I studied Tracy Kenpo for 3 years, than my School switched over to Parker American Kenpo. I studied that for another 3 1/2 years. The difference between the two versions that I noticed was that Parkers was more thought thru, such as when you pulled someones arm down, Parker had you put a check to protect you from the persons head. Tracy didnt have the check. At first I was upset that my Teacher switched to Parker American Kenpo, because I already had gotten to my Green Belt in 3 and one half years in Tracy Kenpo. But as I saw that Parker had kept developing His Art when Tracy went on his own, I appreciated why my Teacher switched to Parker American Kenpo. I had to start all over in Parkers, and studied another 3 years and achieved my 3rd Degree Brown Belt. I continue to practice Kenpo, and also study MMA and FMA. But Kenpo will always be my foundation. Salute.
I watched the original series of these 3 videos. My dad learned Kenpo Karate and eventually ran the Kenpo Dojo in North Seatttle during the 1960’s. He became a Black belt and eventually he had to travel to Los Angles to get his next degree from Ed Parker. Thank you for publishing these videos! I learned allot about my late father from them. I never realized that Dad was so influential in development of American Kempo here in the US. Thank you! Ben
As a black belt of kempo I enjoyed this documentary thank you, it's my foundation but now I am learning white tiger from GM's directly, the top circles are very few in the world and I am associated with one of them which is connected to 9 other international associations
My instructor actually knew both Tracy and Parker. He recently became a 9th degree blackbelt and he has been doing it since the early 80s. He had a go designed like al Tracey’s checker patern
That's correct. The Tracy's spread Kenpo around the country. Mr Parker got many, many schools to join his IKKA and start the commercial school version for kids and everyone. Some high rank blackbelts came from other non Kenpo Karate systems and Mr Parker let them keep that BB rank. They didn't know orange belt.
Awesome unity Crest! I was Barbara Hale student in Ventura 4 years 1989. I listened to every word she said I seen Mr. Ed P. twice there❤ I always stayed late waiting for my mom to pick me up. I had to leave one time without saying goodbye she was clutched siting on the floor holding Me Parkers picture crying. As I believe she was one of his most beloved students. Jeff was on the board of my purple belt test
Excellent history video. Thank you so much. Ed Parker is an inspiration to me, as I have created a hybrid system of self defense based on Tae Kwon Do strikes, Hapkido for standing struggling and Brazilian Juijitsu for ground grappling… as well as adrenal self defense using the Bulletman and Woofer technology taught to me by Mr. Bill Kipp. It takes a LOT of work to put together an entire self defense system that’s logical and systematic and effective as possible in real modern violence. Much respect to Ed Parker and to you for producing this video! [bow]
This was a great video for Kenpo (Kempo). I would just like to mention the style I was taught. I have studied and teach Kosho Ryu Kempo. My instructor is Shihan Roger Fife, who studied in Hawaii under Grandmaster Simeon Eli. Grandmaster Eli’s instructor was Grandmaster Thomas Young, who was promoted by Grandmaster James Mitose. William Cho studied Kempo with Mitose. During that same time Young and Eli were in the same dojo ( Hawaii Self Defense Club).
I use to practice American Defendu, it's like watered down American Kenpo. While I can't practice much anymore due to health reasons, I got to watching American Kenpo, Tracy Kenpo and reading manuals and it has greatly helped me to understand the body mechanics of Defendu, the why you do this, to get this reaction, etc. Much respect for American Kenpo. That being said Defendu is derived from Judo, Chinese boxing but resembled American Kenpo but on a simplified level to be quick to train troops with. W.E. Fairbairn was the creator.
I studied Kenpo in the late 70's. My instructor was 1 generation removed from Parker. Our techniques had the colorful names. Such as, Kimono Grab, The Cub, Prayer of Death etc. My instructor taught us that you would not use the techniques exactly as taught. But, rather, after learning hundreds of ways to block and counter a right punch, or some other attack, and practicing them hundreds of times, you wouldn't decide what to do. Your subconscious would cause you to react as necessary, without thinking. Just the same way a boxer does. Or, a baseball player, or anyone else. Practice, practice, practice.
One was a guy named Conners. I don't know if he was direct to Parker. But, his other instructor was also a student of the first guy. My Sifu was also friends with Kajukembo master whose name I think was Emperado, out of Dallas at the time. We were out of San Antonio. Some of our forms had cool names too. Poison Hands. Mass Attack. Bookset. Mantis. This was almost 50 years ago. Memory fades.
Most excellent. Highly informative. Those who deride Kempo jutsu are stuck on stupid. Kempo jutsu is easily transformed into any and all situations circumstance systems and styles. Kempo ROCKS 🙏🏼🐅🐉
In the mid and late 70s, Tracy KENPO was very Popular here in Silicon Valley, California along with other styles of Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do/Mo Duk Kwan, SHOTOKAN kARATE and GOJU Ryu Karate. I studied Tae Kwon Do in which the training regimen is RIGID and VERY POLITICAL, You cannot question the KOREAN MASTER, they DEMAND LOYALTY. When I see KENPO, the American Innovation of Ed Parker, is Flowing and Dynamic and Beautiful to Watch.
It’s always nice seeing more about Kenpo and it’s always interesting seeing other lineages and how a lot of people train different I train under the sifu Planas lineage
"He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance. Once cannot fly into flying." ~ Nietzsche The more time one spends learning to write words, sentences, paragraphs, and poetry (generally in that order), the better suited one will be to extemporaneous discourse...and debate. American Kenpo _does_ require awkward techniques with limited _real life_ applicability, _but_ they _all_ teach us essential principles of movement to apply _as needed, when needed._ For any given enterprise, a well-stocked tool kit...and a functional familiarity with every tool in it...is the surest means by which to achieve a successful outcome. P.S. I love that you mentioned Adriano Emperado! Upon moving to a place with no Kenpo schools, I eventually made my way to a Kajukenbo school...whose founder _also_ started in American Kenpo. In fact, several of the instructors at Pierce Family Gung Fu mentioned how much I _moved_ like Grand Master Ron Pierce...understandable because of our similar _roots._
Ed Parker is a improvising genius combing basic academics; like the alphabet, mathematics, physics and geometry into collegiate term's of definition and meanings. When people say American Kenpo is fake? It's only fake too those who lack imagination and concept of motion. I'm not a practitioner of American Kenpo (basics in Tracy Kenpo). I can take 3 technique's like Thundering Hammer, Lone Kimono, and Parting Wing (researching the art itself for 12yrs). And make it my own no matter what. I don't lack imagination when the art itself is realistic as the user using it. Place it's a art base on the economy of motion, positioning, & reaction time. American Kenpo is indeed, a highly effective art (base on the user).
