On the left: Barry H. Bernsten Jr. Sandan - 5th Degree Black Belt "Mr. Murder" On the right: James Weldon Sandan - 3rd Degree Black Belt "The Shike"
Barry H. Bernsten, Sr., owner of the Phoenix House of Karate, has sponsored over 400 tournaments, had the lead in over 200 demonstrations, participated in the making of the "Billy Jack" movies and is a constant face on television and voice on the radio. Barry was the head of the Ju-Jitsu Black Belt Federation of America for the Western United States, a member of the Arizona Authentic Karate Martial Arts Council, and the head of the Society of Black Belts. Now Sensei Bernsten is the Chief Kickboxing Inspector for the Arizona State Boxing Commission. He is also the advisor to the Comission for Karate, Shotokan, Taekwondo, MMA, and all oreiental martial artforms, and their "American Cousins".
Barry was undefeated in the All-Black Belt, bare-knuckle Central North American Championships in 1973 and has won honors in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, Okinawa, China, and the Phillipines. I think in Arizona he is best known in demonstrations and television for his head breaking exploits, where he breaks up 30 inches of brick with his forehead, and his rape prevention seminars.

Donna R. Bernsten Sandan - 3rd Degree Black Belt	Barry H. Bernsten, Sr. Shichidan - 7th Degree Black Belt

 

Johnny Montaño: (right) Sensei Bernsten (left) Director of the boxing commission, Mr. Montano is also a great boxing coach and over their 30-year friendship he coached Barry on his boxing footwork, and to become ambidextrous with his jab.

Dan Ohton - Center Judge. Sensei Bernsten on right in background with black t-shirt. Phoenix House of Karate fighter delivering a roundhouse kick to opponent's chest, during state tournament.

Barry went to school in South Chicago, where he had to defend himself often to school and back, so he understands the fears parents have for their children's safety. Barry moved to Phoenix in 1959 and opened his first Dojo in 1966. Barry's father started Barry's training in boxing and wrestling at the age of two. Sensei Bernsten started his karate training in 1960 in Okinawa. Stateside, Barry was very fortunate to be able to work with the many of the great Boxing , Wrestling, and Judo coaches, to name a few: John Montaño, director of the boxing commission, Santiago Valdez, "West Side" Mike Avens, Rufus Colter, Sensei Bill Sanfer, The Great Paavo "Pop" Ketonen, and World Contender, who was ranked #1 under Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns, Arizona's own state champion, "School Boy" Jerry Cheatam.

Mike Reed, Senior Judge at the Phoenix House of Karate monthly dojo tournament.
(picture: 1978)

 

Sifu Lonnie Coots	Sifu Barry H. Bernsten Sr.	Sifu Howard Purcell
Friends and sparring partners from the past. (picture: 1971)

A few of Barry's sparring partners in Arizona since 1968 include: Sifu Howard Purcell, Sifu Lonnie Coots, Sifu Steve Shoop, Sifu Andy Salazar, Sifu Jerry Riley, Sifu Cliff McKinnley, Sifu Louie Acosta.

Some of Barry's wrestling friends and mentors are: Phil Melby, "Flying" Billy Anderson, Western State Heavyweight Champion, Jody Arnold, "Cowboy" Bobby Yuma, The Lumberjack Brothers, "Pedro El Grande", "Mr. Wrestling" David Rose, and Arizona's one and only Tito Montez.

William Shatner, from Star Trek, and T.J. Hooker, with Flying Billy Anderson, on T.J. Hooker set.

The Lumberjack Brothers, and their manager Marcial "Mad Dog" Bovee.

Some of Sensei's toughest karate opponents included: Ray Sua (World Heavyweight champion), "Smily" Urquidez, Henry Harvey, Jim Stabler, Rich Rogers, Mike Awad, Carlos Valencia (Tae Kwon Do, Grand Master, Mexico City), Joe Lewis (World's Heavyweight Karate champion, several times over, and P.K.A's 1st Heavyweight world champion), Pete Rabino (Pound for pound, tough as nails), all of the Arvizio brothers (Yuma, AZ), Steve Fischer, and hundreds more. Barry said "They were all tough, strong, and had lots of heart." Barry said that "It was a priviledge to have fought them whether he won or lost, the excitement, the great practice, just being with these past legends is very humbling and gratifying."

