Tim Golby
Kudan 9th Degree Black Belt

Tim Golby started his Martial Art training in 1969 while attending Kenrick Seminary.

He was one of the original students at the Kirkwood Studio. During this period Tim left the seminary and later became an instructor. The list of instructors whom Tim trained under reads like a list of who’s who in the Martial Arts. The major influences on Tim’s Martial Arts are Al Tracy, Joe Lewis, Rodney Hard and Tim McGuire (his original teacher).

Tim’s Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) was awarded to him by Joe Lewis. Joe Lewis developed a fighting system based on his training with Bruce Lee. Joe Lewis personally trained Tim teaching him the fighting principles that would later produce nationally ranked fighters under Mr. Golby. Mr. Lewis also awarded Tim the checkered gi. (The checkered gi was made famous by Joe Lewis is the highest honor a fighter can receive in the Tracy System.)

In 1972 Tim took over the Kirkwood Studio. One of Tim’s top students, Dave Hofer, was winning every tournament in the Mid West. In a special banquet attended by Al Tracy and Joe Lewis, Dave Hofer was awarded the checkered gi. Back in those days Karate Tournaments were bare knuckle. The foam sparring gear was still a few years away.

Tim’s next great fighter was Sid Gee. Sid started his tournament career in the mid 1970’s and later in the 1980’s became a nationally ranked fighter.

In 1976 Tim started training a visiting European full contact fighter from the Netherlands Joop Musterd. Over the next several years Tim made several trips to the Netherlands giving seminars. Tim introduced kick boxing to Europe.

Over the years Tim has promoted hundreds of black belts and still continues to produce top fighters.