Like a chessplayer, he is a tactical master! 😍💖🕊️

As a police officer for 18 years, this system has never failed me. I have 18 years in the art.

I like the way Ed Parker compares Kenpo moves to letters, words, then sentences in the alphabet. I actually understood those moves when using that reference.

When I was a kid, I studies American Kempo under Manny Reyes. After watching the beginning part of this interview, I have a deeper respect for the men who taught this form of martial arts. Ed Parker was a very knowledgeable man. Manny Reyes, and Jr. also. Great memories and plenty of life long lessons from my time as a kid.

great video , thanks for sharing it. so many things that seemed lost keep popping up on youtube, it's awesome. Mr. Parker could certainly think on his feet as it were, i love both watching him move as well as talk. whether you are into Kenpo or not he was a true pioneer and a huge step forward in the Martial Arts. and the Man could certainly tear it up when he wanted to.

Who remembers Ed Parker from the Pink Panther films?

Nice, very nice. Having had some Traditional Tao Chi Chun and Karate but Losing much of my mobility and Flexibility from Spine and Neck Injury, I am Finding that Master Tatum's Teaching in KEMPO Karate is working very well for me and restoring my Confidence and my Spirit. THANKYOU for the Development and Teaching of this great mastery of Technique and Skills that serve very well in almost every situation.

Happy birthday master parker it was his birthday and i had a great lesson in class where we all payed respect to a true legend of martial arts thank you for all of the things you have done for martial arts thank you sir

kenpo guys make the best dramatic actors ... masters of compliance

16 years in Kenpo. Studied the Parker system. In my opinion the best stand up system out there. Even better when coupled with a good ground game.

exelente video gracias por compartirlo

That's an amazing bit of information: initially the left hand is a constant. I.e. it's invariant, while the right hand is variable. But if they're both variables, double the effect or more.

My whole childhood, my GrandFather Grandmaster Fredrick Brewster would tell me of his experience training under Ed Parker. Parker was truly a founding father of martial arts within america.

The guys telling that the style is not effective because fighting has evolved etc etc... The beautifull thing about Kenpo is that not only adapts to the individual but it also adapts to time... And for what I know, GM Parker wanted his creation to never stop evolving adapting to people and era's

All respect to this master and one of the true pionerrs of western martial arts teaching. Thank you for sharing this rare clip👍. Karate has plenty of diffrent styles, Kenpo Karate has its place in this universum. Osu.

Ed Parker was also the bodyguard of Elvis Presley.

Great master, great teachings

I like how it segues into the Enter The Dragon music for the demo.

I like the mind of this man. Thanks for the vid.

70s.... Great era...Plus Mr.Parker seems so cool.

Intellectually Great Ed Parker for the in so many way, yet out of breath in a demo. Bruce Lee Truly is the Cornerstone of All.

Ed Parker is a True Master. Great Teaching.

Excellent. That Ed Parker is for real and you can see it

Thanks @

Awesome! I haven't seen Larry Tatum associated to Ed Parker before. If you look at Larry Tatum's later demos, you will see pure Ed Parker.

What I always found perplexing was how popular Japanese Karate (and the Japanese masters) were at this time. Yet, Ed Parker and is disciples were miles ahead of them and never IMO got the amount accolades he(& they) deserve.

Excellent System, i really enjoy A. K. K., Ed Parker was way ahead of his time.

I don’t know about all the bad blogs about Parker...I’m a Taekwondo person myself, but Larry Tatum always impressed me with his fast hands and great technique.

Interesting how people feel free to comment on Parker being fat out of shape etc etc without regarding a few factors. First off, Parker has a big frame, not unlike Mass Oyama who could hop the horn if a bull... Second, he is an older man. I know youngsters like to think they will remain lean and trim into their fifties and sixties but that's often not the case. Third, we don't know what other health issues Parker was dealing with. Maybe his body retains excess water, maybe he's asthmatic.

Exactly, simple beginning, + a reliable follow up not giving chance to effectively counteract. I can still remember his words that to be a fighter you don´t have to be of Asian descent and it is more about principles and men that count. Paul,68

Genial👏

I like the way Mr Parker moves

People seem to forget that Ed Parker was a BEAST. Big somoan, and moved so fast. His hits were like a freight train as well. Very humble tho. Wasn't about 'showing off' he was about making an efficient system. Realize the technique he shows here isn't a black belt move.

