Shaolin Kenpo Martial Arts Karate School ( aka: S.K.M.A., Daly City) focuses on Self-Defense for all ages through the Art of Shaolin Kenpo. Martial Arts is a one of a kind alternative to sport and athletic programs in that the Self-Defense aspect gives it a different “edge” and angle in developing an individual’s sense of Empowerment. This can help aid in social, mental, physical, and leadership development.
Professor / 7th Degree Black Belt
Professor Vince Ronan, Jr. began his training in August 1985 with GGM Ralph Castro. He earned his black belt in 1997 and has been a 7th Degree Black Belt since 2009. Through the years, he has been the Assistant Instructor to GGM Ralph Castro in various seminars.
My Favorite GGM quote: “Perfect! Perfect! Practice makes perfect! Hit first ask questions later.”
June 1991 – Student of the Month
October 2000 – CKC Grand Champion in Sparring
December 2000 – Competitor of the Year
December 2006 – Instructor of the Year
December 2007 – Instructor of the Year
December 2009 – Instructor of the Year
Professor / 7th Degree Black Belt
Professor Gerald Ronan has studied the art of Shaolin Kenpo with Great Grandmaster Ralph Castro since 1984. He became an assistant instructor in 1991 and earned his first-degree black belt on December 30, 1992. While pursuing his college studies, he continued to study and teach the art of Shaolin Kenpo, and earned his 3rd degree black belt on December 17, 1994.
With the consent of Great Grandmaster Ralph Castro, he established his own school, Fire Dragon Shaolin Kenpo. Professor Ronan is the chief instructor of Fire Dragon Shaolin Kenpo. He is assisted by his father, Sifu Vince Ronan Sr., 3rd Degree Black Belt, as school director, his brother, Professor Vince Ronan Jr., 7th Degree Black Belt, as an assistant instructor, and his mother, Corazon Panopio Ronan, RN.
On December 12, 1998, Professor was awarded his 5th Degree Black Belt, his 6th Degree Black Belt on June 21, 2003 and on December 17, 2005; Professor Gerald Ronan was awarded his 7th Degree Black Belt by Great Grandmaster Ralph Castro.
S.K.M.A. Daly City is the largest and last location Great Grandmaster Ralph Castro taught from. Great Grandmaster Ralph Castro has produced countless Black Belts in Northern California and has contributed tremendously to Kenpo Karate. Hence, was able to further the distinction of his Kenpo Style to Shaolin Kenpo.
Kenpo Karate can be distinguished to have traces of Japanese Influence, while Shaolin Kenpo tends to have traces of Chinese Influence. This is due to the period in time of when the students of Professor William K.S. Chow trained in Hawaii – some of his prominent students being the Late Senior Grand Edmund Parker, the Late Sijo Adriano Emperado, and Great Grand Master Ralph Castro.
GGM Ralph Castro has taught his art in Northern California since the 60’s through 2012. Since retiring, two of his high ranking black belts have continued his teaching in the same location in Daly City.
