Elvis and Mr. Parker t-shirt

I know is says "ELVIS" but I think most of us would want it because of Mr. Parker. 

I mean, how many Mr. Parker t-shirts are out there? Not many.

 https://shopsvip4s.ml/ProductDetail.aspx?iid=41691423&pr=28.88

Mr. Stephen LaBounty in action

 Breaking legs and gouging eyes.

S.M. Giant Wins "Karate" Crown

Coffee & Martial Arts - The Different Styles of KENPO - GM Joe Rebelo

Mr. Parker with bamboo staff

 Interesting photo, the only one I've seen of Mr. Parker with a staff.

Legend has it....

Legend has it that one night in Las Vegas, Elvis was in the penthouse suite of the Hilton when Alice Cooper, Liza Minnelli and Linda Lovelace came up to party with him. At one point in the evening Alice Cooper was holding a .32 snub nose revolver to his head and that's when Elvis did a flying kick knocking the gun away, tripping Alice Cooper and pinning him to the ground by the neck. 

"That's how you stop a man with a gun" Elvis said.

Shaolin Kempo Snake Fist, and Blood Fist forms

These guys win for the best named form, "Blood Fist".

No stance, no chance

 

Mr. Parker on Humility and Self Restraint

(from Law of the Fist and Empty Hand)

When first learning unfamiliar, yet effective, defensive techniques a large number of students are intrigued. Armed with enthusiasm, they seek further knowledge. Some try to advance too fast in their quest for defensive techniques, which actually hinders their progress. On the other hand, the enthusiastic student who works hard at one defense, and then goes on to another is the student most apt to retain these techniques, and use them effectively and without hesitation in time of need. Yet, regardless of how one proceeds to quench their thirst for knowledge, it is only common that some daydream, picturing themselves applying what they have learned to perhaps an immense neighborhood bully or a gang of ruffians and, of course emerging the victor.

However, the mastering of these techniques, though important from the physical standpoint, is not the true objective of 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐏𝐎 𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄. The physical techniques for preparedness develop confidence in a beginner; but as one studies the art and it’s deeper aspects, they will discover that self confidence is just a stepping stone to humility and self-restraint. When this spiritual attitude is obtained, success in daily living is just destined to prevail, and the true objective of 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐏𝐎 𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄 will have been attained.

Evidence of humble attitudes can be found not only in those having a knowledge of 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐏𝐎 𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄, but among other athletic greats in their respective fields. If a survey was to be conducted among these athletes, as to the origin of their humble attitudes, they would probably say that when the peak of their success was reached, they realized that their level of achievement was only the beginning of a new learning period. With yet many other levels to attain, one realizes how little he really knows, and thus rids himself of that “know-it-all”attitude. This does not necessarily hold true in some competitive sports where there is Team participation, but generally, applies to competition where the individual determines victory or defeat.

International Kempo Federation competition posters (The IKF is perhaps a bigger organization than previously thought)

Belt ceremony from the very early days

 

More from Mr. Conatser's Facebook page

(August 13, 2021)

I was just looking at a post stating how old a couple types of "Kenpo" is.

When analyzing this one must realize the facts that the physical roots of all systems start with human execution.

Ed Parker's American Kenpo is simply a compilation of traditional basics that are employed in all martial arts systems i.e., foot maneuvers, stances, blocks, punches, strikes, finger techniques, kicks, and various body maneuvers.

The genius of EPAK is the identification of all these components which leads to understanding and finally in acurate execution.

Not only the physical components but also the mental aspects and understanding of important principles and concepts explained for depth of understanding.

Creating an organized system of drills [Web of Knowledge] to explore various types of possible encounters and possible defenses was necessary for several reasons.

1) The Self Defense Techniques are to be viewed as "Drills to develop Skills".

2) Practicing these maneuvers "INITIALLY" develops "coordination" which is Paramount to be able to execute any adequate defense-!

These hypothetical scenarios are merely exercises to instill basic logic and executable abilities to neutralize the attack and escape as soon as possible.

3) These "drills" serve as a place to teach the (principles and concepts), needed to apply EFFECTIVELY the purpose intended.

4) The execution and understanding of said material also serves as an acknowledgement or level of advancement within the system (belt promotion). This however should be the least important segment, Knowledge and Skill acquisition is Paramount.

The basis of EPAK is "LOGIC." Why would we spend ANY amount of time on illogical activity, it is a waste of time. Seek truth, which leads to understanding, which leads to application-!

*Many "Know of" much Kenpo.

*Fewer actually "know" Kenpo

*Even fewer yet actually "understand" Kenpo

The GOAL of this process, is to be able to effectively "APPLY" what you do in an actual encounter an escape with an effective outcome-!

Our Salutation <Warrior/Scholar> implies "physical" and "mental" understanding and execution. Both are needed to secure success.

Always remember...

Victory comes when the TIGER isseen, but the DRAGON prevails.

C'Mon Maaaaann...

