Hanshi Livingston Kelly Biography

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, Hanshi Livingston Kelly began his martial arts journey in 1971 at the Jamaica YMCA, where he trained in Kyokushin-kai Karate under Newton James and Allan Monty, who was a senior belt holder at the time. He continued his training in Kyokushin-kai Karate at the YMCA until the branch transitioned to Seido Karate.

Hanshi Kelly has actively participated in numerous karate tournaments across Jamaica and the United States. After achieving success in various tournaments, he took on the ultimate challenge by competing in a Kyokushin-kai Karate Knockdown Tournament, which remains one of the most demanding forms of kumite (sparring). Following his recovery from the intense knockdown competition, he resumed full-contact karate training at the Oyama Full Contact Karate dojo in New York City. This reignited his passion for full-contact fighting and led to his training in both Contact Karate and Koga Ryu Ninjutsu/Jujutsu.

He later earned his 7th-degree black belt in Koga Ryu Ninjutsu/Jujutsu under the guidance of O’Sensei Ronald Duncan, the founder of the discipline.

Wu Shin Ki Do Martial Arts System

Hanshi Kelly, alongside Karl Miller, co-founded the Wu Shin Ki Do Martial Arts System in Kingston, Jamaica. This system was later expanded under Wushinkido Martial Arts LLC after his migration to the United States. Wu Shin Ki Do is a unique and practical martial arts system that incorporates the best and most effective techniques from a variety of disciplines, including Karate, Ninjutsu, Jujutsu, Shaolin Kung Fu, Thai Boxing, Western Boxing, and Wrestling.

Kyokushin Karate Achievements

Hanshi Kelly holds several prestigious Kyokushin Karate degrees. He was awarded his 7th-degree black belt and the title of Branch Chief for Brooklyn, NY, by the International Kyokushinkai Union Honbu. He was later promoted to 8th-degree black belt and serves as the Branch Chief of BASI-Kyokushin Karate USA under Soke Newton James (8th Dan).

Health and Wellness Expertise

In addition to his martial arts achievements, Hanshi Kelly is a dynamic health and wellness expert with over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry. Over the last decade, he has developed award-winning Senior Health and Wellness Restorative programs throughout New York City’s aging community. He has served as Director and Fitness Administrator for these programs, earning recognition for his dedication, humor, kindness, and the joyfulness he brings to his sessions.

Legacy and Community Impact

Hanshi Livingston Kelly’s devotion to martial arts and wellness continues to inspire people across generations. His innovative martial arts systems and health programs exemplify his commitment to improving lives through discipline, skill, and compassion.