Jim Kelly, Bruce Lee, Enter the Dragon and kenpo karate

(from wikipedia)

Jim Kelly began his martial arts career under the tutelage of Sin Kwang The' (Shaolin-Do) in Lexington Kentucky.  He trained in Okinawan karate under the direction of Parker Shelton, Nate Patton, and Gordon Doversola. During the early 1970s, Kelly became one of the most decorated world karate champions in the sport. In 1971, he won four prestigious championships that same year, most notably, the World Middleweight Karate title at the 1971 Long Beach International Karate Championships. Kelly opened his own dojo which was frequented by numerous Hollywood celebrities and which ultimately landed him in the movies. 

Kelly was the first black martial arts film star. His first film role was a martial arts instructor in the thriller feature film Melinda (1972). He got it after being asked by the film's writer, to whom he was introduced by one of his karate students, to teach martial arts to its star, Calvin Lockhart. Kelly then co-starred alongside Bruce Lee in the blockbuster Enter the Dragon (1973). He played Williams, a martial artist invited to a tournament run by crime lord and renegade Shaolin monk Han. The role was originally intended for actor Rockne Tarkington, who unexpectedly dropped out days before shooting in Hong Kong. Producer Fred Weintraub had heard about Kelly's karate studio in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles, went there to see him, and was immediately impressed. 

That film gave him his most memorable lines

Han: We are all ready to win, just as we are born knowing only life. It is defeat that you must learn to prepare for.

Williams (Kelly): I don't waste my time with it. When it comes, I won't even notice.

Han: Oh? How so?

Williams: I'll be too busy looking good.

-----

If you want to be "too busy looking good" may I suggest this Enter the Dragon inspired Jim Kelly "Williams" t-shirt based on the Black (Kenpo) Karate Federation cobra logo which appears briefly on the wall in a flashback dojo scene in the film. 

https://www.bathroomwall.com/products/enter-the-dragon-inspired-williams-jim-kelly-kung-fu?variant=8035137191964

Kenpo Kards

EPAKS Guide to the Kenpo Kards (Kindle Edition)

(from Amazon.com)

This book will guide you to an understanding of how the Kenpo Kards can help enhance and invigorate your workouts. It delves deep into every aspect and detail of the Kenpo Kards. Each feature and use is explained and illustrated in a clear and concise manner.

This book is designed to open many avenues of understanding and use of the Kenpo Kards. And through that new understanding, open new doors into exploring and comprehending the many concepts, theories, and principles of American Kenpo.

This book is a must for American Kenpo practitioners of all ages, ranks, and experience!

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kenpo+kards&crid=2JKGH2JJJDUJF&sprefix=kenpo+kard%2Caps%2C152&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

The full version of the revolutionary Kenpo Kards app is now available for Android!

This app has the ability to sort, study, and browse the Kenpo Kards in numerous ways. It even has the ability to call out the list of sorted Kards, so that you and (a) partner(s) can practice along as the list is played for you.

Here is a list of some of the things you can do:

* study all kards individually

* find and study a specific kard

* pick from a list of kards to study

* sort the kards based upon multiple features / aspects of a technique

* choose only the kards you practice

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=epaks+kenpo&i=digital-text&crid=2SK25HYXXZRTT&sprefix=epaks+kenpo%2Cdigital-text%2C121&ref=nb_sb_noss

You can still get the original physical Kenpo Kards (at least I think they are the actual physical cards) through the EPAKS official website. 

The physical cards will run you about $120.00 total where the digital version will run you about $30.00, however there were a couple of comments on Amazon saying that the App is kind of old and clunky and maybe a waste of money. 

If you are interested in the product you might want to go big or go home and just get the actual book and cards.

https://kenpokards.com/kards-catalog.php

They will call anything Kempo these days

These AI generated images are really getting dumb. I thought AI was supposed to be smart.

It literally got nothing correct.

Horrible neutral bow stances, no heel to toe alignment, hand placement is debatable, and for some odd reason they are all looking over into the corner of the room instead of up front.  

There are a couple of brown belts in front of the black belts, (black belts should be up front), I don't see any black gi's anywhere, and what is up with the aikido lady wearing her hakama?

This is not kenpo.

Kenpojoe's kenpo patch collection (explanation and update)

A fun video by Kenpo Joe Rebelo going over his kenpo patch collection. 

He has probably well over 100 patches!

Bruce Lee with Dan Inosanto

One of several photos of Bruce Lee with Dan Inosanto taken for the magazine Kung Fu monthly.

It's cool to see Mr. Inosanto representing in his Kenpo gi with the IKKA crest.

