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TEAM MIRABAL
ABOUT US

                                                                         
                                   TEAM MIRABAL was founded in 1987

WE ARE A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND BASED IN THE SOUTH VALLEY OF ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO USA, TEAM MIRABAL BOXERS ARE HIGHLY MOTIVATED INDIVIDUALS WITH A DESIRE TO BECOME THE NEXT  CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD. 

History:

Coach Richard Mirabal joined the American Kenpo Karate Academy in 1981 when he was (17) years old, he started as junior instructor and instructed group classes for all all ages in orange throught green belt divisions. He also trained and competed in Kenpo Karate, Kick boxing & Boxing. He later earned a black belt in Kenpo karate in 1984 under Master Bill Packer. He became the manager of American Kenp Karate Academys also trained and competed under 3-Time World Champion kickboxer Pat Romero. Richard than later trained the youth in kick boxing/boxing at his home in the South Valley. In 2002 he volunteered his time as a boxing coach at Jack Candelaria Community Center. He started training his son Vincent Mirabal who is now 4-0 (1KO) as a pro. Coach Richard is currently employed with Youth Development Inc as a Case Manager for the at-risk youth and has been for eight years. Coach Richard also started promoting boxing/kick boxing in 1993 and has successfully produced top notch Pro-Am boxing events and has changed the face of amateur boxing by adding a pro style touch to every event and giving the youth in our community a chance to excel and make a difference in their life.

Just a note from the Coach about gangs:

Gangs have destroyed and are destroying so many lives today. Together we can move mountains but separated we keep each other down; and all gangs do is separate. Of course we love our people whether in gangs or not. We just hate what gangs do to people's lives and all the sad outcomes of participating in gangs. The saddest thing is when an innocent child, who doesn't know the consequences, gets taught the gang lifestyle and never had a chance to live a positive life.

Mission Statement:

To assist the youth in quality boxing training to reach a level of proficency. To also compete at all levels from Amateur to Professional all over the world and to provide the best in boxing to the boxing fans and community.

We invite you to bring your friends, family and business associates to an evening of great boxing entertainment. with your continued support, we will be able to keep boxing alive and strong  in new mexico and keep the youth motivated and out of gang/drug activity.

In loving Memory of my instructor Master Packer:

   
Master Packer 1946-2005

Before studying Kenpo Karate, Mr. Bill Packer had martial arts experience in Okinawan-Te, Wing Chun, Tai Chi and Boxing. His most extensive prior training was in Boxing. From 1964-1968, Mr. Packer was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Boxing Team. During this time, Mr. Packer was undefeated with a record of over 30 wins. At a very early stage in his career, Mr. Packer had already mastered a variety of principles common to all martial arts (mind set, pressing an opponent, pushing down, skill enhancement techniques, physical training, etc.). After completing his tour with the Coast Guard, Mr. Packer immediately began full-time training in American Kenpo under Mr. Tom Connor. By 1971, Mr. Packer's skill, enthusiasm, and drive had earned him the position of Southwest Regional Director for TRACO International. As the Regional Director, he was interacting with a great number of schools, instructors, and students; Mr. Packer noticed that a large void existed in American Kenpo. Although the physical element of American Kenpo was superior, the philosophy, the tradition, and internal development was missing. In 1972, the Southwest region was reorganized, and renamed as the "American Kenpo Karate Association, Ltd. (AKKA)". Under the guidance and direction of Mr. Packer, his style of American Kenpo began to come full circle back to the roots of Chinese Ch'uan Fa.

Mr. Packer started by researching the history, philosophy and meaning of the animals, elements, and colors associated with Kenpo. He incorporated the various icons, according to belt, into the system. To insure the incorporation of traditional Chinese ideas, Mr. Packer had a renowned professor of Chinese philosophy teach martial arts philosophy classes to instructors. These new additions to the system eventually expanded to include elements of internal martial arts of "Qi Gong".

Parallel with the mental and spiritual advancement of the system, was the explosion of AKKA kickboxing. After observing the first World Karate Association (WKA) Championships, Mr. Packer knew that with his knowledge of mental conditioning, physical training, and fighting techniques, trained AKKA kickboxers could excel in world competition. Since 1974, AKKA kickboxing has been a dominant force in world competition. The following is a list of accomplishments under Mr. Packer:

  • 128 World Ranked Fighters
  • 15 World Titles
  • 8 North American Titles
  • 8 U.S. Titles
  • 3 Intercontinental Muay Thai Titles
  • Regional Karate Champion for 7 years (Mr. Packer)
  • Premier Inductee to Martial Arts Hall of Fame
  • 1982 Kickboxing "Trainer of the Year"

In 1978, the AKKA and TRACO systems were unified and again expanded. Mr. Packer and Mr. Connor agreed that the system could still be improved by integrating more Chinese Wushu elements (circular movements, continual motion, etc.). The two felt that the Hawaiian element (or Japanese influence) in Kenpo was still too strong. Mr. Packer and Mr. Connor used their combined knowledge to improve the system. Many previously taught self-defense techniques were reanalyzed and either abandoned or changed. New and advanced katas were added to the system (Stalking Panther, Tiger Hunt, Monkey, Leopard, Advanced Staff, Whispering Winds, Enter The Temple, etc.).

Since the death of Mr. Connor in 1989, all the TRACO and AKKA schools have strengthened their interconnection by unanimously adopting the AKKA name and world famous "Dragonman" logo. Mr. Packer is the sole remaining authority on the unique AKKA style of Kenpo Karate. As president of AKKA, Ltd., Mr. Packer continues to research, develop, and improve system of the American Kenpo Karate Association.

Mr. Packer passed away on Aug. 19, 2005. The AKKA organization is still operating. For more information, visit the organization's website, the AKKA. 

 

 

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