(from Dennis Conatser's Facebook page 6-3-17)
FGM Parker always had several projects in the works. One of the books (unpublished) he was working on was "Kenpo in the Streets" of which I wrote the preface ...for many have seen this but for those who haven't.....
"KENPO IN THE STREETS" is a unique book on street combat. It evaluates the types of encounters that we can anticipate in the street, and describes, as well as illustrates, realistic approaches in combating these encounters.
Ed Parker's interest in employing logic in his studies dates back to his very beginnings in the art. He approved of the new and exciting methods that he was learning as a neophyte in KENPO, but disapproved of the arbitrary sequential order of executing them. Having been an experienced street fighter he felt that the ineffectual employment of motion could invite unwarranted problems.
As a pioneer in the field of Martial Arts, Mr. Parker has never been satisfied with conventional answers. While he believes that tradition can be helpful, he places emphasis on logic and innovation
over custom. Consequently, through dissecting motion, he has discovered logic to be the key ingredient influencing consistent and organized methods of study.
As a result of his logical approach to research, Mr. Parker has eliminated the mysteries that once plagued technical explanations of the Martial Arts. By structuring his work in a manner similar to that
of medical and other scientific disciplines, he has given a clarity to his system, and an ability to continuously modify and update the theories, concepts, and related principles of Kenpo.
As many of you know, ineffective communication has long been a stumbling block for effective education. In fact, language has often been a barrier in obtaining greater knowledge. Traditional martial artists who have imposed foreign terminology on their students may have been successful in having them memorize words and phrases without those students understanding the concepts behind them. However, the use of native terminology is not the only key to better communication. Consider the statement, "I know you believe you understand what you think I said...but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant!" Obviously it is not the words you use, but "how you use them."
Mr. Parker's use of words, in conveying KENPO principles, is a case study in "how to use them." Through many years of teaching experience he has developed distinctive methods of converting verbal language to physical language. The imagery evoked through his use of analogies, short stories, and sayings breathes life into the technical descriptions, and encourages students to consider the principles of Kenpo in light of their own experience. The result is a better understanding of Kenpo, and more importantly, how it applies to them.This unique blending of the objectivity of the sciences with the subjective associations of real life experience has greatly enhanced our understanding of the art, and generated many new concepts in Kenpo. With these new concepts and principles is created a new and constantly expanding terminology as well. Once these terms, f definitions, and associated methods of application are absorbed, communication is no longer a problem. Comprehension is not only accelerated, it is ingrained - - thus allowing the proficient student to act instinctively and extemporaneously.
"KENPO IN THE STREET" illustrates realism and logic combined with effective self -defense methods. Mr. Parker's premise is to learn the principles behind each action. As you learn the principles associated with each move, you must also learn to tailor them to your own distinctive capabilities. As you learn to tailor, you learn to become innovative. As variables become routine, appropriate responses become second nature and spontaneous. Such responses may be necessary in the street where a surprise attack may eliminate ones ability to examine all of the possible options. Only instinctive responses, developed through logical training methods and conditioning, provide the proper transfer of knowledge required in these situations.
As you study the newest of Mr. Parker's books, remember that progress can only be possible if you keep an open mind, if you are motivated to train properly, and if you view all the techniques logically. As a student of KENPO, you should recognize that knowledge can only be instinctively transferred to your extremities if it is thoroughly ingrained. Since there are no rules on the street, but only realities, you are encouraged to be very serious about your training. To quote Mr. Parker, "Unfortunately the philosophy on the street today is 'it's not who's right, but who's left that counts'".
I consider myself fortunate to study under Mr. Parker. Each lesson is a new experience. As I continue to explore his creative advancements, I am humbled by his unique and all -encompassing system. I am further encouraged by his open -minded ideology in energizing KENPO. Because of his persistence, his creations continue to remain dynamic. I know of no other system that updates material to keep up with the times.
With all that has been said, you can see why I view Ed Parker's KENPO as a timeless art. His KENPO was effective yesterday, is effective today, and will continue to be effective tomorrow. May his willingness to share his art continue indefinitely and spread to all those who honestly and sincerely wish to learn.
In conclusion may I state, "There are two ways of spreading the light, (1) to be the candle, or (2) to be the mirror that reflects it". Although not all of us can become candles, we are certainly not limited to being mirrors that reflect the light. My goal is to become both a candle and a mirror. With Mr. Parker's assistance, I feel that such a challenge can be met. I would like to express my extreme appreciation to Mr. Parker for allowing me the privilege of writing this preface. May future publications continue to convey his infinite knowledge for all to share.
Dennis Conatser Sr.