Dear Dr. Dan, thankyou and arigato, in Japanese. My nàme is Derek Rocha of Melbourne VIC Australia. I study Kyokushin Karate at Banana Alley. I have recently signed up for Japanese Language lessons because I am very keen about the culture: of the Martial Arts I believe is the best. Your contribution on CZcams; is of very great benefit to me, and also my friends: who are regular viewers to you and your efforts, time and consideration. Yours Sincerely, Derek 🙏😎🍌OSU!!
Just came across a video on CZcams called Dynamic Kenpo featuring Steve Sanders Muhammad creator of the BKF.Although very dated its awesome from a historic standpoint and you can see alot of the Parker techniques demonstrated. My teacher Vic Leroux told me that Steve was the best ACTUAL fighter in Kenpo.Love this channel.
I've studied both the Parker and the Tracy versions of kenpo. It's been my experience that while the Parker system tends to 'blend' the Chinese (circular/flowing) kung-fu type techniques with the Japanese/Okinawan ('hard'/linear) karate type techniques, the Tracy system tends to 'separate' these more, beginning the student with predominantly the more linear karate techniques and slowly graduating to the more circular kung-fu techniques as one moves up the rank (belt) scale. In fact, in the Tracy style, there are tiger and crane forms/sets taught at the higher belt rank levels, derived from traditional kung-fu, namely Hung-Gar. Has anybody else experienced this?
Having reach a high level of training in both Tracy and Ed Parker systems I've witnessed several additional differences between the arts. 1) Parker added the left hand use to the techniques, 2) Parker stances are much higher thus being more maneuverable, 3) Tracy uses Chinese based forms and 4) Tracy has no terminology. My art of Black Rose Kenpo that I created blends the best of both systems. There is 20 techniques for each kyu (White) level and 2 forms being of Parker's. In Brown Belt levels for each Degree are 3 forms some being Chinese and 10 techniques with extensions. Black Dans are the same. Each Dan has a thesis required to be determined by the instructions and student's agreement.
American Kenpo was actually my favorite studies in the Martial Arts. Training under the tutelage of GM Ed Parker (1931 - 1990) under the instruction of Ed Booze (who is still my friend on FB). I was in the 24 technique system of American Kenpo. Our gi was red bottoms and a black top for tournaments only; but white gi for ranks under brown and black gis for brown and black belts. As a Kenpo Black Belt myself I really appreciate the breakdown you did of American Kenpo. Though only studied it for 3 years intensely (1987 - 1990), it was a martial art I instilled in my system of Tiger Ryu. PS Jeff Speakman is still my favorite Kenpo stylist and actor and collected all his movies. Did not know of the complete breakdown of Kenpo 5.0 starting at 45:20 . Thanks for the great video. Have a Happy New Year! Oss! Master K, MA 9th Dan and founder of Shurinju Tiger Ryu Kempo - Karate Do.
@art of the dojo I started my first Kenpo class tonight and I must say I got my first workout I have to get rid of my Tang Soo do Yin Style Bagua and Kokikkai Ryu Aikido out the Window. I was Trained with Mr.Max of Panther Kenpo I think I lost 5 or 10 pounds. Listen Training in this style was awesome Tonight Thank you Mr.Dan Trenton NJ Love's your channel
Excellent work!. Love your channel. My two cents worth. I'm a black belt in Kenpo, however, I don't come from a Parker (thus/or Tracy) linage. I trained under Ron Alo who trained directly under Chow. From the mid '60s to early '80s. (yes I'm pretty old!) So it would be cool if you did a video some time about "Alo Kenpo". If you want some input, let me know. There's a lot in common and a lot different. I'll give you my contact info and that of the very few of us left in that lineage. Thanks.
Really enjoyed this episode, excellent information! The openness and willingness to experiment and learn that was expressed by all teachers who spoke including yourself, is very commendable! American Kenpo seems to me to be an EXCELLENT self defense system, and you all are in my opinion doing a great job in honoring Mr. Parker's concepts and memory. Also as a fan of Jeff Speakman's movies, my respect for him just keeps increasing! Awesome job gentlemen! 👍💯
This was an interesting and unbiased look at some of the history of Kenpo. I am thankful that you have spread this history to the masses. You mentioned the politics of Kenpo after Grand Master Parker passed, and while that was true for some time, I believe his legacy lives on through all as a brotherhood/sisterhood of borrowing and blending. We all are a product of his teaching. I learned from the IKCA style system of Kenpo through my brother, an instructor and friend of Grand Master Chuck Sullivan (Ed Parkers' sparring partner in the black and white videos you have referenced here) and Grand Master Vic LeRoux. From what I have learned from you and all the other Kenpo practitioners that I have met through the years, is that we all share the same goals and values of wisdom and respect. Thank you sharing.
I like how you stayed pretty positive and mostly unbiased when it comes to different branches. I think we should all show respect and good sportsmanship. I'm a Tracy's guy, I studied in one Tracy's style school for about 5 to 6 years when I was much younger (the instructor called it Chinese kenpo, but it was Tracy's branch). Now I've joined another dojo that operates under the official Tracy's Kenpo banner. Both of the schools have strongly focused on sparring and self defense techniques. My current school is a successful tournament Karate school run by several former champions, so a lot of focus is in putting those gloves on. Part of the Tracy's culture seems to reflect their historical focus on tournament success. Personally, I love the self defense aspect of the art along with kata, my wife loves putting the gloves on and kicking some buttocks with the champion instructors as she loves competition. She's also learning to punch really hard which is kind of a problem when I want to annoy her.
I love your videos! I always tell people that it is very important to know the history of the art you are learning. I learned a hybrid Wingchun/Hung-ga system from my father and he would describe the history and meaning behind every movement. When I took up Taekwondo, the teacher (Korean) didn’t want to teach the history because he didn’t want his students to know Taekwondo had Chinese and Japanese root.
I love these videos and the breakdown of the history of American Kenpo. I've been studying American Kenpo and Pambuan Arnis/FMA from Mike Friedman at Champion Karate in Orlando FL for 3 years, but there's a lot to learn besides just the movements. My school's kenpo lineage goes: Ed Parker -> Mike Pick -> Rainer Schulte -> Sean Kelley -> Mike Friedman. As for Pambuan Arnis, Mr. Friedman is a student of Ama Guro Raffy Pambuan, who learned the art from his father, LoLo Guro Isidro Pambuan.
