Bob White’s Karate Studio!
We have served the families of Orange County since 1972 and we have been in our Costa Mesa location at 1125 Victoria Street, since 1980.
Our school is a multigenerational, family-centered school that specializes in teaching well-rounded, high quality martial arts, and we have a track record to prove it. Several of our instructors began as children at our school, went on to earn their black belts, and continue to train and contribute today. Some also have children of their own who attend classes.
Bob White’s Karate Studio (BWKS) was first recognized as an elite fighting school with many champion fighters, coached by our founder, Bob White, who was himself, a well-known champion fighter. Our school was considered, “The team to beat,” in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. Master White eventually transformed our school into a more balanced program, attracting families, and career-minded citizens. He is known as a mentor, coach, father, friend, and ambassador for the martial arts, Kenpo, in particular. He is very much loved, respected, and missed.
We have over 250 black belts on our family tree, with over 50 of these belts belonging to women, who are strong leaders, teachers and competitors. In a male-dominated art form, this number is impressive.
We are proud of our school, of our accomplishments and our service, and we share an earnest desire to honor the name and legacy of our founder. We will continue to provide the highest standard service that is synonymous with the name, Bob White.
Our Founder Bob White
Passing up a professional baseball career at a young age, Senior Master Bob White has been contributing to the art of American Kenpo for over fifty-years. On the tournament circuit he won numerous state, national, and international fighting championships. Bob White fought on the National All Star Black Belt Team, which went undefeated in 1973 and 1974. As a teacher and coach, he has consistently turned out some of the worlds finest karate fighters.
Bob White was involved in the original “Karate Kid” movie and appeared as a referee in the film. BWKS had over 50 students that appeared in the movie as tournament competitors. Mr. White was also involved in The Karate Kid part 3 and worked to promote the new “Karate Kid” version with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith.
He has been featured in various books including The Who’s Who in Martial Arts, The Journey, and most recently in The International Journey. His new book, “Life in Session; The Senior Master Bob White Story” is now available in our store. He has also been interviewed on many television and radio shows.
In 2018, with the endorsement of the leaders of the Kenpo community, Bob agreed to accept the rank of 10th Degree Black Belt. He has, and always will be, recognized as one of the most influential leaders in Martial Arts.
Bob and Barbara White
At the beginning of their relationship, Bob and Barbara found they had a mutual interest, and that was to make a difference in the lives of others. They both shared a deep love and respect for each other and formed a strong bond, teaching side by side at the studio and conducting seminars together throughout the United States, South America, and Europe. They have been recognized for their love for each other and their partnership in Kenpo. Their mutual desire to make a difference in the lives of others was achieved throughout their marriage.
Bob and Barbara have a blended family with 6 daughters, 13 grandchildren, with one on the way, and 7 great grandchildren. Two of their daughters, Andree and Alia, are black belts, and 2 sons-in-law. Sean is a black belt and Jacob a brown belt.
In 2017, Bob was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, along with cancer of the head and neck. He successfully completed treatment for both and enjoyed a healthy life, continuing to do what he loved, teaching and playing tennis. In 2022 the cancer returned. After a lengthy battle, Bob passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2023. He is loved and missed by many, both near and far.
“It had always my priority to be the best wife, friend, and partner that I could be for Bob. Now that he has passed from his earthly life, my desire remains to be the best wife, friend, and partner that I can be. He is never far away from me. We, as a school family, are committed to share his love, his lessons, and his legacy to one another, to our students, and to our community.”
ALIA WHITE-CASS
Our Costa Mesa location opened in 1980. Both of my parents were full-time Kenpo Instructors at the time and the studio is where I essentially grew up.
I have twin daughters, Bonnie and Ruby, who are almost 12 years old and they are now at the studio as well.
I am very proud of both of my parents and their contributions to the kenpo world and our local community. We look forward to continuing on with their legacy for years to come.
ANDREE SCANLON
I started studying in 1998 and earned my yellow belt; eight years later, I returned to the studio to train full-time, earning my black belt in 2012. Being Bob White’s oldest daughter, I had a late start but the studio is home for me, and I love to come and train when time permits. Aside from earning my black belt, one of my proudest achievements in Kenpo is the creation of the Women in Kenpo Website. I have honored women in Kenpo by acknowledging their achievements and celebrating their talents in a mostly male-dominated art. Both my Mother, Barbara L. White, who was a 4th-degree black belt and my stepmother, Barbara White, who is a 7th Degree Black belt, have their own stories on the website.
I live in Fullerton with my husband Sean; he’s also a fellow 3rd degree black belt. He maintained the studio webpage several years ago before it was updated, along with teaching the Monday night class via the internet during the pandemic for the first year during the shutdown.
My number one focus is family, always; they are the core of my foundation, and this studio is part of that core, and I’m honored to be a part of it. My father has passed his knowledge on to us his family, and it’s our job to keep his legacy alive.
Jacob Robinson
I am a fairly new addition to the BWKS family and legacy, having joined in 2021 after marrying Barbara’s oldest daughter, Nicole. My only desire at the time of joining was to become closer with my new family and bond with them while doing something they do obviously love. However, as time has progressed, I also have learned to appreciate the art itself, earning my Green belt in the couple of years I’ve been training.
I believe in the acts of service to the community that the studio emphasizes and helped run the 2022 Bob and Barbara White Invitational. I’ve also enjoyed helping our children’s sparring class, engaging a new generation of BWKS competitors and fighters in the sport.
Claudine DeGiacomo
Authentic Kenpo Karate Master’s studio. Many of the best fighters learned here ??
Darren Smith
The highest quality martial arts instruction available!
Kenpo Karate Hall of Fame
Mr. white and his team of instructors are 1st class.
With over 50 years of experience potential students are assured the finest experiences in their martial arts journey.
Make Bob White Karate Studio your choice.
Marisa Kuebler
Very nice people. A nice family atmosphere.
Rachael Acord Lewis
Very happy with my son’s training and instructors thus far. I would recommend this studio.
Tamara Cloonan McClure
Bob White’s Karate Studio is a tremendous environment for learning, discipline, working out, and reaching goals you haven’t yet set. It’s getting out of your comfort zone with phenomenal mentors who are caring, talented, and have an excellent work ethic. Bob White’s Karate Studio has truly changed my life, and my attitude, for the better.
Community Service
Bob White’s Karate Studio and the Bob and Barbara White Charitable Foundation are active in the community, holding events and raising funds for charitable causes. In 2006 we held a tournament and donated the net proceeds to a charity known as the Royal Family Kids Camp.
The RFKC provides a week of summer camp for children who are in the foster system and have been removed from their homes due to physical, sexual and mental abuse. Since that time, we have continued to hold tournaments, seminars, golf events, bowling events, banquets and more to raise money for the RFKC. We are proud to have donated over $1.1 million to this worthy cause and helped thousands of children that have been abandoned and abused see better life.
In addition, BWKS has participated in local events to support charities for breast cancer, addiction, Huntington’s disease and more. BWKS is committed to giving back and helping those less fortunate.
The Bob and Barb White Charitable Foundation is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, Federal Taxpayer I.D. Number 81-0857420.
You can be a vital part of our mission to create positive change. Your contribution will support our ongoing efforts to uplift those in need and continue making a difference in the lives of individuals facing adversity.