environmental Consultants, Inc. in Shreveport. He and his wife Kathy have 3 children; Chris, Josh, and Davis.
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The Ultimate in Self Defense Training (318)865-7390 Tracy's Kenpo Karate 3100 Knight Street, Suite 14 Shreveport, LA 71105
©2000-2008 David Hopper, Tracy's Kenpo Karate of Shreveport, LA - all rights reserved
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On November
3, 2002, he attended his 4th Aikido workshop, hosted by Bill Ross of the
Golden Light Aikido Center of Shreveport. The seminar
was instructed by Lynn Fabia Sensei, and her son David. Ms. Fabia is the
founder of the Society of
Aikido Centers, based in Dallas, TX. She is the first and only
female chief instructor of an international Aikido organization.