I remember hearing about politics and it happened soon after mr Parkers death. I had just started Parker Kenpo under masterTony Cogliandro having direct lineage via Mr Parker training my instructor over some time. And this school I attended was based out of Saugus Massachusetts. It was quite a shock to the elders in the Kenpo community when Mr Parker passed suddenly. All the off shoots were bickering and claiming they had the real system. I have the original printing of the 5 book series from the later 1980s to this day. I would like to try Speakmans 5.0 but it’s in limited schools.
This is the best narative on Kenpo that I have ever seen! Great work. I have been studying martial arts since 1974 and I can see a lot of the changes. I left Kenpo for a long time and came back about 6 years ago. I noticed that you did not mention Richard Lee and Bok Fu in the video. This is another off-shoot of Kenpo that I studied for many years and there are a lot of unanswered questions about that art and how it relates to Kenpo. I would like to see some information on that. I am also very encouraged by the spirit of unity presented here and hope that this will continue to grow.
Ironic, given that the sharp edges are meant as a metaphorical axe to separate those who deviate from the principles of the system. The whole thing could do with a do-over, imo. The Chinese characters in and of themselves are sort of weird.
There's a particular reason why people are being sued. The Parker patch has been commercially protected to prevent individuals from using the patch to promote their own schools/art without having gone through the Ed Parker System of Kenpo instruction.
I can't wait to see when all the schools to come together even with the The Tracy's Kenpo Karate it needs to come together we all come from James Mitose or Professor Chow..
I have been sharing my knowledge of EKP Kenpo with people that want to learn. I was a second generation student. It's in my blood. The political toxicity was not helpful in years past. Continuing education and practice without the extraneous drama is best. Practice hard and respectfully, leave the politics elsewhere ✌🏻. Thank you Sensei Dan.🙏
Martial arts in general are crazy political, Kenpo takes it an even higher level. Kenpo ended with Ed Parker now people are trying to guess what he would have done had he lived 😏
I trained in kenpo from 1973 to 1977. At that time it was called Chinese kenpo. Some say this renaming was a sales plot. Actually early kenpo people had begun cross training in Chinese arts such as hung gar ( tiger crane). We did huge amounts of free style sparring.
Just curious who you trained under? A few instructors that branched off called their system Chinese Kenpo, such as Chuck Sullivan, but these systems are usually very different from Ed Parker American Kenpo.
THIS VIDEO IS AWSOME..... IM SICK OF PEOPLE SPEAKING OF KENPO IN A BAD WAY.... FOR YEAR I ALWAYS HAD TO SHOW PEOPLE WHAT KENPO CAN DO, EVEN FROM OTHER PEOPLE WHO I TRAN WITH IN THE 80s WHO DIDNT UNDERSAND THE HISTORY.....
Very educative! 👏😃👍 Would love to se you do a video about Kajukenbo, its background, its evolution, and its off-shoots (for example Al Dacascos' Wun Hop Kuen Do) and how (if at all) it relates to American Kenpo 😁
Mr. Duffy was beyond belief. To use an analogy, he had to speak 2.5x slower just so you could understand him. And he was known not just for his skill but for his charity and humility. He cared so much for his students that if you made it even to yellow belt (!) you'd have your photo taken and hung up on the wall. Any time I cross-trained at a different school, nobody did not know Mr. Duffy. I loved that man.
I love the freestyle techniques but I can really see how the higher you go, the more complicated it can be. I would love to know how you really feel about all of them and see if it's worth it or not. I was trained in the Parker style but again...i see it as half of one, dozen of another. Form 4 was a BEAST for me to learn and with my school we did a weapons form with a Bo Staff which I still love doing today.
Well documented. I enjoy all descriptions and aligned with my own discoveries leaving in Switzerland/France border after 20 years and being a huge karate fan. Merci! Arigatogosaimashta!
I ve been doing kenpo and hold a4th but yes there is similar krav gets to the point ithink geting ris of the bullshit in kenpo and training undet pressure is the way and using krav principles woud be great that what im trung to incorparate now
This is amazing. the history is so cool especially if you are part of his academy the teachers and students are wonderful i recommend people to look into a international black belt academy school
Probably the most successful example of Kenpo is Wonderboy, the famous MMA fighter. The theory of Kenpo introduced in this video reminds me a lot of Tai-chi Boxing, but there are big differences between them. No one knows what kind of martial art Frank Chow was practicing, which I'm always wondering.
Please, WonderBoy use Shotokan + TKD style kick, no slapping hand like UH-Mer-ri-can Kempo. Dont drag a Pro MMA fighter who train with real speed with bitch slap Eddie Kempo
I Really liked finding this video. I am 34 and have been practicing American Kenpo all all of my life it is much as was said in the video we did a little bit of both the tracy the and the Parker system but the lines are very blurred and it wasnt really important which one you were doing as long as you understood the principles that were being taught. I still have many of the original huck planas VHS tapes that I like to review now and again it has been many years since I have been part of an actual school and although my father who was a master who was promoted by planas also advanced me I don't have any official ranking in the IKKA and I wish I had a nearby school I could join again to help me get some of the rust off even though I practice regularly and tried to review when I can
You should add more information regarding Bob White and Brian Strain. They were very involved and very instrumental to the growth of Kenpo in California and the Inland Northwest.
Kempo is a great style for a complete self defense program and white tiger is a system so there is something else for a documentary the difference between: Martial art SYSTEM/STYLE
Good you put this 3 videos together into one big History Documentary. Im glad you are getting more videos for 2021! Wish you could do a Goju Ryu Karate video, the only one you have is the one with the "Hemorrhoids" stuff lol Hope you can do a proper History of Goju Ryu video :) Thanks for all your content!
That would make sense, but they aren't included on any curriculum or handbooks. I've personally never seen a single school teach anything called Short Form 4 or up. I've only seen Short 4 performed in tournament clips. I'd be curious to know more about this.
@@ArtofOneDojo I personally have a video of S.G.M. Parker teaching Short Form 4 and explaining that there are short versions of the higher forms. I personally teach it in my curriculum after you have learned the Long Forms.
The art just seems so complicated in it’s curriculum ,application ,and delivery I don’t know what to say but to all practioners and instructors of kenpo “OSU” from Gosoku Ryu happy training
Osu gosuku is very direct and linear using a lot of punches and basic kicks Mae Geri , mawashi Geri definitely a striking system in Essence one technique I like a lot is the sliding strikes with the reverse hand using palms fist and hammer strikes the ability to close distance very fast in this way is so effective and delivers a lot of power it’s a great style for real life fights
An early Christmas present Sensei Dan, thank you for putting the American Kenpo Karate episodes trilogy, all into one continuous chapter. I am eagerly looking forward, to what you and the team at Art of One Dojo, will bring us all in 2021, Osu!🥋🇲🇽🇦🇺🙏👍🤟✌😊👊
My Tracy instructor didn't have much bad to say about Parker system; He felt that Mr.Parker over-simplified some things, & moved away from the chinese influence. HOWEVER, he also said that Parker system was also VERY effective, & had produced many talented fighters. It was more or less what you said, about 2 ideas for achieving the same goal.
