The Story of
Soke Michael Kinney

Michael Kinney began his martial arts training in 1963 at Kim Studio in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he studied Tang Soo Do and Aikido under Mr. Kim. The techniques and training approach he learned there later became the foundation of Kinney Karate. After transitioning to instruction under Dale Tompkins, Michael entered the rapidly evolving martial arts scene of the late 1960s and earned his Black Belt in 1969. He became the first Black Belt in Tompkins’ new school and later served as its chief instructor, helping develop a large network of programs in recreation centers and schools—one of the earliest models to bring martial arts to families, women, and children in suburban communities.

While attending the University of Maryland, Michael co-opened a studio near campus and trained a generation of Black Belts who would go on to establish schools throughout the Washington, D.C. region. During this time, he also competed extensively, coached successful tournament teams, and helped launch major regional events, including one of the longest-running open karate tournaments on the East Coast.

In 1980, Michael relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he introduced the same community-based school model. Although initially offered only a small room by the city’s Recreation Department, his program grew rapidly. Within three months, Kinney Karate had expanded into the main gym and soon became a city-wide initiative. His approach helped accelerate martial arts development in the region and established Kinney Karate as a leading program in Florida.