An internationally recognized martial arts leader whose life has been dedicated to helping others build their legacy through leadership, service, and personal excellence.
With more than five decades of martial arts experience, Dr. Bowen has earned the distinguished rank of 10th Degree Black Belt and has trained thousands of students while mentoring instructors and school owners throughout the United States and internationally. A former world karate champion and founder of AIKI Shinkai Karate, his teachings emphasize character, discipline, perseverance, and lifelong learning.
As the Founder and President of Elite Publications, an internationally award-winning publishing company, Dr. Bowen has helped more than 1,000 authors transform their knowledge and life experiences into published books. He has personally authored and co-authored more than 70 books, magazines, and educational publications, many of which have achieved Amazon International Best-Seller status.
"Everyone has a story—you just have to get it out."
Dr. Bowen serves as Executive Director of the American Martial Arts Alliance (AMAA) Foundation, where he oversees the prestigious Who's Who in the Martial Arts Hall of Honors Legacy Biography Book and numerous programs dedicated to preserving martial arts history and recognizing leaders who have made lasting contributions to the arts. Through these initiatives, he has helped document the achievements of martial artists from around the world, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations.
Beyond the martial arts, Dr. Bowen has enjoyed an outstanding career in higher education and corporate leadership development. He served for nearly three decades as an instructor in Physical Education at Duke University, where he taught martial arts, bowling, and wellness programs. He has also worked as a corporate educator, presenting leadership and team-building programs for organizations including Nike, American Express, Coca-Cola, Raytheon, and Swiss Re.
A respected keynote speaker and seminar presenter, Dr. Bowen combines practical business strategies with principles of leadership, mindfulness, and personal development. He is a certified mindfulness meditation instructor, sports hypnosis coach, and success coach, integrating these disciplines into his presentations on peak performance and life mastery.
His commitment to service extends into ministry as well. Dr. Bowen serves alongside his wife in Christian ministry, encouraging individuals to pursue lives of faith, purpose, and significance. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to empowering others to discover their potential and create a meaningful legacy.
Today, Dr. Bowen continues to inspire audiences through his books, seminars, television programming, podcasts, publishing initiatives, and international events. His vision is to preserve the history of the martial arts, develop future leaders, and empower people from every walk of life to become published authors, recognized experts, and influential voices in their communities.
"Success is not measured by what you accomplish alone, but by the lives you inspire, the leaders you develop, and the legacy you leave behind."
A lifetime of excellence across martial arts, publishing, education, and leadership.
10th Degree Black Belt, World Karate Champion, and founder of AIKI Shinkai Karate
Founder and President of Elite Publications, an award-winning publishing company
Published books and magazines, many achieving Amazon International Best-Seller status
Nearly three decades teaching Physical Education, martial arts, and wellness programs
Presented programs for Nike, American Express, Coca-Cola, Raytheon, and Swiss Re
Executive Director preserving martial arts history through Who's Who Hall of Honors