Like I said in the previous videos, American Kenpo is the one martial arts I would want to train in especially back in the days as I really like it's movements and combination techniques. My only disappointment again, is such schools are limited and can only be found in certain area and certain countries.
That's good. I've personally seen instructors that have humiliated and made examples of students who questioned anything. Unfortunately, teachers can be bullies too. It's also part of a lot of Japanese arts. It's just considered improper to ask questions.
This history of Kenpo is very interesting -very well written and produced video! See this history - it makes me wonder of the 60s and 70s was a "Golden Age" of martial arts growth in the US. A time capsule we will never see again. If an American dude today did exactly what Ed Parker did, I wonder if his style of karate would ever fall into a category of "traditional" martial arts? Seems during the 60s and 70's when America was still being introduced to martial arts, whatever they saw was still going to be tinged with an Asian martial arts tradition. Fast forward to today, unless someone is studying a style that has been grandfathered in already before - say the rise of mma in the 90's - I don't think we will see anymore new "traditional" martial arts being created. In fact, "new "traditional" martial arts" is an oxymoron.
In my Japanese/Okinawan systems the defenses were described by the attack. Left collar grab, front choke, etc. The Kenpo naming conventions add more to my confusion. If a drill without an opponent, first the name is given, Delayed Sword, then my mind has to translate that to English, left collar grab, and then my mind has to remember the moves. I like it better the old way. I do understand that there are different collar grab names and different right front kick names, and that's how Kenpo differentiates.
Currently doing Brazilian ju jitsu but i did get to second degree black belt in american kenpo i practice my striking had to work extra hours during the lockdowns but finding time for striking practice got some time this week now kenpo needs to evolve for MMA even chuck Liddell who had trained kempo similar to the American kenpo took time to train with with muytai fighters leg pads need to be used so leg kicks can be practiced to with MMA kenpo needs to be adapted to this as apart of the next progression to keep relevant The next step should be trying to get fighters into the ufc grappling wrestling and. Brazilian ju jitsu muytai boxing needs to done yes but keep in mind get rid of the kata today its not necessarily needed the self defense techniques keep this in mind you want to bring American kenpo back get fighters in the ufc and you will have the next generation guaranteed The kenpo 4.0 and 5.0 is a step in the right direction i got to say Jeff Speakman is going in the right direction
Image going to a gun range and saying, "This is stupid! A target isn't going to just stand there and let you shoot them!" They also aren't going to say, "Why did you unload you magazine into the target? That's overkill!" Yet, when we practice techniques on a partner with a lot of different moves, we hear exactly that!
Kind of, but not really. Shooting at targets is a fun stress release for some people, but unless you get into actual combat shooting, shooting at a stationary target at a gun range does almost nothing to prepare you to use a gun in an actual combat / protection scenario. You have to suit up and spar / wrestle live. Kata and forms are shooting at a stationary target. Unless you actually spar live, for real, with trained fighters, you will be completely lost in a real situation. I'm not an expert in Kenpo. From what I've seen, Mr. Speakman and his group actually spar live. Most of the other examples I've seen think they spar live, but it's a far cry from real sparring. If you think you spar live, take an in intro class at a boxing gym or a Muay Thai school and a BJJ school. If you can hang, then you spar live. If you can't hang, you don't spar live.
The difference between shadow boxing and a kata is that shadow boxing is free form and doesn’t require the need to remember the movements. Sorry for so many comments just I have things to say when I hear things of this nature. I love kenpo and always will just have some disagreements with some of the curriculum. Much like Bruce lee had with wing chun
We're going to cover this very soon in a new episode, but shadow boxing is very much like Kata in many ways...especially when we examine how Katas came to be. Actually it's almost the other way around...Kata is more intended to be like Shadow boxing and while there are some differences as you mentioned, they serve a very very similar purpose...when taught correctly. That being said, there are a lot of punching drill combinations that are repeated. I've seen boxers practice "jab, cross, hook, uppercut, then do some bobbing and weaving and repeating". If that's something they are repeating then it very much IS like a Kata. We're going to go much deeper into this in a future episode.
I studied Tracy Kenpo for 3 years, than my School switched over to Parker American Kenpo.
I studied that for another 3 1/2 years.
The difference between the two versions that I noticed was that Parkers was more thought thru, such as when you pulled someones arm down, Parker had you put a check to protect you from the persons head.
Tracy didnt have the check.
At first I was upset that my Teacher switched to Parker American Kenpo, because I already had gotten to my Green Belt in 3 and one half years in Tracy Kenpo. But as I saw that Parker had kept developing His Art when Tracy went on his own, I appreciated why my Teacher switched to Parker American Kenpo.
I had to start all over in Parkers, and studied another 3 years and achieved my 3rd Degree Brown Belt.
I continue to practice Kenpo, and also study MMA and FMA.
But Kenpo will always be my foundation.
Salute.
I watched the original series of these 3 videos. My dad learned Kenpo Karate and eventually ran the Kenpo Dojo in North Seatttle during the 1960’s. He became a Black belt and eventually he had to travel to Los Angles to get his next degree from Ed Parker.
Thank you for publishing these videos! I learned allot about my late father from them. I never realized that Dad was so influential in development of American Kempo here in the US.
Thank you!
Ben
I never knew American Kenpo had such a rich history. Awsome video!
RIP Mr Parker
As a black belt of kempo I enjoyed this documentary thank you, it's my foundation but now I am learning white tiger from GM's directly, the top circles are very few in the world and I am associated with one of them which is connected to 9 other international associations
My instructor actually knew both Tracy and Parker. He recently became a 9th degree blackbelt and he has been doing it since the early 80s. He had a go designed like al Tracey’s checker patern
That's correct. The Tracy's spread Kenpo around the country. Mr Parker got many, many schools to join his IKKA and start the commercial school version for kids and everyone. Some high rank blackbelts came from other non Kenpo Karate systems and Mr Parker let them keep that BB rank. They didn't know orange belt.
