Phillip Starr

I began martial arts training in 1956 when my Father was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. Since then, I have trained in a number of martial disciplines to include judo, Japanese karate, hoquan (renamed "baixingquan" by my teacher, W.C. Chen), xingyiquan, taijiquan, baguazhang, arnis, and iaido.

In 1976 I was named as a U.S. National Champion of the United States Karate Association, the only kung-fu stylist to achieve that title at that time.

In 1982 I founded Yiliquan (One Principle Boxing) and currently serve as the National Chairman of the Yiliquan Martial Arts Association.

I also spent several years serving as a peace officer, working in (state) drug enforcement. I also worked as a correctional officer at a state penitentiary, and later as a private investigator.

In 1991 I was elected as National Chairman for the Chinese Martial Arts Division of the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union). Within two years this entity became the largest kung-fu organization in U.S. history. I was subsequently admitted into the Inside Kung-Fu Hall of Fame in 1992.

I've taken up writing and hope to use whatever talent I have to promote and preserve the traditional martial arts.

Please visit our websites at http://www.omahakungfu.net and http://www.yiliquan.com