My father was working on several books at the time of his passing. These
were all of my projects at the time as well. Here is notes from a book
he was working on called "Kenpo in the Streets". This book
never has seen the light of day until now. He had the Preface done by
one of his students, Dennis Conatser. Here is the first page of one page
at a time of this book.
Please keep adding to this site as I am doing my part and I am asking
that you do the same. Again do not just come here and take without leaving
something. I heard a wonderful insight from Steve Mohammed (aka Steve
Sanders) "There are two types of people in this world. Those who
take and those that give. Those that take, eat well, and those that give,
sleep well."
Become a member of this site and do your part for the American Kenpo
Community and for the legacy of SGM Ed Parker. Leave your kenpo history
or insights here. Post your seminars and events here along with your
kenpo photos, both old and new, with CAPTIONS please. No captions no
connections, and I want everyone to be able to connect with all.
I now present to
you the unpublished book "Kenpo in the Streets,
Part 1"
PREFACE
KENPO IN THE STREET
"KENPO IN THE STREET" is a unique book on street combat. It
evaluates the types of encounters that we can anticipate in the
street, and describes, as well as illustrates, realistic approaches in
combating these encounters.
Ed Parker's interest in employing logic in his studies dates
back
to his very beginnings in the art. He approved of the new and exciting
methods that he was learning as a neophyte in KENPO, but disapproved
of the arbitrary sequential order of executing them. Having been
an
experienced street fighter he felt that the ineffectual employment
of
motion could invite unwarranted problems.
As a pioneer in the field of Martial Arts, Mr. Parker has never
been satisfied with conventional answers. While he believes that
tradition can be helpful, he places emphasis on logic and innovation
over custom. Consequently, through dissecting motion, he has
discovered logic to be the key ingredient influencing consistent
and
organized methods of study.
As a result of his logical approach to research, Mr. Parker has
eliminated the mysteries that once plagued technical explanations
of
the Martial Arts. By structuring his work in a manner similar
to that
of medical and other scientific disciplines, he has given a
clarity to
his system, and an ability to continuously modify and update
the
theories, concepts, and related principles of Kenpo.
As many of you know, ineffective communication has long been
a
stumbling block for effective education. In fact, language
has often
been a barrier in obtaining greater knowledge. Traditional
martial
artists who have imposed foreign terminology on their students
may
have been successful in having them memorize words and phrases
without
those students understanding the concepts behind them. However,
the
use of native terminology is not the only key to better communication.
Consider the statement, "I know you believe you understand what you
think I said...but I'm not sure you realize that what you
heard is not
what I meant!" Obviously it is not the words you use, but "how
you use
them."
Mr. Parker's use of words, in conveying KENPO principles, is a
case study in "how to use them." Through many years of teaching
experience he has developed distinctive methods of converting verbal
language to physical language. The imagery evoked through his use
of
analogies, short stories, and sayings breathes life into the
technical
descriptions, and encourages students to consider the principles
of
Kenpo in light of their own experience. The result is a better
understanding of Kenpo, and more importantly, how it applies
to them.
This unique blending of the objectivity of the sciences with
the
subjective associations of real life experience has greatly enhanced
our understanding of the art, and generated many new concepts
in
Kenpo. With these new concepts and principles is created a new
and
constantly expanding terminology as well. Once these terms, f
definitions, and associated methods of application are absorbed,
communication is no longer a problem. Comprehension is not only
accelerated, it is ingrained - - thus allowing the proficient
student
to act instinctively and extemporaneously.
"KENPO IN THE STREET" illustrates realism and logic combined
with
effective self -defense methods. Mr. Parker's premise is to learn
the
principles behind each action. As you learn the principles associated
with each move, you must also learn to tailor them to your own
distinctive capabilities. As you learn to tailor, you learn to
become
innovative. As variables become routine, appropriate responses
become
second nature and spontaneous. Such responses may be necessary
in the
street where a surprise attack may eliminate ones ability to
examine
all of the possible options. Only instinctive responses, developed
through logical training methods and conditioning, provide
the proper
transfer of knowledge required in these situations.
As you study the newest of Mr. Parker's books, remember that
progress can only be possible if you keep an open mind, if
you are
motivated to train properly, and if you view all the techniques
logically. As a student of KENPO, you should recognize that
knowledge
can only be instinctively transferred to your extremities
if it is
thoroughly ingrained. Since there are no rules on the street,
but only
realities, you are encouraged to be very serious about your
training.
To quote Mr. Parker, "Unfortunately the philosophy on the street today
is 'it's not who's right, but who's left that counts'".
I consider myself fortunate to study under Mr. Parker. Each
lesson is a new experience. As I continue to explore his
creative
advancements, I am humbled by his unique and all -encompassing
system.
I am further encouraged by his open -minded ideology in
energizing
KENPO. Because of his persistence, his creations continue
to remain
dynamic. I know of no other system that updates material
to keep up
with the times.
With all that has been said, you can see why I view Ed
Parker's
KENPO as a timeless art. His KENPO was effective yesterday,
is
effective today, and will continue to be effective tomorrow.
May his
willingness to share his art continue indefinitely and
spread to all
those who honestly and sincerely wish to learn.
In conclusion may I state, "There are two ways of spreading the
light, (1) to be the candle, or (2) to be the mirror
that reflects
it". Although not all of us can become candles, we are certainly not
limited to being mirrors that reflect the light. My
goal is to become
both a candle and a mirror. With Mr. Parker's assistance,
I feel that
such a challenge can be met. I would like to express
my extreme
appreciation to Mr. Parker for allowing me the privilege
of writing
this preface. May future publications continue to convey
his infinite
knowledge for all to share.
Dennis Conatser
5th Degree Black