Awesome unity Crest! I was Barbara Hale student in Ventura 4 years 1989. I listened to every word she said I seen Mr. Ed P. twice there❤ I always stayed late waiting for my mom to pick me up. I had to leave one time without saying goodbye she was clutched siting on the floor holding Me Parkers picture crying. As I believe she was one of his most beloved students. Jeff was on the board of my purple belt test
Excellent history video. Thank you so much. Ed Parker is an inspiration to me, as I have created a hybrid system of self defense based on Tae Kwon Do strikes, Hapkido for standing struggling and Brazilian Juijitsu for ground grappling… as well as adrenal self defense using the Bulletman and Woofer technology taught to me by Mr. Bill Kipp. It takes a LOT of work to put together an entire self defense system that’s logical and systematic and effective as possible in real modern violence. Much respect to Ed Parker and to you for producing this video! [bow]
❤😂
This was a great video for Kenpo (Kempo). I would just like to mention the style I was taught. I have studied and teach Kosho Ryu Kempo. My instructor is Shihan Roger Fife, who studied in Hawaii under Grandmaster Simeon Eli. Grandmaster Eli’s instructor was Grandmaster Thomas Young, who was promoted by Grandmaster James Mitose. William Cho studied Kempo with Mitose. During that same time Young and Eli were in the same dojo ( Hawaii Self Defense Club).
Nice to see assembly in history of Ed Parker‘s Kenpo Karate. Well-made.
I use to practice American Defendu, it's like watered down American Kenpo. While I can't practice much anymore due to health reasons, I got to watching American Kenpo, Tracy Kenpo and reading manuals and it has greatly helped me to understand the body mechanics of Defendu, the why you do this, to get this reaction, etc. Much respect for American Kenpo.
That being said Defendu is derived from Judo, Chinese boxing but resembled American Kenpo but on a simplified level to be quick to train troops with. W.E. Fairbairn was the creator.
Show your face doll.
I studied Kenpo in the late 70's.
My instructor was 1 generation removed from Parker. Our techniques had the colorful names. Such as, Kimono Grab, The Cub, Prayer of Death etc. My instructor taught us that you would not use the techniques exactly as taught. But, rather, after learning hundreds of ways to block and counter a right punch, or some other attack, and practicing them hundreds of times, you wouldn't decide what to do. Your subconscious would cause you to react as necessary, without thinking. Just the same way a boxer does. Or, a baseball player, or anyone else. Practice, practice, practice.
Was your instructor a Tracy Kenpo student? Those technique names are Tracy names.
I agree completely with what you've said.
One was a guy named Conners. I don't know if he was direct to Parker.
But, his other instructor was also a student of the first guy. My Sifu was also friends with Kajukembo master
whose name I think was Emperado, out of Dallas at the time. We were out of San Antonio. Some of our forms had cool names too. Poison Hands. Mass Attack. Bookset. Mantis. This was almost 50 years ago. Memory fades.
I'd love to see a video about Kajukenbo!
Yes I would love to see a video series of kajukenbo also
Crazy dragons.
Most excellent. Highly informative. Those who deride Kempo jutsu are stuck on stupid. Kempo jutsu is easily transformed into any and all situations circumstance systems and styles. Kempo ROCKS 🙏🏼🐅🐉
In the mid and late 70s, Tracy KENPO was very Popular here in Silicon Valley, California along with other styles of Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do/Mo Duk Kwan, SHOTOKAN kARATE and GOJU Ryu Karate. I studied Tae Kwon Do in which the training regimen is RIGID and VERY POLITICAL, You cannot question the KOREAN MASTER, they DEMAND LOYALTY. When I see KENPO, the American Innovation of Ed Parker, is Flowing and Dynamic and Beautiful to Watch.
Kenpo 5.0 is a good adaptation
Thank you for doing this. It was so interesting to see where a kenpo has gone since the early 90s.
I love it from the first time I seen the Perfect Weapon. Keep going strong.
It’s always nice seeing more about Kenpo and it’s always interesting seeing other lineages and how a lot of people train different I train under the sifu Planas lineage
I went to a Huk and Lee Wedlake Seminar, years ago. Great Seminar.
"He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance. Once cannot fly into flying." ~ Nietzsche
The more time one spends learning to write words, sentences, paragraphs, and poetry (generally in that order), the better suited one will be to extemporaneous discourse...and debate.
American Kenpo _does_ require awkward techniques with limited _real life_ applicability, _but_ they _all_ teach us essential principles of movement to apply _as needed, when needed._
For any given enterprise, a well-stocked tool kit...and a functional familiarity with every tool in it...is the surest means by which to achieve a successful outcome.
P.S. I love that you mentioned Adriano Emperado! Upon moving to a place with no Kenpo schools, I eventually made my way to a Kajukenbo school...whose founder _also_ started in American Kenpo. In fact, several of the instructors at Pierce Family Gung Fu mentioned how much I _moved_ like Grand Master Ron Pierce...understandable because of our similar _roots._
Ed Parker is a improvising genius combing basic academics; like the alphabet, mathematics, physics and geometry into collegiate term's of definition and meanings. When people say American Kenpo is fake? It's only fake too those who lack imagination and concept of motion. I'm not a practitioner of American Kenpo (basics in Tracy Kenpo). I can take 3 technique's like Thundering Hammer, Lone Kimono, and Parting Wing (researching the art itself for 12yrs). And make it my own no matter what. I don't lack imagination when the art itself is realistic as the user using it. Place it's a art base on the economy of motion, positioning, & reaction time. American Kenpo is indeed, a highly effective art (base on the user).
Returning to this for the Third time. Every Kenpoist should watch this.
Dear Dr. Dan, thankyou and arigato, in Japanese. My nàme is Derek Rocha of Melbourne VIC Australia. I study Kyokushin Karate at Banana Alley. I have recently signed up for Japanese Language lessons because I am very keen about the culture: of the Martial Arts I believe is the best. Your contribution on CZcams; is of very great benefit to me, and also my friends: who are regular viewers to you and your efforts, time and consideration. Yours Sincerely, Derek 🙏😎🍌OSU!!
Thank you for the kind words! OSU!
Ed Parker with Chuck Sullivan footage. Priceless.
Just came across a video on CZcams called Dynamic Kenpo featuring Steve Sanders Muhammad creator of the BKF.Although very dated its awesome from a historic standpoint and you can see alot of the Parker techniques demonstrated. My teacher Vic Leroux told me that Steve was the best ACTUAL fighter in Kenpo.Love this channel.
Thank You 🫵🏾 Brilliantly Explained
I've studied both the Parker and the Tracy versions of kenpo. It's been my experience that while the Parker system tends to 'blend' the Chinese (circular/flowing) kung-fu type techniques with the Japanese/Okinawan ('hard'/linear) karate type techniques, the Tracy system tends to 'separate' these more, beginning the student with predominantly the more linear karate techniques and slowly graduating to the more circular kung-fu techniques as one moves up the rank (belt) scale. In fact, in the Tracy style, there are tiger and crane forms/sets taught at the higher belt rank levels, derived from traditional kung-fu, namely Hung-Gar. Has anybody else experienced this?
