Joe Palanzo is a Tenth Degree Black Belt (Senior Master) in Kenpo, and has operated successful martial arts schools in Baltimore, Maryland, since 1969. He began his martial arts training in 1964 while studying at the Peabody Music Conservatory. He later studied with Grandmaster Ed Parker from 1966 to 1990, and achieved the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt. Mr. Palanzo served as Vice President of Ed Parker's International Kenpo Karate Association (IKKA), and owned and operated the only East Coast Ed Parker Franchise School from 1970 until Mr. Parker's untimely death in 1990. He has long enjoyed an international reputation and critical acclaim for his proficiency in the martial arts and innovative capacity for introducing and developing martial arts skills among diverse audiences. Today, he continues to operate a school in Maryland, and is President of the Worldwide Kenpo Karate Association (WKKA).

Russell Palanzo is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. Mr. Palanzo's knowledge comes from a life engrossed in the Martial Arts through his father Senior Master Joe Palanzo, and the training and mentoring of Dr. Maung Gyi - Founder of the American Bando Association. Mr. Palanzo is a skilled tournament competitor, wrestler, and is proficient in the use of many weapons including the staff, kukri, and nunchaku. Mr. Palanzo currently manages the Palanzo’s Martial Arts School in Pikesville, MD.