About Us

Ken Piper is owner and operator of the Family Karate Academy USA.  He began his martial arts and leadership training under Hanshi Herb Johnson in 1987 at the age of 14.  With 35 years in the martial arts and over 30 years as a full time karate instructor, Ken Piper has the experience necessary to ensure the success of his students. With his dynamic and exciting teaching style, Hanshi Johnson many times referred to Ken Piper’s location as the “model school.” After working for Hanshi Johnson for over 12 years, he opened up the Family Karate Academy USA in January 2006.

        Kyoshi Piper’s real love is serving his students aging from 3 to 83 and from White Belt Beginner to Seventh Degree Black Belt Kyoshi-Sensei.  He has personally trained over 270 students to Black Belt Level.  He has trained 28 PKC State Champions, 12 PKC National Champions and 1 USKA World Champion.

           Ken Piper has been married for over 22 years and has four children ages twenty, nineteen, fourteen and seven years of age. His wife and three oldest children are all black belts.  His youngest child is currently in the Masters Club Program.

Career Highlights:

• Began Karate in 1987 at age 14 / Currently a Seventh Degree Black Belt
• United States Army Reserves 1990 to 1996
• Graduated in 1993 with a Degree in Criminal Justice
• Over 25 years of experience as a full time instructor
• Personally has trained over 270 students to the Black Belt Level
• 2001 PKC Best Center Referee Nomination
• 2000 & 2001 PKC State Champion in Self Defense & Weapons
• 2000 PKC International Black Belt Self Defense Champion
• 2001 PKC International Black Belt Weapons Champion
• 2002 PKC State Champion in Fighting
• 2005 PKC State Champion Chanbara/Sword Fighting, Weapons, & Fighting

As a young person, Israel Galan spent seven years in Shoto kan karate in Mexico. After moving to the United States, he got married and had two children, Kayne and Lilly. Remembering the lessons he learned from the martial arts, he decided to enroll his children in karate. After finding the Family Karate Academy USA in 2010, he decided to enroll himself with his children. He joined the Leadership Program and began to help in classes and used his bilingual skills to help reach out to more students in the community. In 2012, He began to work part-time at the karate school while still working his full time job at Panera Bread as a training and assistant manager. In May 2013, he began to work at the Family Karate Academy as a full-time instructor. He continues to teach in the dojo and advance his martial arts training. Students love his positive “can-do” attitude. They also appreciate his personal concern for their success in their martial arts training and in life. He now has four children with his two oldest having earned their Black Belts. Sensei Galan is living his life dream of being a karate instructor.