HANSHI KEN HERFURTH

Hanshi Ken Herfurth is a dedicated martial artist, instructor, competitor, and 9th Degree Black Belt (Kudan) who holds the prestigious title of Hanshi.

Born in Merced, California, and raised in Spokane, Washington, he now resides in Gassville, Arkansas. From a modest background, Herfurth was a skinny and often sickly child, hospitalized four times for pneumonia by the age of 13. His life changed dramatically after watching Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon (Return of the Dragon) at age 9. Inspired by Lee’s speed, power, and real-world prowess—unlike fictional heroes like Batman—young Ken found a tangible role model he could aspire to become.

Unable to afford formal lessons initially, he began training at 13 in free Tang Soo Do classes at his junior high school. He soon commuted by bus to train at a traditional dojo and dedicated himself fully to the martial arts, also exploring Okinawan Goju-ryu, Isshinryu, and Kempo Karate. Martial arts came naturally to him, fueled by relentless practice, reading, and watching every martial arts film available.

After joining the United States Air Force, Herfurth was stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, where he met the pivotal figure in his development: Soke Bobby Briggs. Training intensely under Briggs in 1990 marked what he considers his greatest year in the martial arts. Briggs’ deep commitment and teaching profoundly shaped him, leading Herfurth into full-contact kickboxing competition and a lifelong path of training, teaching, and competition.

Over his career, Hanshi Herfurth has competed, taught, and trained across Asia, North America, and Europe. He has had the honor of meeting and learning from many of his childhood heroes, including Chuck Norris, Benny Urquidez, Bill Wallace, Don Wilson, Gene LeBell, Joko Ninomiya, Cynthia Rothrock, and Andy Hug.

Today, Hanshi Ken Herfurth continues to teach, promote the art, and co-host martial arts discussions (such as the East Meets West Martial Arts podcast with Soke Briggs). He is also the author of Kidokime-Ryu: American Karate-Do. His journey from a frail child inspired by Bruce Lee to a respected Grandmaster embodies perseverance, lifelong learning, and the transformative power of the martial arts.  

Hanshi Ken Herfurth, currently a 9th Degree Black Belt in Kidokime-ryu Karate-do, has earned many other belts in various styles:  

• 9th Degree Black Belt, Kidokime-ryu Karate-do
• 6th Degree Black Belt, Shudokan-Ryu and Taiho Jutsu
• 2nd Degree Black Belt, Goju Ryu Karate
• 1st Degree Black Belt, Okinawan-te Karate
• 1st Degree Black Belt, Isshin-ryu (Honorary)
• 2nd Kup, Tang Soo Do
• 4th Kyu, Kyokushin Karate

Other Degrees, Awards and Recognitions Include:

• MA in Religion
• BA in Theology, Magna Cum Laude and Departmental Honors
• Retired MSgt, United States Air Force
• SNCO of Quarter, 2004, Dyess AFB, TX
• NCO of the Year, 1998, Bellows AFS, HI
• Distinguished Grad of NCO Leadership (1991), NCO Prep (1990), Student Leadership (1987)

Authored and Published Multiple Books:

• Kidokime-Ryu:  American Karate-Do with Soke Bobby Briggs
• The Urquidez Legacy:  Kenpo-Shotokan and Thoughts on Fighting, Family, and Faith
• American Combat Goju Ryu Karate
• Mary:  The Theotokos
• Sacramentalism During the New Testament through the Ante-Nicene Period

Hanshi Ken Herfurth continues to teach and devote himself wholeheartedly to Kidokime-ryu Karate-do, serving as a respected and enduring pillar in the martial arts community.