"Bad Billy Simmons" Texas Gladiator Team	Barry H. Bernsten, Sr.	Any one of dozens of opponents that Jerry has knocked out.	"School Boy" Jerry Cheatam
Two of the very first professional kickboxers in the United States, after a two hour sparring session. (picture:1974)		Jerry has been teaching at the Phoenix House of Karate off and on for over 20 years, and is like a second son to Sensei.

 

Sifu Bernsten	Ed Parker - Tenth Degree Black Belt Great Grand Master Founder of Kenpo Karate President of the International Kenpo Karate Association (I.K.K.A.) Sifu to millions and figurehead to hundreds of Kenpo Karate schools all over the world.	Sifu Coots

Paavo Ketonen "Pop taught wrestling and boxing for over 50 years. He was unanimously the most beloved martial arts instructor Arizona has ever had. "Pop" has helped train Billy Graham "Superstar", "School Boy" Jerry Cheatem, Edgar "Bad News" Wallace, "West Side" Mike Avans, Barry H. Bernsten, Sr., Barry H. Bernsten, Jr., and thousands and thousands more. "Pop" has visited the Phoenix House of Karate since 1978, to teach Wrestling, Jujitsu, and Boxing seminars, and in later years as a member of the staff.

Bong Soo Han (visiting the Phoenix House of Karate) The highest rank, and foremost authority on Hapkido in the United States. Movie star, stuntman, and Sensei's sponsor into the movie world. Sensei Bernsten has quoted many times that Bong Soo Han is the "Mr. Miyagi" (from the Karate Kid movies) of the real world. Mr. Han is softspoken, a gentleman, and a great warrior when necessary. Sensei Bernsten is eternally grateful to Master Han for his guidance, and 35-year friendship.

Grand Master Tomàs Conners Grand Master Robert A.Trias Barry H. Bernsten Sr.

Grand Master Tom Conners, Sr.: (shown far left) Sensei was a student at Tom's first dojo in Phoenix on Central Avenue. The name of Tom's schools were "Traco". Even as a white belt in Kenpo, Tom always treated Barry as an equal. Although Tom was already a master, and an entrepreneur, while Barry was a white belt and a dishwasher, in his freshman year of college. Sensei became one of Tom's first student instructors. Barry is the holder of a Traco black belt, as well as many other ranks in different Martial Arts. Sifu Conners privately owned more karate dojos from Mexico to Canada than any other person. As busy as Tom's schedule always was, Tom would take the time to train Barry, sometimes as late as midnight, until 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. in the morning, if this was the only time available. Tom continued Barry's training all through the '60's and '70's long after Barry owned his own schools and was Tom's competitor.

Grand Master Robert A. Trias: (middle) Robert A. Trias opened the first dojo to the public, in the United States, in 1945. His association, the USKA, was the largest martial art organization worldwide. The owners of some of these schools are in Who's Who, The Guiness Book of World Records, and Hall of Famers all rolled into one. Barry studied with Sensei Trias from 1963-1964, and then with Sensei Trias Black Belts to this day "2007". In the state of Arizona when you say the word "Sensei" you are saying Robert A. Trias. Frequent U.S.K.A. black belt friends, visitors, and workout partners to the Phoenix House of Karate are Charlie Contreras, Terry Dunn, Jerry Narlock, Benny Carbajal, Joe Mendoza, Dan Ohton, Stan Hillhouse, and many more. Sensei Trias and Barry in the 1970's had spent many an evening at Barry's restaurant or after-hours club discussing martial art history, tournaments, the military, etc. Barry's philosophy that he teaches to his students was heavily influenced by the early morning advice he recieved from Sensei Trias.

Mike Reed: (to the right) Mike Reed is 270-pounds, has 21-inch arms, moves like a lightweight, and has the power of a locomotive. Mike is a former policeman, military veteran, parole officer, blacksmith, silversmith, goldsmith, gemologist, and the best in music in the state of Arizona where Jazz and R & B is played. Bernsten and Reed (Both hall-of-famers), have worked out together, and b een close friends for 40 years.

Mike Reed

Charlie Contreras: (Sensei Bernsten to the right ) Grand Master, USKA. In the martial arts for 50 years, Charlie was viewed as the best children's martial art Sensei worldwide. Charlie himself won so many trophies that he had to build an extension to his house to store them all. Charlie came out of retirement when he was over 50 years old and fought many tournaments with power, speed, and technique of a person 30 years younger. Charlie was the grand champion of most tournaments he entered. Charlie and Barry have known each other for almost 40 years and each year their friendship becomes stronger.