Seems pretty sketchy - "Ultimate American Kenpo Karate"

I'm going to call BS on this one. What do you want to be this was written by some AI computer or something?

Buyer beware, not all kenpo books are written the same!

(from Amazon.com)

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of American Kenpo Karate? Journey through centuries of rich history and evolution as you uncover the secrets and techniques of this dynamic martial art. Renowned martial arts expert Zhang Wei Ming invites you to embark on an exhilarating adventure that will transform you into a master of American Kenpo Karate.

In this comprehensive guide, you will trace the roots of American Kenpo Karate and witness its remarkable evolution. Explore the visionary founders who paved the way, with a spotlight on the legendary Ed Parker, whose innovative contributions shaped American Kenpo Karate into the powerhouse it is today. Discover why American Kenpo Karate holds a unique and significant place in the world of martial arts.

Prepare to dive into the fundamental principles that form the bedrock of American Kenpo Karate. Flow seamlessly and harmoniously, like a river carving its path through the land. Embrace the stability and resilience of a rock, finding balance and strength in every movement. Discover the art of economy of motion, maximizing your efficiency and effectiveness. With each chapter, you will delve deeper into stances, footwork, strikes, and blocks, unlocking the true power and potential of your techniques.

Experience the thrill of mastering offensive techniques as you unleash advanced striking combinations. Hone your precision targeting and timing, delivering devastating blows with expert skill. Explore the art of angles and distancing, utilizing these strategic elements to gain the upper hand in combat. Real-life scenarios and examples will illustrate how to apply these techniques efficiently, ensuring you are well-prepared for any situation.

No warrior is complete without a formidable defense. Learn the secrets of effective blocking strategies and discover the art of redirecting and countering attacks. Unlock a repertoire of techniques that will leave your opponents stunned and powerless. Through practical examples and scenarios, you will witness the efficiency and effectiveness of these defensive techniques. Escape and release from grabs with ease, ensuring your safety and dominance.

Dive into the intricate world of joint manipulation and locks, where precision and control reign supreme. Explore the power of pressure points and master the art of wrist locks, arm bars, and flowing lock sequences. Witness the seamless flow of these techniques and discover their practical applications in real combat situations.

Expand your horizons with the way of the empty hand and weapons training. Learn how to defend against knife attacks and disarm your opponents with confidence. Immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional weapon forms and discover the art of improvisation and adaptation in weaponry.

Unleash the power of your mind with mental focus and conditioning. Develop resilience and mental strength through breathing techniques, visualization, and meditation. Enhance your combat skills and tactical prowess through controlled sparring sessions, where footwork and timing are paramount. Witness the importance of effective strategies and draw inspiration from the parable of the wise swordsman.

As you progress on your journey, you will encounter advanced training methods that will push your physical limits. Build strength and endurance with targeted exercises and stamina-building techniques. Cultivate discipline and perseverance, setting goals and tracking your progress along the way. Embrace the philosophy and spirit of American Kenpo Karate, embodying its principles in every aspect of your life. This comprehensive guide, accompanied by a glossary of key terms and a bibliography for further exploration, is your gateway to mastering this revered martial art. Embark on this thrilling journey today and awaken the warrior within. The path to becoming a true master awaits you.

About the Author

Zhang Wei Ming is a renowned master of all martial arts, with over 40 years of experience in the field. He began his martial arts training at a young age, studying various styles such as Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun, and Wushu. He later discovered Tai Chi Chuan and was immediately drawn to its graceful movements and philosophical principles.

Over the years, Zhang has trained with some of the most respected Tai Chi Chuan masters in China, and has traveled all over the world teaching and sharing his knowledge. He is known for his deep understanding of Tai Chi Chuan philosophy and his ability to communicate its principles in a clear and accessible way.

Zhang is also a certified instructor in various other martial arts, including Karate, Judo, and Aikido. He believes that studying different martial arts can help to deepen one's understanding of the principles that underlie all martial arts.

In addition to his martial arts practice, Zhang is also a trained acupuncturist and herbalist, and has studied Traditional Chinese Medicine for many years. He incorporates this knowledge into his teaching, emphasizing the holistic nature of Tai Chi Chuan as a practice that benefits not only the physical body, but also the mind and spirit.

Zhang currently resides in Beijing, China, where he teaches Tai Chi Chuan and other martial arts to students from all over the world. He is committed to sharing the beauty and benefits of Tai Chi Chuan with as many people as possible, and hopes that this book will inspire readers to continue their own Tai Chi Chuan journey