Mr. Planas interview

 

The Forward Bow

(from a recent conversation on Facebook)

Mr. Parker demonstrating a Forward Bow transition (notice that I didn't say 'stance'); it can be argued that he is over-exaggerating the forward weight shift, but it is a clear display of the fact that a proper and structurally-practical 'Forward Bow' requires a sufficient weight-change AND shifting the hips FORWARD. 

So many in Kenpo merely pivot their centerline, allowing the front hip to rotate backwards rather than PROJECT both hips FORWARD. - American Society of Kenpo Karate

Absolutely correct. If we're not shifting our weight forward then its still a 50/50 weighted stance. It has to be 60/40 and only a positive shift of weight over the front foot will give you that. We need to move our lower Dantian forward but without leaning. And our rear toes need to be facing dead on 12 o'clock so that our hips also face 12 o'clock. - John Fletcher

Mr. Parker as well as Lee Wedlake stated that when pivoting into a Forward Bow Stance the weight should be 70/30 the 70% should be on the forward leg with the body tilting forward angling diagonally so that there is a straight line from the shoulders to the rear heal. - William Di Carlo

The posture of Mr. Parker in the picture is correct. Feet, weight distribution, and fist posture are all correct. There are two common variances of the "forward bow" predicated on circumstances that include forward momentum and/or a stationary posture. The forward bow in motion is inherently unstable and substitutes principles based on purpose. The stationary version, to be effective, must employ different principles. Both are functional when used within design parameters. When people think of "stances," they tend to think of "feet." Stances are "whole body posture." That is, your feet may be correct; however, if other parts of your posture are incorrect, then the stances become dysfunctional. Additionally, how you arrive at the posture also has an impact. The end product may look perfect, but how you arrived at that posture is equally as important, and therefore, a picture-perfect posture may still be incorrect because the mechanical movements utilized to achieve that perfect look may be wrong and destroy your stance function even though it may not be externally visible. - Ron Chapél

The perfect neutral bow

 

Long form 5 - list of techniques

Sometimes referred to as the "take down" form as well as the "surprise" form.

"Take down" because in all the techniques you are taking your attacker down to the ground, and "surprise" technique because at the beginning after the salutation you do not come to a close, you go right into the first technique with your hands still in the "prayer" position.

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Destructive Fans

Dance of Death

Leap of Death

Back Breaker

Hopping Crane

Sleeper

Brushing the Storm

Falling Falcon

Circling the Horizon

Leaping Crane

Mr. Parker interviewed by Mr. Joe Palanzo

An interview for Mr. Palanzo's "Martial Arts in America" program. 

Sadly Mr. Palanzo passed away a couple of weeks ago. He was very close to Mr. Parker, and actually was the first to open an Ed Parker franchise school on the East Coast.

(the sound quality goes in and out at the beginning but improves as the interview goes on.)

Long form 4 - list of techniques

Long form 4 consists of "live" techniques which are basically against punch, kick, and punch/kick combination attacks. (If you ever hear the term "dead" attacks those are basically grabs, "semi-live" attacks are pushes.)

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Protecting Fans

Darting Leaves

Unfurling Crane

Destructive Kneel

Flashing Wings

Gathering Clouds

Circles of Protection

Dance of Darkness

Thundering Hammer

Unwinding Pendulum

Reversing Circles

Snaking Talon

Circling Fans

(isolation set)

Defensive Cross

Bowing to Buddha

Prance of the Tiger

Shield and Mace

Five Swords

Twirling Hammers

Walking amongst giants

(from Sifu Gary Forbach's Facebook page)

One of my favorite photos ever! L-R: GGM Ralph Castro, me, FGM Ed Parker and Sijo Adriano D. Emperado at the 1981 Long Beach International Karate Championships! I am truly blessed, grateful, and honored to have walked amongst giants!!

Long form 3 - list of techniques

Long Form 3 continues with the "grab" technique theme of Short 3, but also adds "push" techniques.

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Destructive Twins

Crashing Wings - Dominating Circles

Parting Wings

Glancing Spear

(isolation set)

Crossing Talon

Thrusting Wedge

Blinding Sacrifice

Wings of Silk

Scraping Hoof - Repeated Devastation

Desperate Falcons

Short form 3 - list of techniques

Short form 3 is the first form to use listed self-defense techniques.

All techniques are "grab" techniques, (however "grab" techniques can also include holds, chokes, hugs, and locks.)

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Techniques in order:

Destructive Twins

Crashing Wings

Twirling Wings 

Circling Wing

Crossing Talon

Scraping Hoof

Fatal Cross

Grip of Death

Locked Wing

Crossed Twigs

Wings of Silk

Conquering Shield

Striking Serpent's Head

See you in the dojo in 2026