Rick Hansard is the lead instructor for the BEKC. He founded the BEKC in 1980.

Rick began his martial arts training in 1971. Since he is of "small stature," Rick wanted to learn karate for self-defense. This desire has grown into a life-long learning experience. He obtained his Black Belt in Soo Hwa Sool (Kung Fu) in 1978. Two years later, he earned his Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. In July, 2001, Rick received his 4th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate and in early 2003 he earned his 4th Degree Black belt in RyuKyu Kempo from the RyuKyu Dojo in Indianapolis, Indiana. Rick is also ranked Brown Belt in Tae Kwon Do, has five years experience in Kenpo Jujitsu, and has additional training in Shotokan Karate and Tai Chi Chuan. To this day, Rick continues to explore and learn other martial arts styles.

To add to his extensive resume, Rick has been instructing martial arts since 1975 and he has been the instructor for the BEKC's popular Women's Self-Defense Seminar since 1985.

Outside of martial arts, Rick plays guitar, writes songs, and enjoys racquetball, ping pong, and going to the movies. Rick's family consists of his wife, 2 daughters, 2 dogs, and 5 cats.