5th Degree Black Belt
1988
FGM Parker always had several projects in the works. One of the books (unpublished) he was working on was "Kenpo in the Streets" of which I wrote the preface ...for many have seen this but for those who haven't.....
"KENPO IN THE STREETS" is a unique book on street combat. It evaluates the types of encounters that we can anticipate in the street, and describes, as well as illustrates, realistic approaches in combating these encounters.
Ed Parker's interest in employing logic in his studies dates back to his very beginnings in the art. He approved of the new and exciting methods that he was learning as a neophyte in KENPO, but disapproved of the arbitrary sequential order of executing them. Having been an experienced street fighter he felt that the ineffectual employment of motion could invite unwarranted problems.
As a pioneer in the field of Martial Arts, Mr. Parker has never been satisfied with conventional answers. While he believes that tradition can be helpful, he places emphasis on logic and innovation
over custom. Consequently, through dissecting motion, he has discovered logic to be the key ingredient influencing consistent and organized methods of study.
As a result of his logical approach to research, Mr. Parker has eliminated the mysteries that once plagued technical explanations of the Martial Arts. By structuring his work in a manner similar to that
of medical and other scientific disciplines, he has given a clarity to his system, and an ability to continuously modify and update the theories, concepts, and related principles of Kenpo.
As many of you know, ineffective communication has long been a stumbling block for effective education. In fact, language has often been a barrier in obtaining greater knowledge. Traditional martial artists who have imposed foreign terminology on their students may have been successful in having them memorize words and phrases without those students understanding the concepts behind them. However, the use of native terminology is not the only key to better communication. Consider the statement, "I know you believe you understand what you think I said...but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant!" Obviously it is not the words you use, but "how you use them."
Mr. Parker's use of words, in conveying KENPO principles, is a case study in "how to use them." Through many years of teaching experience he has developed distinctive methods of converting verbal language to physical language. The imagery evoked through his use of analogies, short stories, and sayings breathes life into the technical descriptions, and encourages students to consider the principles of Kenpo in light of their own experience. The result is a better understanding of Kenpo, and more importantly, how it applies to them.This unique blending of the objectivity of the sciences with the subjective associations of real life experience has greatly enhanced our understanding of the art, and generated many new concepts in Kenpo. With these new concepts and principles is created a new and constantly expanding terminology as well. Once these terms, f definitions, and associated methods of application are absorbed, communication is no longer a problem. Comprehension is not only accelerated, it is ingrained - - thus allowing the proficient student to act instinctively and extemporaneously.
"KENPO IN THE STREET" illustrates realism and logic combined with effective self -defense methods. Mr. Parker's premise is to learn the principles behind each action. As you learn the principles associated with each move, you must also learn to tailor them to your own distinctive capabilities. As you learn to tailor, you learn to become innovative. As variables become routine, appropriate responses become second nature and spontaneous. Such responses may be necessary in the street where a surprise attack may eliminate ones ability to examine all of the possible options. Only instinctive responses, developed through logical training methods and conditioning, provide the proper transfer of knowledge required in these situations.
As you study the newest of Mr. Parker's books, remember that progress can only be possible if you keep an open mind, if you are motivated to train properly, and if you view all the techniques logically. As a student of KENPO, you should recognize that knowledge can only be instinctively transferred to your extremities if it is thoroughly ingrained. Since there are no rules on the street, but only realities, you are encouraged to be very serious about your training. To quote Mr. Parker, "Unfortunately the philosophy on the street today is 'it's not who's right, but who's left that counts'".
I consider myself fortunate to study under Mr. Parker. Each lesson is a new experience. As I continue to explore his creative advancements, I am humbled by his unique and all -encompassing system. I am further encouraged by his open -minded ideology in energizing KENPO. Because of his persistence, his creations continue to remain dynamic. I know of no other system that updates material to keep up with the times.
With all that has been said, you can see why I view Ed Parker's KENPO as a timeless art. His KENPO was effective yesterday, is effective today, and will continue to be effective tomorrow. May his willingness to share his art continue indefinitely and spread to all those who honestly and sincerely wish to learn.
In conclusion may I state, "There are two ways of spreading the light, (1) to be the candle, or (2) to be the mirror that reflects it". Although not all of us can become candles, we are certainly not limited to being mirrors that reflect the light. My goal is to become both a candle and a mirror. With Mr. Parker's assistance, I feel that such a challenge can be met. I would like to express my extreme appreciation to Mr. Parker for allowing me the privilege of writing this preface. May future publications continue to convey his infinite knowledge for all to share.
Dennis Conatser Sr.
5th Degree Black Belt
1988