Perpetual Refinement

(from Mr. Rich Hales' Facebook page May 10th, 2021)

When Mr. Parker wrote The Zen of Kenpo, he said, “Kenpo never changes it is perpetually refined.”

I always try to keep this in mind when I make . . . refinements to the curriculum that I use and teach. Granted, a few of my own refinements are sometimes more like outright changes, but the process itself keeps me in check. Without checks and balances, it would be easy to drift so far from our roots we may as well stop calling our art American Kenpo.

I don’t have many pet peeves, but one is certainly when I hear people indiscriminately say things like, “I fixed that technique for Mr. Parker. If he were here today, he’d thank me.” Really? Do you think there’s any chance at all that if he were here today, he would either explain to you why he did it that way or maybe just bounce your head off the wall? Honestly, not only does Mr. Parker have a hundred times more “personal students” today than when he was alive, but damn near every one of them is smarter than he was.

Anyway, I think an honest and conservative approach to refining the system of Kenpo that Mr. Parker left us is not only allowable but should be a requirement for advancement within the black belt ranks. Not that every refinement should be accepted, many may not, but the process alone is a lesson unto itself.

The Process of Refinement:

A conservative process of refinement should end with only slight alterations to the original, but its journey should take you through a myriad of exploration and enlightenment.

This is what I tell people who want to change something Mr. Parker wrote. Imagine that you’re an attorney who has been hired to defend the writings of Ed Parker Sr. In this case, you’ll receive a thousand dollars for every self-defense technique you can defend to be true and of great value to the students of American Kenpo. With this thought in mind and $154,000 on the line, how quickly will you be to say, that one doesn’t work?

Maybe now, you may say, no this one is not as street effective as some of the others, but all the techniques must be considered as an entire body of work, not as individual techniques. Many techniques are like the difference between triceps extensions and biceps curls. Curls are easier and give you big guns. Triceps extensions are painful and much weaker than curls. Does this mean triceps extensions have no value? No, it means there’s more to bodybuilding than biceps, chest, and abs.

In hindsight, maybe Mr. Parker should have called his techniques drills instead of techniques. Think about it like this. Have you seen a football player do ladder drills? This is where they wiggle and jiggle through a rope ladder that’s laid out on the ground. Knowing it’s an agility drill makes it okay, but what if they called it a touchdown technique? I can’t help but imagine a guy running toward the goalpost crisscrossing his legs back and forth across an open field. What a stupid technique! In reality, we know that “technique” may be executed in only one brief moment and it may only be a single step, but without training the drill, the runner may have been blown off his feet by the opposing team. Herein is the essence of American Kenpo.

As an example, you can look at a small refinement I made to how the technique Back Breaker is written. It’s not a big change and it could be considered unnecessary. Few people ever read the manuals in such detail that it would ever be noticed. Only for Kenpo to be perpetually refined, as Mr. Parker said it would, I believe it’s worth a little effort now and then to keep the process moving forward. Hopefully, you can see and understand how the refinement is minor compared to how the process itself helps you interact with the material and brings other thoughts to mind. Ultimately, it’s not about changing or fixing, but about gaining a greater understanding of our art.

The Back Breaker: A classic technique of American Kenpo.

I have only refined a single movement within the sequence. Most people would never even notice the change because it's the way most of us have always done the technique anyway.

Step 4. says to drop your right foot back toward 1:30 into a left neutral bow as you pull on your opponent’s shoulders, forcing his upper spine into your left knee. Your hands should end at the level of your hips.

Then Steps 5 6 & 7 say to twist his head, break his neck, hand-sword the bridge of his nose, and deliver two downward back knuckles to both shoulders.

I love the entire sequence, but just try to keep your opponent on your knee while in a neutral bow. As far back as I can remember, we have always done this technique using a wide kneel. It's a stronger more stable stance and the angle of your left leg now provides shelf-like support for your opponent's back to rest on while you break him up into little pieces.

Note: Step 7 calls for the delivery of two downward back knuckles to the left and right humerus of your opponent’s shoulders. I originally learned this as two downward back knuckles to the collar bones. I'm neither here nor there when it comes to these targets. Many people will say the collar bones are a better target, as they're more vulnerable and when broken, quite debilitating.  

I agree with this, but then everyone seems to already know this, before any martial arts training. Yet, how many people are familiar with the effects of striking the bundle of nerves that run by, around, and under the humerus bone of the shoulder? Not as many, I suspect. I'm not sure why Mr. Parker said to target the bone instead of the nerves, but it could have been to either simplify the target or maybe to hide the specific target. Only Mr. Parker would know for sure.

If you do decide to target the collar bones instead of the humerus, you'll have no argument from me, but if you so choose, I suggest you switch your weapons from back-knuckles to hammer-fists. When striking nerves it's beneficial to use a pinpoint-type weapon, i.e. knuckles. Whereas if you want to break bones a heavy hammer-fist may be more appropriate.