@hanno21664 he does not only look powerful in this videos but also like an amicable and simple person.he doesnt appear to be selfish or arrogant for all the attention he brought with american kenpo.

hello all i have much respect for Mr. Parker, rest in peace sir. what a beautiful art. if I have the opportunity to study martial arts, i would like to study Kenpo Kararte, (hoped i spelled the art right, sorry if i didnt.) i would not be surprised at all if Mr. Parker walked down dark alleys kicking ass. the demo was awesome. no doubt he was a very powerful and very knowledgeable individual. thank you for uploading the video, take care friend.

Let's block with a "P"...strike with an "A"....strike again with an "I" and finally the last blow a "N"....oh, and don't forget the foot strike "!".....one word PAIN! I shall now demonstrate the full sentence....

father of Kenpo Karate. Parker once described as the most dangerous man alive.

thats badass

A sentence of motion

God bless Ed,

I agree. Here is L.A if the fight goes to the ground and you are alone--you're dead. I like kali for this reason. If I see another attacker, my knife come out, or gun.

Did this system for 6 years. My biggest complaint about this style is that most of the black belts become fat, lazy, and lethargic. They look decent in predictable situations but in the streets not so much. Bottom line is it comes down to the individual that utilizes this or any other art as a tool in their arsenal, and keep in shape!

so serious Ed was really funny.

Yes, I have a Grand Master Gold DVD available. In it is, GM Ed Parker, SanSoo GM Jimmy H. Woo. Limalama GM Tino tuiolosega, GM Richard Bustillo, IMB, GM Ark Wong, Kung-fu, GM Tak Kubota and GM Hayward Nishioka, Judo. All in one DVD. I also have the Matrix System 10wk course available. A must for those interested in close contact fighting. Plus as a bonus, the 2nd 10 wks is free. For information about free seminars about the Matrix System contact me at Algarzamatrix@yahoo.com

I've been saying the exact same thing since I started taking Kenpo. Ground skills are fine and good and something everyone should have some experience at but it should be an absolute last resort IMO. You lose momentum, velocity, and the ability to back up/side step. No matter what any BJJ grandmaster says, a punch on your feet is always going to be stronger than a punch on the ground - it's physics, period. Always have an out -- that's the rule of any martial artist worth their salt.

Sir Thank you for your reply.Do you know if Mr. Chow and Mr. Parker squared things before they passed? And if American Kempo (米國の拳法) is your martial arts style is Mr. KS Chow`s history a part of your history, I mean Mr. Parker`s American Kempo history. Thank you for your time. Osu

Wonderful! How can we see the full demo?

@minasz gee guy, I love it how you can just reprimand me like that..."KNOW WHAT YOU R SAYING" I'm not saying that I should be, and can be corrected by someone else who has knowledge on a subject, but tge way some of you "youtubers" address people lacks simple courtesy.

he had Parker's blessing. Danny was already well versed in FMAs. that and people got on the "find your own way" mentality bandwagon, which would eventually become the big draw to Kenpo. which was great for business, but now everything's so subjective, everybody's right. people with crappy basics can gain stripes like crazy. most of the "how" and "where" is gone, the "why" and "when" is barely asked, its all "what if" now.

Ed Parker was a lightning bolt!!

you have. im interested!

I couldn't agree more! While I also have a lot of respect for BJJ and all martial arts, I am getting sick of almost every martial arts video on youtube full of stupid comments by people saying "This is bullshit, BJJ is the only worthwhile art". It just makes it seem like every BJJ practitioner is an idiot who doesn't understand the difference between an MMA fight (with rules and a ref) and a real street fight...I hope that's not really the case.

I took some kaju kempo before.this is the sifu who developed it correct? Ed parker?

I trained under fred vilari taika oyata the tracy brothers kickboxer jerry smith in.the.joe.lewis fighting system cause i was a street guy i had drug and other issues going on so i never fought pro i did have 40 amateur american style kickboxing matches losing.only 4 and ive won dozens of street fights over 30 years in martial arts i still like ed parker but i feel his style worked best for him in the end it becomes your own art

Ed was a very dangerous man. Yes, he was a genius too.

