About TIKKA

Purpose and Role

Tracy’s International Kenpo Karate Association (TIKKA) is a nonprofit organization established to serve as the steward of the Tracy System of Kenpo Karate, commonly known as Tracy Kenpo, as developed and taught by Al Tracy and Jim Tracy.

The association exists to provide continuity, structure, and responsible governance for the Tracy System while respecting the independence of individual instructors and schools. TIKKA serves practitioners, instructors, and schools who trace their lineage to Tracy Kenpo and who support its preservation, integrity, and responsible instruction.

Mission

Preserve. TIKKA preserves the Tracy System of Kenpo Karate by maintaining its documented material, historical lineage, and technical identity as developed and taught by Al Tracy and Jim Tracy.

Protect. TIKKA protects the integrity of the system through governance, oversight, and formal recognition that prevent dilution, misrepresentation, or loss of the system’s core principles.

Promote. TIKKA promotes the responsible instruction and continued practice of Tracy Kenpo through sanctioned events, educational resources, and support for qualified practitioners and instructors.

Organizational Responsibilities

As the nonprofit steward of the Tracy System, TIKKA is responsible for administering the formal and organizational functions of the system, including:

• Rank recognition and advancement

• Issuance of diplomas and formal credentials

• Development and distribution of manuals, videos, and other training materials

• Production and distribution of official patches and sanctioned products

• Administration of the Kenpo International Hall of Fame

• Oversight of the Gathering of Eagles and other sanctioned events

• Other matters related to the administration and continuity of the Tracy System

All activities are conducted in accordance with nonprofit governance standards and in service of the membership.

Governance Structure

TIKKA is structured to ensure accountability, continuity, and informed decision-making.

Officers

The Officers are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the association and were empowered to establish the nonprofit corporation. Additional officers may be appointed as needed.

Current Officers:

• Vance Murakami

• Dave Hopper

John DeLuca, who served as an Officer and member of the Board of Directors, was instrumental in the establishment of TIKKA.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors provides oversight and strategic direction for the association. The Board consists of an odd number of members and includes the Officers and additional Directors.

Current Board of Directors:

• Vance Murakami

• Dave Hopper

• Billy Dalton

• Roy Abramowitz

• Roger Arpin

Senior Council

The Senior Council was appointed by Al Tracy to provide guidance on matters of advanced rank and to safeguard the technical integrity of the Tracy System of Kenpo Karate.

The Senior Council advises the Board of Directors on issues related to senior rank recognition and the preservation of system standards.

Current Senior Council Members (all 10th Degree Black Belts):

• Ted Sumner

• Jefferson Davis

• Bart Vale

• Mark Miller

Membership

Membership in Tracy’s International Kenpo Karate Association is open to individuals who currently study, have studied, or intend to study the Tracy System of Kenpo Karate.

Members are eligible for formal rank recognition within Tracy Kenpo and may access official training materials, events, and association resources in accordance with membership guidelines.

Nonprofit Status

TIKKA is a recognized nonprofit organization. No individual owns the association, and no profits are distributed. All revenue is applied toward administrative operations, instructional materials, events, and initiatives that support the Tracy System of Kenpo Karate.

The association is operated entirely by volunteers. Officers, Directors, and members of the Senior Council receive no compensation.

History and Formation

The Tracy System of Kenpo Karate was developed through the combined efforts of Al Tracy and Jim Tracy, resulting in one of the most structured and widely documented Kenpo systems in the United States.

Following the passing of Al Tracy, ownership and authority over the Tracy System passed to Pat Tracy, Al Tracy’s wife. In accordance with Al Tracy’s expressed intent, Pat Tracy authorized the continuation of the system’s administration and the formation of a nonprofit organization to ensure continuity, legitimacy, and responsible stewardship of Tracy Kenpo.

Due to health and related circumstances, Pat Tracy was unable to continue directly administering the system. As a result, a transition plan was implemented:

1. The Senior Council temporarily assumed responsibility for operational matters related to events, rank issuance, and materials distribution.

2. Pat Tracy authorized the formation of Tracy’s International Kenpo Karate Association (TIKKA) to assume these responsibilities, allowing the Senior Council to return to its intended advisory role.

The Senior Council unanimously approved the formation of TIKKA and its authority to administer the business of the Tracy System of Kenpo Karate in accordance with Al Tracy’s expressed intent.