Note: Another example of where targeting the nerves in the shoulder comes into play is in the original Five Swords, which was called Five Count. As I was taught, this was performed with all fists and no swords. Its name came from the five beats of timing. People who are unfamiliar with the origins of American Kenpo sometimes rename Five Swords to Seven Swords, because they don't know its history.

Five Count:

1) Left outward block to opponent's right inner arm, below the elbow with a right thrusting vertical punch into his right shoulder joint.

2) Right back-knuckle to opponent's temple, followed by a left vertical punch to his face.

3) Right punch to opponent's stomach.

4) Left hooking hammer-fist to the left side of opponent's neck.

5) Right downward hammer-fist to the back of opponent's neck.

When all is said and done, a conservative approach to refining the system Mr. Parker left us, should do more to reinforce your faith in his system than it does to boost your ego by having “changed” it.

The International Symbol

 

Some good kicking advice by Mr. Bob White

(Recently posted on Facebook by Mr. Bob White)

We use a very simple check list for kicking.

1. Protection

2. Balance

3. Weapon

4. Depth

Protection is keeping your hands up when kicking. Many don't and they fall into that category of thinking so much about offense that your defense suffers. It's simple, don't drop your hands when you kick.

Balance is posture,keeping your base leg bent, and landing because you want to not because you have to.

Weapon is hitting the the correct part of your foot. Front kick is normally the ball of the foot, Roundhouse could be the ball of the foot or the top of your foot depending on the target. Side Kick is the knife edge of the heel and the back kick is the bottom of the heel.

Depth is determined by the rotation of the base foot or thrusting hips forward in a front kick.

Karate Kenpo by Mabuni Kenwa

We are so used to saying "Kenpo Karate" that seeing "Karate Kenpo" makes you stop and do a double-take.

(from Barnes and Noble)

A translation and reproduction of Mabuni Kenwa's 1934 book on Karate fundamentals, training and philosophy.Mabuni Kenwa (1889 - 1952) was born in Okinawa as part of a Samurai family. He began studying Karate under the famous Karate master Itosu Anko (1831-1915) and later studied under master Higaonna Kanryo. Mabuni was legendary for his extensive knowledge of kata and other aspects of Karate. He was regarded as the foremost authority on Okinawan Karate by his contemporaries. He served as a police officer and taught his colleagues his martial art. This is his first book on Karate.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/karate-kenpo-the-art-of-self-defense-eric-shahan/1138242263

Kenpo - How to Survive Life: Concepts and Principles by Mr. Roy Travert

(from Amazon)

Kenpo – How to Survive Life is the first book in this series, it is an introduction into the basics that form the Kenpo system, and how they are applied for self-defense purposes. It explains the correct application of basics that includes stances, blocks, kicks, and strikes. It has a comprehensive explanation of Short Form 1, the Universal Pattern, and an introduction into the club techniques. There are specific chapters explaining the benefits of self-defense techniques, form training, and freestyle fighting. It is an introduction to the concepts and principles Kenpo Karate contains with a no-nonsense approach in applying them.

 https://www.amazon.com/Kenpo-Survive-Life-Concepts-Principles/dp/1514324881

White Tiger Fitness

The White Tiger Kenpo System was founded by Sr. Grand Master Tom Saviano in 1984. The White Tiger fighting system combines Southern Chinese, Northern Chinese, Japanese and Okinawan fighting arts. Rather than the usual focus put on direct strikes, the system is composed of circular blocks, linear and circular strikes, grabbing, throwing, sweeping and joint locking techniques.  

Although many types of kicks are used, the system is designed to use knee and foot strikes below the waist, with hand and elbow strikes above the waist. "Kenpo" is best described as a hand dominated system. It is neither hard nor soft, but a well-balanced system of both. Kenpo is fluid with continuous and rapid motion: graceful yet extremely devastating.

https://www.whitetigerkenpokarate.net/

How to do a Skip Kick - Shaolin Kempo Karate Martial Arts

"Kenpo jackets" aren't for kenpo

If you are looking for a jacket you can wear to show off your love of kenpo don't get confused if you Google "kenpo jackets" and it comes back clothing from a company named Kenpo that makes jackets designed around your Ipod.

https://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/kenpo-satin-bonded-jacket-for-ipod

Kenpo Creates Innovative iPod Jacket

Kenpo Inc., a downtown Los Angeles-based general clothing company, has unveiled their new Kenpo Jacket for iPod. The jacket will be available online at http://www.kenpofashion.com and at Macy’s department stores in California (locally at South Coast Plaza), New York and the surrounding areas for an MSRP of $275 at the end of the month.

The jacket will be available in two styles: an all-season hooded midweight coat with yellow stripes down the arm and a fleece-lined jacket with a different pocket orientation. Both jackets will also be available in silver and black.