Parker originally trained in judo, earning a sandan. He then began training in kenpo with Frank Chow, before moving on to his brother William Chow. A few years after Parker moved to the mainland US, he and William Chow had a bad falling out. That could be a reason why Parker doesn’t mention Chow by name. Or maybe he thought since almost no one knew who Chow was, why bother mentioning his name. Just two possibilities. And you are correct, Will Tracy did receive his kenpo black belt from Chow.

In past interviews Parker eludes to being a street fighter, meaning he knew what worked and what didn't. He based his system on how the body moves, how it reacts to being struct, and on continuous motion. This may seem corny to some, but when he was doing ts it was unheard of for a westerner to have the audacity to come out with his own system

@minasz Parker, by his own admission, in articles and interviews I've read, says that he(referring to himself) was a streetfigter. As such, he sought techniques and methods that were practical. I inferred that since Bruce himself, was on a similar quest, he must have respected the man. I admit that I'm making an assumption, but I feel it's a reasonable assumption.

he made it all up.

"A sentence of motion" . . . 💎

I just don't understand. Looking at that, it seems that he takes the traditional shotokan karate moves and combines them in a more fluid sequence of movements; that's very intersting, but if you look at older stiles of karate (like goju ryu), you already have a serie of rapid and various strikes from a closer distance. Then what is the actual innovation in kenpo?

Sir It is my limited understanding that Mr. Parker trained under Mr. William KS Chow. Mr. Chow also taught Mr. Emperado who formed Kajukenbo. During this interview Mr. Parker never names Mr. Chow but just says "the man I studied with" 1:46 from this video. I may also be wrong but Mr. Will Tracy (the brother of Mr. Al and Mr. Jim Tracy and former students of Mr. Parker who went on to form Tracy Kempo) earned his 1st degree blk blt from Mr. Chow too. Thank you for your time. Osu

I like how the host of the show has a lisp.

All traditional martial arts are for sport/exercise. Designed originally for self-defence but evolved into money making arts. Became watered down to allow any one to sign up and learn (to some degree). Arts designed from the ground up for full-contact are the only arts that should be used in real situations (e.g. western boxing, Muay Thai, Pancrase, Systema, military version of Krav Maga taught only to the Israel military). How one trains is how one will react. And have the best chance to walk away from less hurt. There's a HUGE difference obviously between sparring with a classmate who was told to pull their punches and kicks. VS some one who was trained and where the other person sparring against has the intention to KO).

...and president of U.S TAI., Andy Watford said about me during a seminar of TAI students. Not only do you sound like an underbelt, I'm sure Mr. Norris can STILL clean your clock - - even at his ripe old age of 70.~THE WIDOWMAKER

He realizes that martial arts MUST EVOLVE to stay applicable. So many classical styles DO NOT- they stick far too strictly to the old standard and don't allow for GROWTH.

This guy was in the Bruce lee movie.

He was out of Breath.......Health problem.......But a Great Teacher

ur a comedian.

I believe he trained with both of them. did he not?

Villari had stood up Karate schools using Orange Belts. He gave the McDojo its entry on to the Martial Arts scene. Villari was a great martial artist. His business practices were abhorrent. He and some of his Masters in his organization let the Art down. Some of his pupils were worthy and held a higher standard. But not many. I was taught by one of them and got lucky. Bob Nohelty was one of the true Martial Artists. Worked out hard every day his life. R.I.P. Professor Nohelty.

ed parker was a genius

Revenge of the Pink Panther my first introduction to Mr Parker...Devil gonna have a hard time battling the angels God has acquired

Any modern combative specialist (Grover, McCann, Wagner, Christensen) all teach to do what Kenpo was doing in the 60s: come in with a flurry of strikes so the opponent does not know what hit them because going toe to toe like boxing will get you hurt. To the comment on punching from the hip, in combative training, you can keep the hand at the hit and just drive into the opponent because you mass (NOT weight) will cause the attacker to be driven back. It is the same principle that ITF tkd teaches in the sine wave.

Anyone out there who knows of a basic - and i mean basic - home work routine for practising at home. Only in 5/6th lessons. Would like to practice foot work and salutations. Thanks

Not all of them, its usually the real Mixed Martial Artist are a bit more enlightened, Even if they don't see what Kenpo has to offer, the fact they learn multiple systems to further their own knowledge is what commands respect. A student shouldn't emulate his master or his master will always beat him. A student should surpass his teacher. Don't worry about the "this is bullshit comments" The same was said about Krav Maga. People shouldn't limit themselves to one system when they can expand.

i studied kenpo. 30 classes at most. i was around kenpo long enough to agree with you: ruthless, lethal, dangerous and devastating.