Yes Sir, you are correct.
Having reach a high level of training in both Tracy and Ed Parker systems I've witnessed several additional differences between the arts. 1) Parker added the left hand use to the techniques, 2) Parker stances are much higher thus being more maneuverable, 3) Tracy uses Chinese based forms and 4) Tracy has no terminology.
My art of Black Rose Kenpo that I created blends the best of both systems. There is 20 techniques for each kyu (White) level and 2 forms being of Parker's. In Brown Belt levels for each Degree are 3 forms some being Chinese and 10 techniques with extensions. Black Dans are the same.
Each Dan has a thesis required to be determined by the instructions and student's agreement.
American Kenpo was actually my favorite studies in the Martial Arts. Training under the tutelage of GM Ed Parker (1931 - 1990) under the instruction of Ed Booze (who is still my friend on FB). I was in the 24 technique system of American Kenpo. Our gi was red bottoms and a black top for tournaments only; but white gi for ranks under brown and black gis for brown and black belts. As a Kenpo Black Belt myself I really appreciate the breakdown you did of American Kenpo. Though only studied it for 3 years intensely (1987 - 1990), it was a martial art I instilled in my system of Tiger Ryu. PS Jeff Speakman is still my favorite Kenpo stylist and actor and collected all his movies. Did not know of the complete breakdown of Kenpo 5.0 starting at 45:20 . Thanks for the great video. Have a Happy New Year! Oss! Master K, MA 9th Dan and founder of Shurinju Tiger Ryu Kempo - Karate Do.
Thanks for recommending kenpo 5.0 redlands. Had a nice chat with master sotomayor....real gentleman
Oh very awesome! I have a good friend at that school and I'm curious to know what you think.
@art of the dojo I started my first Kenpo class tonight and I must say I got my first workout I have to get rid of my Tang Soo do Yin Style Bagua and Kokikkai Ryu Aikido out the Window. I was Trained with Mr.Max of Panther Kenpo I think I lost 5 or 10 pounds. Listen Training in this style was awesome Tonight Thank you Mr.Dan Trenton NJ Love's your channel
Awesome Kempo documentary Dan! 👍
Loved it, great job.
From a shorin ryu practitioner: wow! Just a lot of movements...
American Kenpo guys you have great memory.
Excellent work!. Love your channel. My two cents worth. I'm a black belt in Kenpo, however, I don't come from a Parker (thus/or Tracy) linage. I trained under Ron Alo who trained directly under Chow. From the mid '60s to early '80s. (yes I'm pretty old!) So it would be cool if you did a video some time about "Alo Kenpo". If you want some input, let me know. There's a lot in common and a lot different. I'll give you my contact info and that of the very few of us left in that lineage. Thanks.
Wow, your lineage sounds amazing, I’ve often wondered what that was like training and learning in that era.
YES I love KAJUKENBO.
Really enjoyed this episode, excellent information! The openness and willingness to experiment and learn that was expressed by all teachers who spoke including yourself, is very commendable! American Kenpo seems to me to be an EXCELLENT self defense system, and you all are in my opinion doing a great job in honoring Mr. Parker's concepts and memory. Also as a fan of Jeff Speakman's movies, my respect for him just keeps increasing! Awesome job gentlemen! 👍💯
Had to come back for this one again. You have a couple of docs that I would put up there with BBC docs. I mean great job bro.
This was an interesting and unbiased look at some of the history of Kenpo. I am thankful that you have spread this history to the masses. You mentioned the politics of Kenpo after Grand Master Parker passed, and while that was true for some time, I believe his legacy lives on through all as a brotherhood/sisterhood of borrowing and blending. We all are a product of his teaching. I learned from the IKCA style system of Kenpo through my brother, an instructor and friend of Grand Master Chuck Sullivan (Ed Parkers' sparring partner in the black and white videos you have referenced here) and Grand Master Vic LeRoux. From what I have learned from you and all the other Kenpo practitioners that I have met through the years, is that we all share the same goals and values of wisdom and respect. Thank you sharing.
I studied Tracy and American Kenpo. I learned from both.
I like how you stayed pretty positive and mostly unbiased when it comes to different branches. I think we should all show respect and good sportsmanship. I'm a Tracy's guy, I studied in one Tracy's style school for about 5 to 6 years when I was much younger (the instructor called it Chinese kenpo, but it was Tracy's branch). Now I've joined another dojo that operates under the official Tracy's Kenpo banner. Both of the schools have strongly focused on sparring and self defense techniques. My current school is a successful tournament Karate school run by several former champions, so a lot of focus is in putting those gloves on. Part of the Tracy's culture seems to reflect their historical focus on tournament success. Personally, I love the self defense aspect of the art along with kata, my wife loves putting the gloves on and kicking some buttocks with the champion instructors as she loves competition. She's also learning to punch really hard which is kind of a problem when I want to annoy her.
Ok…. This is sensational. Great job!
I love your videos! I always tell people that it is very important to know the history of the art you are learning. I learned a hybrid Wingchun/Hung-ga system from my father and he would describe the history and meaning behind every movement. When I took up Taekwondo, the teacher (Korean) didn’t want to teach the history because he didn’t want his students to know Taekwondo had Chinese and Japanese root.
Nice video. U stayed pc which was awesome.
I studied under gm kouha
Very informative.
Nice work.
As a new student of the art I really enjoyed and appreciated this presentation. Thank art of one dojo!!
I love these videos and the breakdown of the history of American Kenpo. I've been studying American Kenpo and Pambuan Arnis/FMA from Mike Friedman at Champion Karate in Orlando FL for 3 years, but there's a lot to learn besides just the movements. My school's kenpo lineage goes: Ed Parker -> Mike Pick -> Rainer Schulte -> Sean Kelley -> Mike Friedman. As for Pambuan Arnis, Mr. Friedman is a student of Ama Guro Raffy Pambuan, who learned the art from his father, LoLo Guro Isidro Pambuan.
What a beautiful and thoughtful video! Thank you!
I remember hearing about politics and it happened soon after mr Parkers death. I had just started Parker Kenpo under masterTony Cogliandro having direct lineage via Mr Parker training my instructor over some time. And this school I attended was based out of Saugus Massachusetts. It was quite a shock to the elders in the Kenpo community when Mr Parker passed suddenly. All the off shoots were bickering and claiming they had the real system. I have the original printing of the 5 book series from the later 1980s to this day. I would like to try Speakmans 5.0 but it’s in limited schools.