The Kenpo Jacket for iPod, at first glance, looks like an ordinary jacket you might find hanging at Sports Chalet during ski season. Inside, however, is an iPod-shaped pocket and a cable that connects to the iPod’s headphone jack. The cable runs hidden from an interior pocket located next to the iPod pocket down to the left sleeve of the jacket. The fabric iPod switch sensor is located near the left jacket cuff, laid between the jacket’s innards, with the buttons laid out side-by-side along the forearm. The ‘smart fabric’ touch-sensitive iPod sensor, created and patented by the British company Eleksen, controls the iPod via the ribbon cable. Track and volume control is thus wholly available without unzipping the jacket.

https://www.newuniversity.org/2005/11/21/kenpo_creates_innovative_ipod67/

Bruce Lee - Before and After the Praise

 

Mr. Parker in an aikido dojo

 Date and location unknown.

Interesting photo though, Mr. Parker in an aikido dojo. No patches on his gi either. 

So possibly some judo training going on?

Bronze statue of Elvis in Honolulu

On January 14th, 1973, Elvis made history at the Honolulu International Center, now the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, as the first solo entertainer to broadcast live via satellite. More than 1 billion people in 40 countries tuned in to the Aloha from Hawaii concert. Remarkably, audience members paid no set ticket fee. Instead, they donated whatever they could, with proceeds going to a local cancer fund honoring one of Hawaii's own stars, Kui Lee.

Today, near the parking lot of the Blaisdell Center, stands a life-size bronze statue of Presley complete with a studded jumpsuit, a microphone and an acoustic guitar sporting the IKKA patch. 

Visitors usually find the statue draped in a fresh flower lei.  

Mr. Haumea "Tiny" Lefiti

When thinking about the history and development of Mr. Parker's kenpo one must not leave out the influence of Mr. Haumea "Tiny" Lefiti.

Born in Hawaii, of Samoan lineage, in 1930 Mr. Lefiti was one of the early masters of the Polynesian martial art Limalama. (Mr. Lefiti also studied kung fu from Master Ark Yuey Wong.)  

Mr. Parker practiced with and learned from Mr. Lefiti. 

Dr. Ron Chapel has even said Mr. Lefiti was "The man who inspired Ed Parker Sr. how to move."

Martial Intellect by Mr. Michael Miller

https://millersdojo.com/

from Amazon 

Martial Intellect is a collection of martial arts articles written by self-defense and personal protection expert Michael Miller covering a variety of topics including the anatomy of speed, the science of street survival, the realities of gun and knife defense, the ultimate martial arts style, the black belt, the importance of multiple strikes, kung-fu animals vs. Kenpo animals, a solid base vs. constant movement, American Kenpo’s Chinese elements, American Kenpo knife combat revealed, martial arts forms, finger strikes, the circle and the line, the value of private lessons, time – the fourth dimension, and much more. Many of the articles contained within this book were published in Black Belt or Inside Kung-Fu magazines from 2004 – 2008, others were accepted for publication in Inside Kung-Fu but were never published due to the magazine going out of print, and some are brand new articles written specifically for this book including an exclusive interview article with UFC Hall of Famer Dan “The Beast” Severn. Michael Miller holds a 5th degree black belt in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo and is an international instructor having taught seminars throughout the United States and Germany. He runs his full-time studio, Miller’s Kenpo Karate Dojo, in Bradford, PA. He was an undefeated amateur boxer in college, wrestled for eight years (5th grade – 12th), and coached wrestling at the Jr. High level for four years. He has cross-trained in Joe Lewis Fighting Systems (directly under Joe Lewis), Superfoot System (directly under Bill Wallace), Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (under three different lineages), Modern Arnis, Judo, Wing Chun, Krav Maga, and Chin-na. He is the co-founder of Stomp the Bullying, Inc. and his school is the East Coast Headquarters for the program. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh in writing with a minor in sociology and is the author of the Legends of Kenpo biography series.

https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Intellect-Collective-Articles-Michael/dp/1495389626
 

Mr. Cerio's Kenpo celebrates 25 years (1994)

 

Learning versus Training

(from Mr. Rich Hale's Facebook page April 14th, 2021)

In my opinion, many people are overly concerned with learning Kenpo (techniques, sets, and forms, etc.) and under-concerned with physical training. Techniques, sets, and forms are part of the equation, but only part. Equally important is getting in shape and staying in shape.

I often hear some older guys say things like, I may not be in the shape I was once, but all I need is about seven seconds to ruin somebody's day. I know they’re partially joking, because no one over sixty, will ever again be in the shape they were in at twenty. It's also true that some of these old guys can rain havoc down faster than most people can blink. On the other hand, there are a lot more trained fighters roaming the streets today than yesterday. When I first started in Kenpo, if you knew any amount of martial arts, you knew more than just about anyone you were likely to get into a fight with. Back then, a little bit of training went a long way. Today, if you get into a fight, it's far more likely that your opponent will have some training as well. They may not have as much as you, but they're far more likely to have something up their sleeve than not. This is where fitness comes into play. 

