MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
KYOSHI CLIFF KINCHEN
KYOSHI CLIFF KINCHEN

A Legacy of Leadership & Martial Arts Excellence
Kyoshi Kinchen is an 8th-Degree Black Belt with over 30 years of martial arts instruction, serving as the Chief Instructor and Curriculum Director at Kinchen Martial Arts Academy. His expertise extends beyond the dojo—he is a seasoned leadership trainer, shaping individuals and organizations through strategic leadership principles.
Military & Leadership Expertise
After high school, Kyoshi Kinchen enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a Security Forces Apprentice, quickly distinguishing himself among 900+ Security Forces members when selected for the elite Emergency Services Team (S.W.A.T.) at just 19—the youngest ever. His career saw him chosen for three special assignments:
- Security Forces Instructor at the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Academy
- Enlisted Accessions Recruiter in Richmond, Virginia
- Leadership & Management Instructor and Superintendent at Tyndall AFB, Florida
Martial Arts & Self-Defense Training Expertise
With decades of experience across multiple disciplines, Kyoshi Kinchen is a highly skilled martial artist and self-defense instructor. His expertise spans martial arts, competitive fighting, and real-world defensive tactics. He has trained military personnel, law enforcement, and civilians in effective self-protection strategies, ensuring they develop the skills, mindset, and awareness needed for personal safety. Kyoshi’s approach combines combat-tested techniques with practical application, empowering students of all ages to build confidence and readiness—whether for competition, personal development, or self-defense in real-world situations.
Corporate & Youth Leadership Training Expertise
Beyond martial arts, Kyoshi has a deep passion for leadership development. Holding Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Leadership, he has trained corporate teams on effective leadership strategies, crisis management, and resilience-building. His expertise in mentorship and youth training also plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds, helping teens develop confidence, discipline, and leadership skills to succeed in life. His real-world leadership experience ensures his students learn practical, strategic decision-making--whether in the dojo, workplace, or life’s biggest moments.
Recognitions & Achievements
Kyoshi Kinchen’s dedication to martial arts and leadership excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the Air Force’s Air Education and Training Command (AETC), chosen from thousands across the command
- AETC’s nominee for the prestigious Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award
- Induction into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame (1998), Worldwide Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2000), Who’s Who in the Martial Arts (2020), and the American Karate Academies National Association Hall of Fame (2023)
- Multi-time champion in Taekwondo, Judo, Kickboxing, and Open Martial Arts competitions
In 2022, Kyoshi and Kinchen Martial Arts Academy were featured in the Discovery Plus/HBO Max docuseries, "Kiddie Kai", showcasing his dedication to training and mentoring the next generation of martial artists.
The Warrior’s Mindset
Whether guiding students toward earning black belts, coaching corporate leaders, or training youth to be resilient, Kyoshi’s philosophy remains the same: build a warrior’s heart, break self-imposed limitations, and develop confidence to face life’s challenges—be it a pop quiz, personal growth journey, or a real-world threat. His commitment to excellence ensures his students rise to their physical, mental, and spiritual best—learning to be leaders both in martial arts and in life.
Kyoshi Kinchen is an 8th-Degree Black Belt with over 30 years of martial arts instruction, serving as the Chief Instructor and Curriculum Director at Kinchen Martial Arts Academy. His expertise extends beyond the dojo—he is a seasoned leadership trainer, shaping individuals and organizations through strategic leadership principles.
Military & Leadership Expertise
After high school, Kyoshi Kinchen enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a Security Forces Apprentice, quickly distinguishing himself among 900+ Security Forces members when selected for the elite Emergency Services Team (S.W.A.T.) at just 19—the youngest ever. His career saw him chosen for three special assignments:
- Security Forces Instructor at the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Academy
- Enlisted Accessions Recruiter in Richmond, Virginia
- Leadership & Management Instructor and Superintendent at Tyndall AFB, Florida
Martial Arts & Self-Defense Training Expertise
With decades of experience across multiple disciplines, Kyoshi Kinchen is a highly skilled martial artist and self-defense instructor. His expertise spans martial arts, competitive fighting, and real-world defensive tactics. He has trained military personnel, law enforcement, and civilians in effective self-protection strategies, ensuring they develop the skills, mindset, and awareness needed for personal safety. Kyoshi’s approach combines combat-tested techniques with practical application, empowering students of all ages to build confidence and readiness—whether for competition, personal development, or self-defense in real-world situations.
Corporate & Youth Leadership Training Expertise
Beyond martial arts, Kyoshi has a deep passion for leadership development. Holding Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Leadership, he has trained corporate teams on effective leadership strategies, crisis management, and resilience-building. His expertise in mentorship and youth training also plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds, helping teens develop confidence, discipline, and leadership skills to succeed in life. His real-world leadership experience ensures his students learn practical, strategic decision-making--whether in the dojo, workplace, or life’s biggest moments.
Recognitions & Achievements
Kyoshi Kinchen’s dedication to martial arts and leadership excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the Air Force’s Air Education and Training Command (AETC), chosen from thousands across the command
- AETC’s nominee for the prestigious Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award
- Induction into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame (1998), Worldwide Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2000), Who’s Who in the Martial Arts (2020), and the American Karate Academies National Association Hall of Fame (2023)
- Multi-time champion in Taekwondo, Judo, Kickboxing, and Open Martial Arts competitions
In 2022, Kyoshi and Kinchen Martial Arts Academy were featured in the Discovery Plus/HBO Max docuseries, "Kiddie Kai", showcasing his dedication to training and mentoring the next generation of martial artists.
The Warrior’s Mindset
Whether guiding students toward earning black belts, coaching corporate leaders, or training youth to be resilient, Kyoshi’s philosophy remains the same: build a warrior’s heart, break self-imposed limitations, and develop confidence to face life’s challenges—be it a pop quiz, personal growth journey, or a real-world threat. His commitment to excellence ensures his students rise to their physical, mental, and spiritual best—learning to be leaders both in martial arts and in life.
KYOSHI KINCHEN HAS been TRAINED & INSPIRED through
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES
TAEKOWNDO
KAJUKENBO
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JUDO
KALI
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JUJITSU
KICKBOXING
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AIKIDO
FREE SPARRING
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