This is the best narative on Kenpo that I have ever seen! Great work. I have been studying martial arts since 1974 and I can see a lot of the changes. I left Kenpo for a long time and came back about 6 years ago. I noticed that you did not mention Richard Lee and Bok Fu in the video. This is another off-shoot of Kenpo that I studied for many years and there are a lot of unanswered questions about that art and how it relates to Kenpo. I would like to see some information on that.
I am also very encouraged by the spirit of unity presented here and hope that this will continue to grow.
This was great. Osu grom your martial arts brother in Daytona!
Sad, now people being sued over wearing the original Parker patch, instead of coming together it’s falling apart, greed
Ironic, given that the sharp edges are meant as a metaphorical axe to separate those who deviate from the principles of the system.
The whole thing could do with a do-over, imo. The Chinese characters in and of themselves are sort of weird.
There's a particular reason why people are being sued. The Parker patch has been commercially protected to prevent individuals from using the patch to promote their own schools/art without having gone through the Ed Parker System of Kenpo instruction.
I can't wait to see when all the schools to come together even with the The Tracy's Kenpo Karate it needs to come together we all come from James Mitose or Professor Chow..
I agree, I started with the original.
I have been sharing my knowledge of EKP Kenpo with people that want to learn. I was a second generation student. It's in my blood.
The political toxicity was not helpful in years past. Continuing education and practice without the extraneous drama is best. Practice hard and respectfully, leave the politics elsewhere ✌🏻.
Thank you Sensei Dan.🙏
Martial arts in general are crazy political, Kenpo takes it an even higher level. Kenpo ended with Ed Parker now people are trying to guess what he would have done had he lived 😏
Yup, too many focus on the politics and not on how they can train better.
I trained in kenpo from 1973 to 1977. At that time it was called Chinese kenpo. Some say this renaming was a sales plot. Actually early kenpo people had begun cross training in Chinese arts such as hung gar ( tiger crane). We did huge amounts of free style sparring.
Just curious who you trained under? A few instructors that branched off called their system Chinese Kenpo, such as Chuck Sullivan, but these systems are usually very different from Ed Parker American Kenpo.
Good video. Keep it up.
Good stuff i enjoy learning the history of this system been doing American Kenpo since I was a kid appreciate the videos you put keep it coming 👍
Thank you. Nicely presented.
THIS VIDEO IS AWSOME..... IM SICK OF PEOPLE SPEAKING OF KENPO IN A BAD WAY.... FOR YEAR I ALWAYS HAD TO SHOW PEOPLE WHAT KENPO CAN DO, EVEN FROM OTHER PEOPLE WHO I TRAN WITH IN THE 80s WHO DIDNT UNDERSAND THE HISTORY.....
I love your great knowledge about the system we love, and I wish you had a school close to where I live in Austin, TX.
I studied Ed Parker kenpo and Japanese kempo system. Too.
Amazing work! Thank you.
Physics, science and physicality are Fist law. Even though I'm aging regardless of age size or level of health kempo still works.
Dan. I like that you said Same roots. Different Branches. 👍👍👍
Very educative! 👏😃👍 Would love to se you do a video about Kajukenbo, its background, its evolution, and its off-shoots (for example Al Dacascos' Wun Hop Kuen Do) and how (if at all) it relates to American Kenpo 😁
8:05 - one of the most beautiful and inspirational men I have ever encountered.
Mr. Duffy was beyond belief. To use an analogy, he had to speak 2.5x slower just so you could understand him. And he was known not just for his skill but for his charity and humility. He cared so much for his students that if you made it even to yellow
belt (!) you'd have your photo taken and hung up on the wall. Any time I cross-trained at a different school, nobody did not know Mr. Duffy.
I loved that man.
Thank you very much brother for sharing this beautiful,well documented video of the art you practice.
I love the freestyle techniques but I can really see how the higher you go, the more complicated it can be. I would love to know how you really feel about all of them and see if it's worth it or not. I was trained in the Parker style but again...i see it as half of one, dozen of another. Form 4 was a BEAST for me to learn and with my school we did a weapons form with a Bo Staff which I still love doing today.
They don’t seem very “freestyle” to me
Well documented. I enjoy all descriptions and aligned with my own discoveries leaving in Switzerland/France border after 20 years and being a huge karate fan. Merci!
Arigatogosaimashta!
Great video! Kenpo is very interesting!!
If you sit it next to Krav Maga it really reflects similarities.
I ve been doing kenpo and hold a4th but yes there is similar krav gets to the point ithink geting ris of the bullshit in kenpo and training undet pressure is the way and using krav principles woud be great that what im trung to incorparate now
This is amazing. the history is so cool especially if you are part of his academy the teachers and students are wonderful i recommend people to look into a international black belt academy school
Respect all the information and ARTS!!!!!!☯️☯️☯️
Probably the most successful example of Kenpo is Wonderboy, the famous MMA fighter. The theory of Kenpo introduced in this video reminds me a lot of Tai-chi Boxing, but there are big differences between them. No one knows what kind of martial art Frank Chow was practicing, which I'm always wondering.
Please, WonderBoy use Shotokan + TKD style kick, no slapping hand like UH-Mer-ri-can Kempo. Dont drag a Pro MMA fighter who train with real speed with bitch slap Eddie Kempo
I Really liked finding this video. I am 34 and have been practicing American Kenpo all all of my life it is much as was said in the video we did a little bit of both the tracy the and the Parker system but the lines are very blurred and it wasnt really important which one you were doing as long as you understood the principles that were being taught. I still have many of the original huck planas VHS tapes that I like to review now and again it has been many years since I have been part of an actual school and although my father who was a master who was promoted by planas also advanced me I don't have any official ranking in the IKKA and I wish I had a nearby school I could join again to help me get some of the rust off even though I practice regularly and tried to review when I can
Shōrin-ryū = 少林流 = Shaolin Flow
Flow in this context can mean Style, Method, System, Faction, Sect or School
You should add more information regarding Bob White and Brian Strain. They were very involved and very instrumental to the growth of Kenpo in California and the Inland Northwest.
Excellent observations on Tracy v Kenpo.
Kempo is a great style for a complete self defense program and white tiger is a system so there is something else for a documentary the difference between: Martial art SYSTEM/STYLE
Good you put this 3 videos together into one big History Documentary. Im glad you are getting more videos for 2021! Wish you could do a Goju Ryu Karate video, the only one you have is the one with the "Hemorrhoids" stuff lol Hope you can do a proper History of Goju Ryu video :) Thanks for all your content!