For self-defense, I don't think people have to be in shape to pound it out for three five-minute rounds, but they may need to go a single three-minute round. I know this sounds easy, but if you haven't done it for a while, start the clock and put everything you have into a heavy bag for three minutes. The average person’s punching power drops significantly after only thirty seconds. Add in some heavy kicks and most people gas out completely in about a minute.

Aside from being in good enough shape to outlast an opponent, whatever happened to the martial arts being a way to get in shape AND TO STAY IN SHAPE. Forty years ago, angry young men, drinking heavily in bars were my opponents. Today, a slower metabolism, longer recuperative periods, and the overall effects of aging are my opponents. Back then I didn't so much need to get in shape, because I was in my twenties and just being in my twenties meant I was in pretty good shape. What I needed then was to learn karate. Today, after studying karate for fifty years, I know so much karate it's coming out my ears. What I need now is to be in good enough shape to perform it. 

We can look at learning versus training like a scale we're trying to keep in balance. Too much learning with too little training and the scale drops to one side.  Too little learning and too much training and the scale drops to the other side. Now if this was all there was to it, all we would have to do is come up with the proper proportions of learning and training to balance the scale and we'd be set. Only life doesn't work that way. We can't just learn something once and keep it in our memory forever. Neither can we train our bodies to where we want them and stop training.  So now let's look at our scales as having varying size holes in the treys, where we're placing our learning and our training. As we learn, the knowledge is continually leaking out the hole in its tray and as we train, the fitness is continually leaking out the hole in its tray. Our job, if we're going to keep things in balance, is to add more learning "when learning is needed" and to add more training "when training is needed". I believe many martial artists, including myself, are out of balance.

There was a time when my image of a high-ranking Kenpoist was that of a strong and powerful person, who had great knowledge, power, precision, and control. Today my image of a high-ranking Kenpoist leans more towards a heavyset guy who can't even see his toes, let alone touch them.  In 2014, Master Ken, the ever-popular YouTube martial arts comedian, was the comic-relief entertainment at the Master's Hall of Fame event in Long Beach, CA. His comedic speech focused on various martial arts, teasing them about well know aspects of their art. For example, he said "Muay Thai guys are always kicking banana plants and cracking coconuts. So, what do these guys have against fruits and vegetables anyway?"  Okay, it was funnier in person.  So he gets to Kenpo and he says, "So what is it with this mandatory weight gain between every rank in American Kenpo?"  Well, the room burst into laughter . . . all except for a bunch of overweight Kenpo guys saying stuff like, "Who does this guy think he is!"

Ladies and gentlemen of American Kenpo - this is becoming our reputation. Not that Kenpo is the only art to have overweight and unhealthy practitioners, every art has its share . . . but we must admit, our share is disproportionately large and getting larger.

If you read this far, without hanging up on me, good for you, so now I'll say, of course, there are genetic factors and other reasons people gain weight. That and being large doesn't automatically mean you're not a great martial artist. I know big guys that are faster and more flexible than I am. I don't mean to degrade anyone. But, on the other hand, if you're simply lazy and like eating more than life itself . . .

Mr. Jeff Speakman - The Expert intro

Mr. Speakman is most famous for his 1991 film The Perfect Weapon, a film that became a martial arts classic thanks to Mr. Speakman's awesome skill and to the kenpo that was showcased in the film.

Mr. Speakman made a few more martial arts films as well.

In 1995 he starred in The Expert where kenpo again is used as the weapon of choice. 

The Shaolin Kempo Handbook by Mr. Marlon Anthony Wilson

from Amazon

 This handbook can guide and point. It cannot replace a good solid teacher. At times, I read it and think that I might have written too much; other times it seems far too general or too cryptic; yet, overall, I feel as though I have done good and it gives more than enough for a martial artist to grow and develop in body, mind, soul and martial skill. In the end it is for the reader to decide. This Handbook for the student of Shaolin Kempo holds key aspects and guidance to serve anyone seeking practical self-defense and to unlock the power of their Shaolin Kempo. I urge you to read, enjoy, question, test and practice well the material of these writings. Along the way, remember to enjoy and regularly have fun. Training is truth!

To purchase book

https://www.amazon.com/Shaolin-Kempo-Handbook-Training-Center/dp/1796069094/ref=asc_df_1796069094/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=509137599748&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8666312161043456134&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1026980&hvtargid=pla-904094886676&psc=1

American Kenpo Karate by Mr. Irvin B. Gill

from the WKKA web page:

Want to enhance your training?

American Kenpo Karate: Its Key Principles and Rules is that map for the kenpo practitioner. This book explores the five key principles that are the reasons behind the physical movements encompassed by this martial arts system. Just because a movement involves a kick or a punch, it isn't necessarily karate, let alone American Kenpo. With that map, it is difficult to get off the track. 

