Murrieta Resident Promoted to Grandmaster of Kenpo Karate

Kenpo Karate is an ancient form of martial arts with a mixture of Chinese and Japanese origins. The goal of Kenpo Karate is to develop one’s self-defense skills while also conditioning your inner thoughts.

The discipline has a new Grandmaster: Murrieta resident Darryl Vidal was promoted Oct. 14 and now has achieved Kenpo Karate’s highest honor, Ju-Dan, 10th level.

Vidal has been a student and disciple of the art for 35 years. He has been teaching Karate in Murrieta for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department for the past 22 years.

“What is important is that anyone can learn this technique to defend against an attack," Vidal said. "...Athletic, non-athletic, young and old can learn how to use this style of self-defense effectively."

Many have seen Sensei Vidal in action but may not realize it. Vidal was Pat Morita’s (Mr. Miyagi) stunt double in the original film, “The Karate Kid.” It was Vidal on the beach crouched in the “Crane” position on the pole. He also played himself in the film, fighting Daniel-san’s blond nemesis in one of the final rounds toward the end.

Current classes for Kenpo Karate are available through the Murrieta Community Services Department.

“The Kenpo classes are designed so that students can progress through the belt promotion process. Students will learn basic karate stance, blocks, strikes, kicks, kata, self-defense and sparring. There are classes for all levels," said Sensei Vidal.

Congratulations to the new Kenpo Grandmaster. What an opportunity for students here in Murrieta to study and learn this ancient craft from a teacher who has achieved the rank of Ju-Dan.