In 1984, Peter Honigmann started his journey in martial arts in Kenpo Karate under Grandmaster John McSweeney, a pioneer in reality-based self-defense. John served in multiple branches of the military, was one of Ed Parker’s first black belts, introduced Kenpo Karate to Ireland, worked as a bodyguard for the Kennedy family, and opened a martial arts studio in Elmhurst, Illinois (which is still teaching his style of Kenpo). Peter was drawn to John’s powerful style of teaching, which focused on simple and effective self-defense. Peter trained in Kenpo for 12 years under John, John’s student Tom Saviano, and Mr.