Over 200 photographs demonstrate the concepts within this book, which was written so that anyone, martial artists and non-martial artists alike, can understand and appreciate it.  

https://www.wkka.org/

from Amazon

Almost 50 years ago, a new television show swept our nation and captured my attention. It was called “Kung Fu”. It starred David Carradine as a Shaolin monk wandering the American Wild West. The philosophy was appealing, the fight scenes were riveting, but what really captured my interest was the relationship between the young Kwai Chang Caine and his mentors Master Po and Master Kan. So, I set in search for my own Master Po. Over the years I visited various styles and schools in my area. None worked for me. Until 1990, when I met an older, white haired gentleman who taught something called American Kenpo. His manner drew me in; his love for what he taught was infectious. But as time passed, I discovered that I wanted the art to contain more that basic moves, katas and self-defense techniques. Was that all there was, just to collect movements as if they were trinkets for a curio cabinet? Where was the philosophy? Where were the fundamental principles? I felt as if I was lost in the woods. I needed a map to chart my course through the unknown. Because when you have a map, a compass and a point of reference, you know where you are, where you are going and how you are going to get there.American Kenpo Karate – the Key Principles is that map for the Kenpo practitioner. This book explores the five key principles that are the reasons behind the physical movements encompassed by this martial arts system. Just because a movement involves a kick or a punch, it isn’t necessarily karate, let alone American Kenpo. With that map, it is difficult to get off the track.There are over 200 photographs that help to demonstrate concepts within this book, which was written so that anyone, martial artists and non-martial artists alike, can understand and appreciate it.

To purchase book

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1692972456?fbclid=IwAR3eH-HDQZ3BKuQgYESwOkJ98zQ3eT8b9BLlkmgkz4_EfMo4C15sW4O9eP4

Shorinji Kempo: Shaolin Kung Fu's Kicking Cousin

 Black Belt Magazine article from October 2013

Although martial art movies and magazines have caused the popularity of numerous arts to skyrocket, shorinji kempo remains a mystery to most people. Even martial art enthusiasts are frequently ignorant of shorinji kempo's techniques and philosophy. And they are almost always astonished to learn that the style has accumulated some 1.5 million students in more than 3,000 dojo in 27 countries. 

A single group headquartered in the town of Tadotsu on the island of Shikoku, Japan, regulates all training and testing. However, with only 23 dojo in the United States and four in Canada, shorinji kempo is still an enigma to most Americans. This article will attempt to remedy that. 

(click on the link for the full article)

https://blackbeltmag.com/shorinji-kempo

THE PAPER TIGERS Official Trailer (2021)

I missed this movie when it came out but it looks to be very funny. I will for sure pick up the DVD. 

Good to see Kenpo practitioner Matthew Page with what looks to be a major role. 

Poor guy knows what's coming

....and his face shows it.

Photo from https://kenpo.co.nz/

Mr. Parker practicing on a makiwara board

 Back in the early days. 

(Photo was taken in the first Pasadena dojo.)

Tiger Man dojo restored

Elvis' karate career

 (Elvis laughing with Mr. Bill "Superfoot" Wallace and Mr. Dave Hebler after hitting Mr. Wallace in the head with his trophy.)

Elvis had studied the martial arts for many years before he began studying kenpo after a chance meeting with Mr. Parker.

Elvis was first exposed to karate in 1958 after he was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany. His first instructor was a German shotokan stylist named Juergen Seydel who taught Elvis at his off-base housing in Nauheim. Elvis developed a passion for karate which continued throughout his life.

When he returned to Memphis, Elvis earned his first degree black belt in 1960 under Chito-ryu stylist Hank Slemansky. Later, he trained in a Memphis dojo under Master Kang Rhee, who bestowed upon him a seventh degree black belt in March of 1973 and his eighth in September of 1974. Elvis would open his own center, the Tennessee Karate Institute in the Crosstown area of Memphis in 1974.

Growth

 Makes me think of every time we hit the mat we should be progressing, even if it is just a little bit. 

If you go to class or a seminar and you don't progress you've wasted your, and everyone else's, time.

The Art of Action - Jeff Speakman - Episode 17

Mr. Ralph Castro's family of martial artists

 From left to right, Mr. Castro, and his children Boss, Rob, April, May, June, July, and Mia.

Everyday Martial Artist Podcast with Brian Doucette interviews Mr. Ed Parker Jr.

 Link to interview

https://everydaymartialartist.com/episode-11-ed-parker-jr/?fbclid=IwAR1hPlx8jtkTU6KBMJCbYecnXIZClgeEnVICt8n3ksr3ThH22838cThgLqA

"Speed Kills" - Your Technique

 (posted recently on Facebook by Mr. Ron Chapel)

"I'm not fast, I just use my body efficiently which creates an illusion of speed. Like the 'slow' receiver in football who always open, it's not the speed but the effective proper execution that kills you." - Ed Parker Sr.

SPEED DEFINED

To understand martial techniques (empty hand or weaponized), and how they function, you must have knowledge of physics. It is the study of our body and how our senses, through the use of mathematical laws, theories, concepts, and principles of mass, speed, body alignment, angles, body momentum, torque, focus, stability, power, penetration, etc., can make our body function intuitively.