Mike Stone: World Champion in Karate. Retired undefeated in over 60 kickboxing matches. Mike is a motivational speaker who travels the world, and has helped thousands upon thousands improve their lives. Mike is also a Hollywood stunt coordinator, and has his hooks in many other ponds as well. Mike Stone, like Rocky Marciano, of boxing, is the only other martial art heavyweight fighter to retire undefeated.
	Sensei Bernsten	Mike Stone	Pete Fields
	(picture: at Pheonix House of Karate; ca. 1990's)

Grand Master Joo Bang Lee, and Grand Master Joo Sang Lee: Sensei Bernsten has stated that he feels Grand Master Joo Bang Lee, and Grand Master Joo Sang Lee are the two best martial artists worldwide, their martial art skills, and psychic powers cannot be matched. The system taught by the Lee brothers is Hwa Rang Do. The twin brothers are both Grand Masters, and have put on the greatest of demonstrations held anywhere, worldwide. They were even brave enough to eat at Sensei Bernsten's restaurant, "Barry's Hideaway" when they were in Phoenix.
	Grand Master Joo Bang Lee	Sensei Bernsten	Grand Master Joo Sang Lee
	(picture: seminar 1974) Albuquerque, NM World Karate Taekwondo Exhibition Tour

Jerry Narlock: Sensei Narlock started with the Phoenix House of Karate in 1973, and then transferred to the USKA, and became one of the top fighters in the country. Jerry is a life-long friend to the dojo and the Barrys. Jerry has been the Sensei of his own Schools from Arizona to Ohio and had his own brand of safety equipment. Jerry is well known for his generosity. His annual Martial Arts New Year's party at Mountain Shadows was always Arizona's biggest Karate event of the year.
	Barry number three, in tiny white tuxedo	Barry number two, Sifu, in white tuxedo	Jerry Narlock, the very tall gentleman (not in a tuxedo)	Barry number one, Sensei, in the black tuxedo
	Barry number three is now 23 years old, a brown belt, was an instructor at the Phoenix House of Karate in 2003, and is now in the Air Force. (picture: 1991)

 

Sensei Bernsten	Grand Master Kim from Australia Judo, and Taekwondo Master
Standing in front of the Phoenix House of Karate (picture: 1974)

Grand Master Gary Swan: Where Rich Callahan took the above-mentioned Bernsten, Purcell, McKinny, Coots, Riley, Shoop, Acosta, etc. through their beginning belts (Orange, Purple, etc), Sifu Swan did the rest. Callahan gave the future Sifus their motivation, fanned the flames of their desire to continue as a lifetime quest, and hobby. Sifu Swan laid down the uniform of Army Airborne, exchanged it for a Karate gi, and started an empire of martial artists that should live forever. From the one Kenpo Karate school (Karate Incorporated) that Sifu Swan took over in 1970, within three to four years nine other Kenpo schools were opened. Then within another ten years 25 more Kenpo schools were opened directly through the lineage of the old Karate Incorporated. Many of those schools taught their techniques and katas a little differently than Parker, Swan, and Callahan's original format, but Kenpo Karate it was, and it's reason for existing in Arizona was due to the three gentlemen: Parker, Callahan, and Swan. Now 40 years later, hundreds and hundreds of Kenpo schools have been opened with direct ties to Karate Incorporated. In the year 2002 Sensei Bernsten had counted over 150 dojos from every state in the United States, to Paris, Africa, Afghanistan, Mexico, Canada, and many other countries, where qualified students of his had opened dojos, and are teaching Kenpo. As Master Parker changed some of Professor Chow's techniques, Karate Incorporated had broken away from the I.K.K.A., (International Kenpo Karate Association) and Sensei Bernsten had broken away from the N.C.K.K.A. (National Chinese Kenpo Karate Association), but reguardless of the title of the organization, it is Kenpo Karate that is being taught. Many modern dojos have added boxing, Judo, Yoga, Street-fighting, Rape Prevention, etc., to go along with their main style. Sifu Swan's demand for perfection, (like any great coach) discipline, teamwork, fairness, etc. is the glue that allowed rapid growth. Sensei Bernsten has been quoted as saying "Sifu Swan is a John Wayne-type person: a quiet man of few words, never brags, but a man who speaks with action and skill when necessary." As quoted from Rich Callahan (1969-70): "Gary is one demon of a street fighter."

Sensei Bernsten Sifu Gary Swan