Goju Ryu is actually the next "history of" episode :) It's in the works right now and we're hoping to have it out in January if schedule permits.
Great video sir
The Short Forms (4,5,6,7) are part of the system. S.G.M. Ed Parker left a formula to be followed to develop your own Short Forms.
That would make sense, but they aren't included on any curriculum or handbooks. I've personally never seen a single school teach anything called Short Form 4 or up. I've only seen Short 4 performed in tournament clips. I'd be curious to know more about this.
@@ArtofOneDojo I personally have a video of S.G.M. Parker teaching Short Form 4 and explaining that there are short versions of the higher forms. I personally teach it in my curriculum after you have learned the Long Forms.
A major difference ive noticed in the tracy system vs ed parkers kenpo is that the tracy system does not have strike contouring.
Great work! hopefully, as brothers in Hawaiian/American martial arts I will follow your work and colaborate as I can. Cheers!
The art just seems so complicated in it’s curriculum ,application ,and delivery I don’t know what to say but to all practioners and instructors of kenpo “OSU” from Gosoku Ryu happy training
YAY! Gosoku Ryu!!! It seems like an interesting style, but those really long names for techniques is a bit much
Osu gosuku is very direct and linear using a lot of punches and basic kicks Mae Geri , mawashi Geri definitely a striking system in Essence one technique I like a lot is the sliding strikes with the reverse hand using palms fist and hammer strikes the ability to close distance very fast in this way is so effective and delivers a lot of power it’s a great style for real life fights
An early Christmas present Sensei Dan, thank you for putting the American Kenpo Karate episodes trilogy, all into one continuous chapter. I am eagerly looking forward, to what you and the team at Art of One Dojo, will bring us all in 2021, Osu!🥋🇲🇽🇦🇺🙏👍🤟✌😊👊
My Tracy instructor didn't have much bad to say about Parker system; He felt that Mr.Parker over-simplified some things, & moved away from the chinese influence. HOWEVER, he also said that Parker system was also VERY effective, & had produced many talented fighters. It was more or less what you said, about 2 ideas for achieving the same goal.
Tomas Connor and Ed Parker brought Kenpo to the US
This is really good to recap on everything that was split. It is very informative. Now for that Drunken Fist video
Like I said in the previous videos, American Kenpo is the one martial arts I would want to train in especially back in the days as I really like it's movements and combination techniques.
My only disappointment again, is such schools are limited and can only be found in certain area and certain countries.
I never had an instructor that I couldn't ask questions of.
That's good. I've personally seen instructors that have humiliated and made examples of students who questioned anything. Unfortunately, teachers can be bullies too.
It's also part of a lot of Japanese arts. It's just considered improper to ask questions.
This history of Kenpo is very interesting -very well written and produced video! See this history - it makes me wonder of the 60s and 70s was a "Golden Age" of martial arts growth in the US. A time capsule we will never see again. If an American dude today did exactly what Ed Parker did, I wonder if his style of karate would ever fall into a category of "traditional" martial arts? Seems during the 60s and 70's when America was still being introduced to martial arts, whatever they saw was still going to be tinged with an Asian martial arts tradition. Fast forward to today, unless someone is studying a style that has been grandfathered in already before - say the rise of mma in the 90's - I don't think we will see anymore new "traditional" martial arts being created. In fact, "new "traditional" martial arts" is an oxymoron.
I'm a Black belt im American Kenpo,& Hapkido.
In my Japanese/Okinawan systems the defenses were described by the attack.
Left collar grab, front choke, etc.
The Kenpo naming conventions add more to my confusion. If a drill without an opponent, first the name is given, Delayed Sword, then my mind has to translate that to English, left collar grab, and then my mind has to remember the moves. I like it better the old way. I do understand that there are different collar grab names and different right front kick names, and that's how Kenpo differentiates.
Wow he was three years older than my mother
Thank you and happy New Year!
Currently doing Brazilian ju jitsu but i did get to second degree black belt in american kenpo i practice my striking had to work extra hours during the lockdowns but finding time for striking practice got some time this week now kenpo needs to evolve for MMA even chuck Liddell who had trained kempo similar to the American kenpo took time to train with with muytai fighters leg pads need to be used so leg kicks can be practiced to with MMA kenpo needs to be adapted to this as apart of the next progression to keep relevant
The next step should be trying to get fighters into the ufc grappling wrestling and. Brazilian ju jitsu muytai boxing needs to done yes but keep in mind get rid of the kata today its not necessarily needed the self defense techniques keep this in mind you want to bring American kenpo back get fighters in the ufc and you will have the next generation guaranteed
The kenpo 4.0 and 5.0 is a step in the right direction i got to say Jeff Speakman is going in the right direction
Image going to a gun range and saying, "This is stupid! A target isn't going to just stand there and let you shoot them!" They also aren't going to say, "Why did you unload you magazine into the target? That's overkill!"
Yet, when we practice techniques on a partner with a lot of different moves, we hear exactly that!
Kind of, but not really. Shooting at targets is a fun stress release for some people, but unless you get into actual combat shooting, shooting at a stationary target at a gun range does almost nothing to prepare you to use a gun in an actual combat / protection scenario.
You have to suit up and spar / wrestle live. Kata and forms are shooting at a stationary target. Unless you actually spar live, for real, with trained fighters, you will be completely lost in a real situation. I'm not an expert in Kenpo. From what I've seen, Mr. Speakman and his group actually spar live. Most of the other examples I've seen think they spar live, but it's a far cry from real sparring. If you think you spar live, take an in intro class at a boxing gym or a Muay Thai school and a BJJ school. If you can hang, then you spar live. If you can't hang, you don't spar live.
What about the connection with Jimmy Woo?
When I started I had the original crest.
I love these historical based videos.
Also unrelated, I see you're slimming down, brother
The difference between shadow boxing and a kata is that shadow boxing is free form and doesn’t require the need to remember the movements. Sorry for so many comments just I have things to say when I hear things of this nature. I love kenpo and always will just have some disagreements with some of the curriculum. Much like Bruce lee had with wing chun
We're going to cover this very soon in a new episode, but shadow boxing is very much like Kata in many ways...especially when we examine how Katas came to be. Actually it's almost the other way around...Kata is more intended to be like Shadow boxing and while there are some differences as you mentioned, they serve a very very similar purpose...when taught correctly.
That being said, there are a lot of punching drill combinations that are repeated. I've seen boxers practice "jab, cross, hook, uppercut, then do some bobbing and weaving and repeating". If that's something they are repeating then it very much IS like a Kata.
We're going to go much deeper into this in a future episode.
Wish you a SAFE and Healthy Happy 2021☯️☯️☯️☯️