An in-depth study of these theories, concepts, and principles of physics will also reveal the sophisticated basics that are contained within properly taught embryonic basics. It is interesting that the teaching of the martial arts from Mr. Parker’s perspective as I was taught, centered completely around the understanding of body mechanics first.

As teachers of bio-mechanics in interactivity, it is incumbent on those who would label themselves sijo, sensei, grandmaster, professor, etc. that they would have a fairly extensive functional knowledge and understanding of the biomechanics of human movement before assigning ourselves such labels. One must ask the question sincerely, “What do I really know about body mechanics to teach it to someone else?”

A look around will reveal most don’t even know how to make an effective fist before the interaction even begins, let alone the intricacies of stances and footwork. Some serious self-examination needs to occur before “striping up.” Anyway, back to speed which on a mechanical level has its roots firmly planted in mechanics. However, that is only a part of the action and there are things that occur well before we get to the mechanical or physical stage of acting or reacting in response.

"He who hesitates meditates in a horizontal position", is a statement Ed Parker Sr. used to imply the need for prompt action. It is a statement referring to terms related to the many components of speed. "Do it now", "I want it done this instant", "be prompt", "you'd better be fast", "be quick about it", "you must do it rapidly", "it depends upon the swiftness of your action", are terms that imply speed, or act to hasten velocity irrespective of direction or dimensions.

As we study these terms, we learn that they are in Newtonian Physics concepts related to distance and time. By definition, speed is equal to the distance divided by the time (s=d/t) it takes to act or move. Speed in totality, however, goes beyond the definitions described. Like the mechanic who uses a number of terms to describe the different types of wrenches they might use, we too, must distinguish and categorize speed to make it meaningful in our interaction as a practitioner, and understand it comprehensively as an instructor.

There are three categories of speed -- perceptual, mental, and physical or mechanical. However, although categorized separately in order to analyze what speed entails, they nevertheless function as one realistically as a single entity.

Perceptual speed is the quickness of the senses to monitor the stimulus that it receives, determine the meaning of the stimulus, and swiftly convey the perceived information to the brain so that mental speed can parlay the response. To the Martial Scientist, it is the feel of trouble, a sound that alarms or warns of trouble, a sign or gesture that suggests trouble, seeing the incoming strike, or the opportunity to attack or counterattack. Speed of this type can be increased by maintaining alertness predicated on the environment and by conditioning the senses to harmonize with environmental awareness (Infinite Insights - see Volume I, Chapter 11). But we must also be aware that our environmental senses also function independently of conscious thought and adjust themselves without our knowledge to prevent sensory overload in certain circumstances.

Mental speed is the quickness of the mind to select appropriate responses to effectively deal with the perceived stimulus. Speed of this type, however, can only be increased by practicing the various aspects of your techniques on a regular basis. This involves inculcating the techniques to a point of total familiarity and instinctive response (mental speed) in nullifying the threat. Speed, therefore, is a byproduct of mental and physical familiarity. As you broaden your knowledge of alternatives and can conceptualize the random answers that exist in your subconscious mind, your instinctive response (mental speed) increases proportionately when it is triggered by the perceived stimulus or external threat, and this goes beyond the initial speed created by Startle Reflex which too, functions independently like our environmental senses.

Physical speed (body performance) is the promptness of physical movement -- the fluency in response to the perceived stimulus. In a martial environment, it is the speed of the actual execution of a technique. Speed of this type can be increased through stretching, body conditioning, and other proper methods of training.

Stretching exercises help to increase elasticity that automatically develops reach. Body conditioning prevents fatigue and allows body speed to function for longer periods of time. Knowledge of the principles of correct anatomical movement relative to the circumstances also contributes to speed. It avoids erroneous angles and teaches you how to administer your strength (power) in obtaining the most for your efforts in the shortest possible practical and effective time which isn’t always a straight line. (A major confusion when comes to Point Of Origin).

This principle (1) stresses the importance of being relaxed when striking -- tensing only at the moment of impact, (2) makes one aware that time is crucial, (3) uses movements that follow proper indexing of the body to achieve maximum speed and effectiveness to the desired results, (4) eliminates telegraphing unless used as a means of anatomical necessity or deceptive strategy; teaches (5) continuity, flow, and interactive rhythm (a topic that needs further elaboration), (6) to respond from wherever your natural weapons are located at the time of combat (point of origin), no matter what your, or your attacker’s, body position may be at the time; (7) target accessibility and the distance, or range, that exists between your attacker’s targets and your natural weapons, ( 8 ) the time it will take to get to the target of your choice, and (9) to also consider the speed of your attacker's action or especially reaction when analyzing movement.

