Dave first stepped onto the mat in 1967 at just eight years old, beginning his training in Judo before finding his true home in Kenpo Karate under the instruction of Paul Dye. What makes his story especially unique is his unwavering loyalty to his teacher. From his first day of Kenpo training in 1972 through every rank advancement, including testing for both brown belt and black belt under the legendary Ed Parker, Paul Dye has remained his only instructor.
When Dave Hebler’s school closed due to Hebler’s growing responsibilities as a personal bodyguard for Elvis Presley, training continued in Paul Dye’s now-famous garage dojo. That humble training space became the foundation for a remarkable martial arts career that continues to this day.
As a competitor, Dave built an impressive tournament résumé, capturing eight consecutive Long Beach Internationals Self-Defense Championships, earning multiple national titles, and winning championships in the United Kingdom in fighting, kata, and self-defense competition.
In 1986, he began teaching out of his own garage dojo, where he has spent decades developing students and preserving the traditions of Kenpo Karate. His commitment to quality instruction has produced numerous black belts and positively impacted generations of martial artists.
Beyond the dojo, Dave built successful careers as a butcher, meat manager, and later as a safety consultant in the offshore oil industry. He is also a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life has been guided by faith, family, and martial arts.
When he’s not teaching or working, he enjoys spending time with his family at their river house along the Colorado River. Whether boating, riding Sea-Doos, exploring the desert in a sandrail or his trusty 1999 Toyota 4Runner, fishing, or simply gathering around a late-night fire pit, the river is where family and relaxation come together.
More than fifty years after beginning his journey, Dave continues to train, teach, and inspire others while carrying forward the lessons passed down from his instructor and the legacy of Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate.
Please join me in welcoming Dave Thompson.
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