Founder of Ken Bu Kai

Kyoshi ROCKY LEAVITT

Kyoshi Rocky Leavitt has dedicated over 30 years to the study and practice of all common Okinawan Weapons, Kata and Technique. He has an advanced understanding of each weapon and their Kata.

Kyoshi Leavitt is the Founder of Ken Bu Kai - an association dedicated to the study, practice and continuation of Okinawan Ryukyu Kempo Karate.

Kyoshi Leavitt founded his own school, Ken Bu Kan, in Lee's Summit, Mo in the early 1980's which he ran until his retirement in 1998. Following his retirement, Kyoshi Leavitt focused on personal study, development and  enhancement. In March 2005 Kyoshi Leavitt chose to return to a Dojo and opened Ken Bu Kan in Greenwood Missouri on March 1, 2005. His focus is on Traditional Martial Arts Training, as well as specialty programs designed for Self Defense for Women, High School Seniors preparing for College, as well as the continuation of Workplace Violence Prevention Training.

Kyoshi Leavitt began his Martial Arts training in 1974 while serving in the United States Army. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he continued his study at The Academy of Ryukyu Kempo in Independence, MO. He spent many years with John Newton. As well, Kyoshi Leavitt dedicated many years and attention to advanced study under Master Seiyu Oyata, International Ryukyu Kempo and Kobudo Association. 

Kyoshi Leavitt is a National Director, Registered Member Dojo Owner and Member of the Zenkoku Ryukyu Kempo Karate-Do Renmei, founded by Kyoshi Albert Geraldi.

For the last several years, Kyoshi Leavitt, having an unfailing love and loyalty for the Art of Ryukyu Kempo, resumed teaching, focusing on Weapons Instruction and Tuite, in the form of seminars for established Martial Artists, dedicated private students and stand alone self defense seminars for non-martial artists'.

Kyoshi Leavitt spent several years employed full time as a Platoon Sergeant at the Show Me ChalleNGe Program in Nevada, Missouri, and the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy located in Fort Knox Kentucky. The ChalleNGe Programs are residential programs for 16-18 year old men and women designed to teach self-discipline, leadership, and responsibility in a controlled, military environment that encourages teamwork and personal growth. The youth he worked with benefited from the same personal dedication to excellence he has always shown to those he works with. Due to Missouri state Budget Cuts the Show Me Challenge Program was closed in December of 2002. 

Kyoshi Leavitt excels at all aspects of the Martial Arts, such as: Tuite (kyusho) jutsu, kata, bogu kumite, kobujutsu and Bunkai. He is well recognized for not only his advanced knowledge, but also his caring, personal teaching style, his general desire to see all his students well rounded, and growing in this art.

Kyoshi Leavitt is married to Theresa, they have 6 children and 2 grandsons, in addition to their extended Karate Family that they so love and enjoy!