A concluding note -- while body speed often enhances power, it is without a doubt NOT the root of power. Synchronization of body mass and speed are only two of the major ingredients that add to creating power. The body mass not only must be present, but it must also present itself in an anatomically efficient and directionally congruent whole-body manner to maximize effectiveness in action while minimizing damage to one’s own anatomy over time. Don’t become a victim of the “Martial Curse” and fall into the trap that speed is everything. Everyone wants to be “fast.” The key is to stay “within yourself.” Never let your speed overcome your ability to execute properly with good stances, basics, and control. If your execution exceeds your basic skills, your speed is relatively meaningless in the long term. Being fast is cool. Being fast for a long time is even cooler.

“Speed is a byproduct of mental and physical familiarity.”

An old kenpo joke

 

Inside Kung Fu magazine, July 1977

 

Bill Ryusaki: Hawaiian Kenpo Karate

 by Terry Wilson for usadojo.com September 17, 2013

Mr. Bill Ryusaki was the founder of Hawaiian Kenpo Karate. During his years as a martial arts instructor Master Ryusaki has trained some of the world's best fighters including the famous Urquidez family.

As a younster living in Hawaii, Bill and his brothers were forced to study Shotokan karate.

"I have 7 brothers, and my father was our teacher," Master Ryusaki said. "He taught us Shotokan karate and Kodokan judo. Training was not an option, it was something he made us do everyday."

Years later while in college Bill got into a fight with several Samoans how beat him up, despite his Shotokan training. It was then that he began searching for ways to improve upon his traditional karate techniques. 

"I started working with Mariano Tiwanak, a famous Hawaiian boxer who also trained in Kenpo Karate," explained Master Bill Ryusaki. "That was my introduction to Kenpo."

Following college Bill moved to California where he met and trained with and taught for Ed Parker, John Leione and Edwin Tibayan. While maintaining his father's roots in Shotokan, Bill Ryusaki began incorporating elements of Kenpo and Judo into his own style of fighting, which eventually became known as Hawaiian Kenpo.

During the 1970's and 1980's Master Ryusaki's karate fighting teams were virtually unstoppable. Today he continues to train and teach his unique style of martial arts. With more than 200 schools worldwide his students continue along the path Master Ryusaki paved decades earlier.

"We are kenpo at heart, however, we are always evolving and accept any style into our system," says Master Ryusaki.

https://www.usadojo.com/bill-ryusaki/

-------------------

Master Ryusaki passed away at West Hills hospital on December 4th, 2016. He was 80 years old.

"I Don't Need Therapy" poster

 available for purchase on Amazon 

Ms. Dian Tanaka on forms

 "When judging forms, to me the most important part of forms competition goes beyond the physical. By this I mean that the judges gravitate toward the person who performs the kata with such intensity that they stop seeing them as a competitor and can actually visualize the opponent getting hit. Moreover, they can personalize the experience, thinking, 'Oh my god, if I was on the other end of that shot, that would hurt?' And so, when I work with people to ready them for a competition, I always say please do not forget this is not just a bunch of moves in the air. Think of the shot. Visualize it. You have to feel this as if the opponent were right in front of your face. And you have to turn your head sharply because there is someone right on your back, and you just can’t lollygag and turn slowly and make it unrealistic. It has to be real, and it has to be so real that the judges actually forget about seeing you. They’re seeing the opponent be the recipient of all of your shots." --Dian Tanaka, "The Journey" (2001)

Potomac Kempo

The Potomac Kempo mission statement, for those who don’t know, is this: “We improve lives by challenging men, women, and children to become healthier, happier, and better. We do this through personalized instruction in the versatile martial art of Shaolin Kempo.” To some of us, this statement is a personal crusade, something that occupies our thoughts every day. This mission stems from our own experiences — our own journey of becoming healthier, happier and better. Anyone who has studied the martial arts has experienced this, and anyone who continues to study continues to experience it.

It is different for everyone; to some it is physical, to some it is mental, to some it's more. To some it is the high they get going home sweaty and exhausted, to some it is calm and patience that seems to pervade their lives. to some it is lower blood pressure, to some it is greater confidence. It is a very real feeling that millions of people have experienced over the years. Honestly, I don't fully understand why doing a form a thousand times improves your life or why sparring and doing push-ups can create euphoria. All I know is that it works, and continues to work. Once you acknowledge that the martial arts can improve lives - making people healthier, happier and better - wanting to share that is almost automatic.

Master Chris Santillo

https://www.potomackempo.com/

Bruce Lee in Long Beach

 

A tribute to Mr. Trejo

 

Kenpo Tiger and Dragon ring

The Kenpo Tiger and Dragon ring made famous in the 1991 movie The Perfect Weapon starring Mr. Jeff Speakman. 

Available for purchase on Etsy.com

Kenpo Long form 2 with 3 section staff

(part 2 - follow link)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q68TaVmrQLQ&t=16s

United Shaolin Kempo Karate, in Waltham, MA since 1968

Proudly serving our community instilling "Life Skills" from this location since 1968, offering Self Defense and Fitness classes to everyone, ages 4 and up. 

https://uskempokarate.com/