Career
Walker also took 2nd place in the USKA Masters Black Belt Kata division in 1991. He is currently an 8th Dan (8th degree black belt) under Hanshi Robert Bowles and serves on the International Shuri-ryu Association Council alongside Milt Calander (7th Dan), John Linebarger (7th Dan), Tony Bisanz (7th Dan), and Sandra Bowles (8th Dan). Walker opened the Academy of Okinawan Karate in Peoria in 1979.
In 1997, the Academy was named one of the top 200 martial arts schools in North America.
The Academy continues to operate with three dojos in Peoria, Morton, and Eureka, Illinois. Shihan Walker started his martial arts training in Judo in 1960, and started studying karate under students of Trias in 1968.
He made his first trip to Phoenix, Arizona to study under Trias directly in 1969. a black belt in Judo in 1987, and Walker earned a 2nd degree black belt in Judo in 1993. Walker toured Okinawa with the USKA in 1982, and returned to Okinawa to compete in the World Team Competition with the International Shuri-ryu Association in 1994.
The United States took 5th place that year.
Shihan Walker has also trained in Haganah with Mike Kanerick. Walker is certified in F.I.G.H.T, Israeli Tactical Knife fighting and Ground Survival.