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The Legacy of Shihan Kewan Dixon

The legendary Bruce Lee inspired generations of young people to pursue martial arts, and among those inspired was a young Kewan Dixon, who would later become the founder and owner of Keijo Martial Arts Academy.

The Beginning

In 1984, Kewan Dixon began what would become one of the most defining journeys of his life. Under the guidance of Sensei Ed Cattenhead, he studied the art of Kempo at Holy Trinity Church in Chicago three days a week. Those early years instilled the values of dedication, perseverance, discipline, and the belief that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

When Sensei Cattenhead retired in 1986, Sensei Dixon and his father were introduced to Shujin Benjamin J. Peacock, then a 5th Degree Black Belt and owner of 3 Circles School of Karate & Physical Fitness in Bellwood, Illinois. What began as a new chapter quickly became a lifelong mentor-student relationship.

A Foundation of Excellence

Sensei Peacock was widely respected as one of the finest Godans in the Universal Shorei Goju-Ryu System of Karate. Under his leadership, Sensei Dixon expanded his knowledge, sharpened his skills, and developed a deeper appreciation for martial arts than he had ever imagined.

When Sensei Peacock relocated his school to Chicago's Northwest Side, Sensei Dixon followed. His dedication paid off in 1987 when, during Sensei Peacock's Second Annual Tournament, he captured First Place in both Kata and Sparring. Those victories ignited his passion for competition, leading him to compete regularly and consistently return home with championship titles.

Leadership Through Teaching

In 1990, Sensei Dixon earned his Shodan (First Degree Black Belt). As his martial arts journey evolved, his focus shifted from competing to teaching and mentoring others. By 1991, he had become Assistant Instructor at 3 Circles School of Karate, helping develop the next generation of martial artists.

An accomplished athlete, Sensei Dixon was recognized as an Olympic hopeful in 1992 and was featured in the Chicago Sun-Times. By that time, he had earned more than 200 tournament awards. During the summer of 1992, he was appointed Head Instructor at Sensei Peacock's school on Chicago's Southeast Side.

Building a Legacy

After years of continued study and instruction, Sensei Dixon was promoted to Third Degree Black Belt in 1996. With the blessing of Sensei Peacock, he began developing his own martial arts programs and helped establish several schools alongside other instructors.

Eventually, Sensei Peacock encouraged him to become a leader in his own right. Inspired by that guidance, Sensei Dixon fulfilled his dream of opening his own martial arts school in the year 2000.

That dream became Keijo Martial Arts Academy.

The Meaning Behind "Keijo"

The name Keijo has a unique and meaningful history.

Originally, it represented a partnership between Sensei Kewan Dixon and Sensei Joiner. The syllable "Ke" came from Kewan, while "Jo" represented Joiner, forming "Ke-Jo."

After the two instructors eventually pursued separate paths, Sensei Dixon chose to preserve the academy's identity by replacing the hyphen with the letter "I,"creating the name "Keijo."

He later gave the name an even deeper personal meaning by coining the phrase:

"Keijo — It Is Mine."

Today, the name symbolizes ownership, commitment, responsibility, pride, and the lifelong pursuit of excellence.

Continued Growth and Achievement

Following the opening of Keijo Martial Arts Academy, Sensei Dixon continued advancing both personally and professionally.

His accomplishments include:

2002: Promoted to Fourth Degree Black Belt and recognized with the rank of Master in the Universal Shorei Goju System of Karate.
Returned to competition after retirement and captured the Grand Championship in Kata at the prestigious Rumble on the Lake Tournament.
Helped pioneer a karate program within Chicago's public school system through Prologue Alternative School at the Westside for Youth.
2004: Closed his Northwest Side school due to economic challenges.
2006: Reopened Keijo Martial Arts Academy at Austin Town Hall through the Chicago Park District and was elected Vice President of the Westside Martial Arts League.
2008: Launched a martial arts teaching program through the YMCA for LEARN Charter Schools.
2010: Promoted to Fifth Degree Black Belt by Shudin Benjamin Peacock and hosted Keijo Martial Arts Academy's first tournament at St. Mark Church.
2017: Promoted to Sixth Degree Black Belt (Rokudan) and recognized as a Master by the Karate Administration. During this time, he served as a Regional Representative. When Shudin Benjamin Peacock retired, leadership was entrusted to Hanshi Kenneth Young. Following the wishes of his longtime instructor, Shihan Dixon transferred his loyalty to Hanshi Young a commitment he proudly continues today.
2022: Promoted to Seventh Degree Black Belt (Shichidan) under Hanshi Kenneth Young, marking another milestone in his lifelong martial arts journey

A Legacy That Continues

Today, Shihan Kewan Dixon continues to teach, mentor, and inspire students through Keijo Martial Arts Academy. As Founder and Owner, he remains committed to developing not only skilled martial artists but also confident leaders of strong character.

His philosophy extends far beyond kicks and punches. Every class emphasizes respect, discipline, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and community service.

For more than four decades, Shihan Dixon has dedicated his life to empowering youth, strengthening families, and positively impacting communities through the lifelong practice of martial arts.

His mission remains the same today as it was when he first stepped onto the dojo floor in 1984:

"To build champions in life—not just champions in competition."