Mr. Toppins was first introduced to the martial arts when he was in high school in the late 1960's.  Then while he was serving in the military (Army Airborne Unit), he was informally introduced to Tae Kwon Do by a staff sergeant serving in the same battery.

Mr. Toppins started formally taking lessons in Bok-Fu-Kenpo at the end of 1974.  Noted for his work ethic, he practiced on an average of 3 to 4 hours a day for many years.  Mr. Toppins achieved 1st degree Black Belt in 1980 (one of the fastest in the school he attended at that time).  He started instructing in 1976 and became part of the school's demonstration team.

As an instructor, Mr. Toppins became known for his diligent attention to detail in his martial art instruction.  Mr. Toppins' emphasis on the importance of physical conditioning led to his turning out some of the best martial art students in the bay area, which continues to this day in Riverside.  Although Mr. Toppins emphasis has always been towards the self-defense aspect of the martial arts and he has never had any real ambition to compete, when he did occasionally compete over the years, he always placed 1st through 3rd in his category.

Instructors:
Mr. Toppins has been fortunate to have had lessons with some of the finest and well known Martial Artists in the country, some extensively others just a few lessons!

Bok-Fu-Kenpo - Students of Richard Lee:
David Hubble (Retired) and - R.J. Leskoshek (Deceased).

Chinese Kenpo Grand Master Al Tracy

Hung Gar stylist Wing Lam: (Retired)

Presently and extensively with Shootfighting great Bart Vale

Presently and extensively with Sifu Mark Cheng:
Tai Chi and Russian Kettlebell

Presently and extensively with Roy Harris:
Grappling

Achievements:

Awarded Outstanding Student of the Year for 1975

1st Degree Black Belt 1980

Owner and Head Instructor
East-Wind Martial Arts
From
1981
To present

Certified Personal Fitness Trainer 1996
Certified Specialist In Performance Nutrition 1998
(International Sports Science Association)
(ISSA)

Inducted into Richard Lee's Bok-Fu Kenpo Hall of Fame 2001

Achieved 7th Degree Black Belt
At the
Gathering of Eagles 2001

Shootfighting:
Rank of
SHODOKA
2004

Shootfighting:
Rank of
1st Degree Black
2007

Inducted into
the:
INTERNATIONAL KENPO
HALL OF FAME
JUNE 2007

RKC Certified Kettlebell Instructor:
February 2008

Achieved 8th Degree Black Belt
June 27, 2009

Shootfighting:
Rank of:
2nd Degree Black
2010

Received:
Life Time Achievement Award
Las Vegas 2011
Gathering of Eagles
Chinese Kenpo Event