IHKA
International Hapkido Karate Association Counsel
Supreme Grandmaster Jung Bai Lee
Founder IHKA 1972
Grandmaster Todd Sexton
President
West Coast Branch Director
Grandmaster Tony Merendino
IHKA Panelist
Grandmaster Vinnie Searles
IHKA Board Member
Grandmaster William Walker
Vice President
East Coast Branch Director
Supreme Grandmaster Jung Bai Lee
Supreme Grandmaster J.B. Lee began his martial arts career in 1953 at the age of 12.
He earned a 3rd degree Black Belt in Judo and was a highly skilled competitive boxer before finishing high school. In 1958, J.B. Lee began training with Grandmaster Lee Dong Gu in Seoul, South Korea. He went on to found the International Hapkido Karate Association utilizing the "Hoshinsul" Hapkido taught to him exclusively by Grandmaster Lee Dong Gu. In addition, Grandmaster J.B. Lee also holds black belt ranks in Kendo and Kung Fu.
He was invited to be the exclusive instructor for hand-to-hand combat for the Los Angeles division of the FBI.
He received the first martial arts instructors visa issued by the South Korean government to come to the United States in 1970.
He operated a Hapkido studio at the FBI headquarters in Los Angeles, CA from 1970 to 1976. He has also trained both CIA and US Special Forces. Prior to 1970 he was an instructor for the body- guards for President Park during his time as President of South Korea.
In addition to training the FBI, J.B. Lee also opened several Hapkido schools in Los Angeles area beginning in 1972. Since that time he has traveled the world supervising, promoting
and teaching traditional Hapkido. Although retired, J.B. Lee's students carry on his Hapkido teaching in schools around the world.
Grandmaster William Walker
Grandmaster William Walker began his passion for Hapkido Martial Arts under the direction of Supreme Grandmaster J.B. Lee, founder of the International Hapkido Karate Association (IHKA) in 1970. Grandmaster Walker received his 1st Dan (degree) Black Belt in 1985 and has continued his training for more than four decades. Currently a 8th Dan (degree) Black Belt, Grandmaster Walker has taught countless students across the 7 cities 40 plus years.
In addition to Hapkido, Grandmaster Walker has a passion for Kick Boxing. In 2004, he was awarded a silver medal for Full Contact Kick Boxing at the U.S. Nationals in Hampton, VA. He was also ranked 6th in the United Sates World Kick Boxing Karate Organization.
Over 40 plus years he has taught Hapkido and Full Contact Kickboxing, he provided community service to schools and charity groups teaching self-defense Hapkido throughout the Hampton Roads area. He assisted and mentored many start up martial art schools on the peninsula.
He served as Consular to the Peninsula Response Women’s Rape Prevention group, as well as training local law enforcement, and military officers. In 2008, Grandmaster Walker was appointed Vice President and United States East Coast Branch Director for the International Hapkido-Karate Association and continues to serve to this day.