Joe Talbot, Rokudan 6th Degree Black Belt

Joe Talbot took his first lesson in 1971.  His first instructor was Noel Fernandez.  Noel came from the Philippines and Joe was one of his first American students. Pictured below is a vintage photo of Noel during a breaking demonstration in Phoenix AR.

Joe started his teaching career in 1974 during his senior year at Christian Brothers College High School.  After graduating from CBC Joe taught for Noel until the fall of 1975 when he left to attend University of Missouri in Springfield.  Today Noel lives and teaches in Phoenix Arizona.

In 1977 Joe transferred to Webster College and started training under Tim Golby and Sid Gee.   Joe instructed part time at the Kirkwood Studio while he attended Webster.  After finishing college Joe stayed on as a full time instructor.  Tim and Sid promoted Joe to Shodan (1st degree black) on March 15th 1980.

From 1982 through 1986 Joe ran the St. Peters Tracy's.  Joe was instrumental in the opening of the Chesterfield Studio in 1990.  He managed the Chesterfield Studio until 1997 when he returned to the Kirkwood Studio.

On June 23, 2007 Joe Talbot was inducted as a Charter Member of the Kenpo International Hall of Fame.
Pictured below is Joe receiving his Hall of Fame award from Grandmaster Al Tracy.