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Vintage Photos 1976-1983
From 1976-1983, Maria Warwick went from being a Martial Arts instructor to something of a local legend. An outlier not only because women just didn't own businesses in those days, but because what she shared is considered an art of war. Many of her former students continue to practice their craft even today. Each of these photos has been watermarked to prevent the unethical from theft of the images. If you would like to obtain a non-watermarked version of the image, please ask and we will most likely accommodate your request. The photos change randomly.
Mike Skinner Sr. and Barry Alexander take a break from building the school Maria Warwick would teach from until 1983 to get in a little sparring practice.
Photo courtesy Mike Skinner Sr.
Maria Warwick, Ray warwick, Mike Skinner Sr., Barry Alexander and Guy Deskines pose for a photo. Timeline on this photo would be after 1977 as both Mike and Barry are wearing Black Belts.
Photo courtesy Mike Skinner Sr.
Current or future Black Belts in this class photo from 1978 include-in order of seniority:
Maria Warwick, Ray Warwick, Wayne Toy, Mike Skinner Sr., Barry Alexander, Rich Beeman, Adam Lin, Guy Deskines, Joan Lin, Nanette Underwood, John Shiflett, Gaylon Boley, Sue Messenger, Clay Micheau, Mark Maupin, Fred Baer, Frank Gordon, and Brian Johnson.
Photo courtesy Mike Skinner Sr.
Mike Skinner Sr. was Maria Warwick's first Black Belt promoted at the school that was built for her. He earned the rank on May 6, 1977.
Photo courtesy Rich Beeman
Watermarked copy of the first Black Belt certificate awarded by Maria Warwick.
Photo courtesy Mike Skinner Sr.
In 1979, Ralph Castro visited Aberdeen Kenpo Karate. Several of Maria Warwick's upper-level students at the time posed for this photo.
Photo courtesy Sue Messenger.
Barry Alexander was a formidable fighter. Here he is in 1975 at a tournament in Seattle toward the beginning of his Martial Arts journey.
Photo courtesy Mike Skinner Sr.
Adam Lin was a fixture at Aberdeen Kenpo Karate from the mid-70s to the early 80s. Here we see him tying on his Black Belt for the first time while Maria Warwick and Mike Skinner Sr. look on.
Photo courtesy Pat Smith.
Richard Beeman had the distinction of having Ralph Castro sign his original Black Belt certificate in 1979.
Photo courtesy Richard Beeman.
Richard Beeman always enjoyed hanging out at Aberdeen Kenpo Karate
Photo courtesy Pat Smith.
Adam Lin, Joan Lin, Mike Skinner Sr., Nanette (Hagara) Underwood, Guy Deskines, and Sue (Jacobus) Messenger all trained at Aberdeen Kenpo Karate under the watchful eye of Maria Warwick.
Photo courtesy Richard Beeman.
Mike Skinner Jr. began his training in the mid-1970s.
Photo courtesy Mike Skinner Sr.
Joan and Adam Lin were the first siblings outside the Warwick family to both earn their Black Belts.
Photo courtesy Sue Messenger.
Aberdeen Kenpo Karate was quite active and very respected on the tournament circuit in the 70s and early 80s.
Photo courtesy Sue Messenger.
Clay Micheau excelled in both kata and kumite. He continues to teach and train to this day, nearly 50 years later.
Photo courtesy Clay Micheau.
All of us who continue training are exceptionally thankful for what the Warwick family provided. May the memory of the family legacy continue in perpetuity.
Photo courtesy Mike Skinner Sr.
More Vintage Photos
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