Sir You have been very helpful. As a amateur martial arts historian could you look at my video "Japanese Historical Time Periods: for Japanese Martial Arts Training" and tell me what you think. Thank you

How old was Mr Parker at that time? He seemed sort of winded at the end of the demo.

I met him at a tourney in Phx in the late 70s, he had Gout and was not in a very good mood.

true, much more takedown defense, etc should be involved. and many systems of kenpo are incorporating things like sprawls and bridging into their training.. but remember, a gun from the 1700s can still kill you just as dead as one made yesterday.

At 2.32 onward. I seriously doubt he was a street fighter as he refers to himself. More likely used to promote his art and convince people it was the real deal. Don't forget back in the late 50's and the 60's there was a lot mystique surrounding Karate and encouraged by its practitioners and its deadliness all debunked later on. I recall being asked if I had to register with the police for possessing deadly weapons - my hands and feet! Also Secrets of Chinese Karate for which Parker takes sole credit for was initially the work of not only Parker but also Jimmy Woo who is totally absent from the credits. They had a disagreement and I think the majority of the book is the work of Jimmy Woo.

Chuck Norris called Ed Parker brilliant. I see why!

From what I understand, Mr. Parker and Mr. Chow were never close ever again. According to Parker's widow, Leilani, he spoke very highly of Chow, but Chow was often very resentful of students who left him and opened schools of their own. I am not an American kenpo stylist. I have friends who are black belts in the art, and have trained with them adding many of their techniques to my art. I'm also sort of an amateur martial arts historian. I try to learn as much about different arts as I can.

Im surprised Ed Parker could demonstrate as he had a bad heart

As I listened I heard Chinese kenpo. Thank you so much I'm tired of hearing American kenpo. And yes I studied under BRIAN ADAMS and DAN CEPEDA.

Sir, I'm a rokudan in TAI JUTSU, still active at 65 and can still hold my own. Picture this in your mind "gomergilligan"... I was "awesome back in the day..." Judan and president of U.s.

Can you tell us how you know this..I trained in Kenpo for many years...went to Ed Parker seminars...I am telling you he was the real deal.

yeah enough to steal a lot of his students haha

I've a lot of respect for BJJ, but honestly taking your opponent to the ground is the most retarded thing to do in a street fight. In a one on one fight it is an exceptional fighting system and would probably school most other martial arts defense systems but it doesn't work with more then one person if you go to the ground if you fight standing up your fine but i think BJJ should be combined with Kenpo or any striking art to maximize your chance of success in a street fight.

Sooo did Ed just promote himself to 10th degree or how did that work?

Crazy how my Sensei was Larry Tatum's Student, and Larry Tatum was Ed Parker's student.

he got beatwn by bruce

Antes se practicaban las artes marciales reales

Where's the video where ed speaks of gene defeating Bruce Lee? Has the Lee estate removed it?

And where exactly did he say that? Unless I see that happen in a real life situation on the streets, it's just not true. Get real, a person only has two arms and two legs. Until the day comes when a person has four arms and four legs, that will never happen....End of.

no more than taking a man to the ground with his buddies around.. with "good" kenpo, you wouldn't actually be doing all that happy flashy stuff IRL, maybe the first 3 moves. or a parry from this tech, an elbow from this one, etc. We don't converse or write in pre-made sentences, but we learn to speak and read that way!. why wouldn't combat be different?

"grandmasters" i'm not sure many people heard of.. yet Hackney, basically some guy put up a pretty good fight in his fight against Gracie. not dissing the BJJ at all, the proof is in the pudding! but their propaganda doesn't impress me. I love the art, unfortunately don't have the time or money to continue training. but it isn't the end all be all. it IS a sport, most players would have the mentality of automatically taking it to the ground. not a good idea. i'd prefer to stand whenever possible

I have a Black belt in Kenpo But AKKA stole my groind fighting Skills then took credit for the grpind style . Kenpo rocks but it is a money machine .

Bruce Lee highly respected this man. That should be enough to shut the mouth of naysayers.