Edmund Parker, a six-foot, devout Mormon, is one of the pioneers in the expansion of karate in United States. Although he first started to instruct in 1949 in Utah, it was not until 1956 when he came to Los Angeles that he actually put forth his great effort in that movement. Today, he is the most renowned karate-ist in the U.S., being featured in widely circulated newspapers and magazines and being interviewed frequently on television.
Recently one of Black Belt’s reporters interrupted Ed’s training at his Pasadena’s dojo for a candid conversation:
Ed, do you think the A.A.U. will ever recognize karate as a sport?
I feel that after this coming Olympic in Japan, the AAU will accept karate and will also include it in its program in the following Olympic. I also think it will eventually replace boxing.
Speaking of boxing, recently the public has taken an adverse attitude toward it, do you think karate will supersede it?
Sure it will, if karate is presented to the public properly. Favoritism in tournaments should be banned and all tournaments should be opened to all clubs. I’m attempting to set a precedent in a coming tournament in Long Beach.
What tournament is that?
Haven’t you heard?
On August 2, a huge tournament is being sponsored at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium. Participants will come from Japan, Korea, Hawaii, Canada, Africa, Hong Kong, the Armed Forces, and from the various states. I think the tournament will be appreciated and approved in California because there won’t be any form (Kata) contest. It will be strictly freestyle sparing (Kumite). Kata will be only for demonstration. Last year I attended a tournament in Chicago. From the outset I was entirely against the Kata contest because I knew it was going to be difficult to choose the winner. Some of the contestants used Okinawan styles. Their movements, performed with deep breathing, were slow and beautiful. But they we not among the winners because the judges did not now how to grade them since they never seen anything like that before. Unless the participants are from the same school, Kata contest is unfair and causes discontentment among the contestants.
Ed, how many karateka do you expect to show up?
About 350. We are presenting 19 trophies with a value over $1,000. The grand champion trophy alone will be valued at $200.
Do you think the martial arts in this county will ever be as popular as England and France?
I know they will! But there exist a false concept that must be eliminated as we grow, and we hope we can work toward it this coming August. Everyone thinks his art is the best. I don’t advertise that mine is the best. I feel that each art has something to offer to one another.
In Judo a bigger man has an advantage over a smaller opponent, what about karate?
Well it could be. Sure, a bigger and stronger man will have a definite advantage over a smaller opponent.
Is there any possibility of organizing karate into one unit like the Judo Black Belt Federation?
It can be done, if the members have confidence in the chosen leaders. Such an affiliation will keep karate on a higher standard, especially in the grading system.
Ed, do you think the police in Los Angeles should take up karate?
I sincerely believe they should. I have one gripe against them. They do not take the trouble to find out what is karate and they assail that art as a “maiming sport”.
What about women, do you think they should practice it?
Certainly, it is good exercise and it develops their coordination and tones their bodies.
Have you taught well known personalities?
Sure, I can’t remember all of them off hand but here’s a few: Nick Adams, MacDonald Carey, Darren McGavin, the late Frank Lovejoy, Frank Sinatra, Danny Key, and Hollywood columnist Joe Hyam.
Who taught you karate?
Master William Chow of Hawaii. He’s still active and has the largest following in the Islands.
Why did you take up karate? Why not some other sports, like boxing?
I was in boxing. My dad was a boxing inspector for over 30 years. I took up karate 15 years ago because I felt, and still feel, that karate will be of greater benefit to me, especially in my old age. Karate relies on minimum movements with maximum effect.
Ed, when did you first teach karate?
In 1949. But I had to take a “break” 1951 when I joined the Coast guard. I resumed teaching in 1953 in Utah to the law enforcement, and to the students and faculties of Brigham Young University. Incidentally, the students were given college credits for their training sessions.
Did you finish Brigham Young University?
Are you married?
Yes, I’m married to a Hawaiian girl, name of Leilani. I have four children. Although they are still young, I’ve already initiated them to the fundamental techniques of karate.
I know you’ve already written two books, are you planning to write another?
Oh Yes, Actually I’ve just completed my third. I’m still debating with my publisher as to its title.
