Sifu Michael Abedin

Michael Abedin (1951-2019)
5th Degree Black Belt

Professor of the Martial Arts

Michael Abedin devoted more than four decades to the study and teaching of martial arts, shaping a generation of Kenpo practitioners in Texas and beyond. He began training in the early 1970s in Austin, Texas, discovering Chinese Kenpo — a dynamic system blending the hard and soft elements of traditional kung fu with innovative American adaptations. Abedin’s early training included work with highly respected instructors such as Brian Duffy and Gary Swan

By 1978, Abedin had earned his Black Belt in Chinese Kenpo. Over the next 41 years, he taught thousands of students, mentoring and promoting nine to the rank of Black Belt through his Austin Kenpo Karate School, which he founded in 1984. Known for his clear, practical instruction and focus on strong basics as fundamental building blocks of Kenpo, Sifu Abedin emphasized real-world self-defense as well as the mental and strategic foundations of the art.

Abedin was a recognized organizer and leader within the Texas martial arts community. He produced the top state-ranked Austin Open Karate Championships, served on the Executive Committee of the Amateur Organization of Karate (AOK), and created and published The Sidekick, the quarterly newsletter of the AOK. Sifu Abedin also created a quarterly publication for the National Chinese Kenpo Karate Association. His efforts helped connect schools, instructors, and competitors across Texas, raising the quality and visibility of Kenpo and tournament karate in the region.

Sifu Abedin performing Long Form 4 in front of senior students Trey Newton, Manuel Gonzalez and Rene Rodriguez at the annual NCKKA Training Camp

Beyond the dojo, Sifu Abedin explored how martial training intersects with personal development and healing. His curiosity led him to study advanced energy work and body-based systems, including Bach Flower Remedies and Reiki. This breadth of knowledge informed his teaching style — blending rigorous martial training with an understanding of mindset, energy, and personal growth.

While Michael Abedin would later build a successful career in publishing and communication, his martial arts legacy remains significant. Through decades of instruction, leadership, and innovation, he helped expand and refine Kenpo in Texas, mentoring new black belts and creating opportunities for students and teachers to connect and grow. His contributions continue to influence martial artists who value both the technical precision and the deeper philosophy behind the art.

Sifu Michael Abedin passed away in Austin, Texas on October 13th, 2019.