AMERICAN KENPO KARATE

Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate, American Kenpo Karate, Kenpo Karate as originally developed by Senior Grandmaster and Founder Edmund K. Parker, Father of American Kenpo Karate.

Site by WKK Publications in collaboration with Sascha Williams.

"It is not the aim of Kenpo to merely produce a skillful as well as powerful practitioner, but to create a well integrated student respectful of all." Ed Parker Special Note: The illustration of the Kenpo Patch on the left (not the original design, but altered for artistic purposes) is used here in respect to Ed Parker, his family, his students, and his association.

This site offers information on Events and Developments, in the world of Kenpo Karate.  . It is our goal to present articles, information, and materials of unaltered Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate.   Topics: Articles Books Events E-mail us

There is a lot happening in the world of Kenpo. Did you know that there is a book about Kenpo Karate designed especially for children and/or parents who wish to help their child practice? For all the times a parent of a young child who is getting started in Kenpo is asking for something that will help for practicing at home, now there is a professionally illustrated book, full of pictures of all basic stances (Horse, Neutral Bow, etc), Blocks (Inward, Upward, etc), Strikes, Kicks, Maneuvers, and even Blocking Set and the Covers of Short Form #1. Retail price - $14.95 For more information, call WKK Publications at 209-826-3460, school discounts available.

DIMENSIONS OF FREEDOM excerpt from KENPO KARATE...THE ART OF SPONTANEITY by Sascha Williams It seems one of the more difficult concepts to learn in American Kenpo Karate is the usage of zone theories. To many this is just theoretical material which seems to merely complicate the learning of our system. Only those who truly understand the purpose and usage of zone theories consider it a simplification. But that is what it should be. A simplification. There are several benefits to the zone theories as they are described by Mr. Parker (see Infinite Insights Into Kenpo, Vol. #4). The concept which is most easily understood by most is that of keeping your opponent's dimensional zones in check. In other words, you prevent your opponent from moving in certain dimensions, thereby hampering his efforts. If, for example, you were to prevent your opponent from closing in on you, he would be unable to employ body momentum (as far as depth is concerned). So, simply stated, canceling your opponent's ability to maneuver in a dimension prevents him from doing those strikes which require freedom movement in this dimension. (If he cannot turn his body, he can't reach you with a rear leg round house kick, or at least will lack sufficient power.)  A second, slightly less understood benefit of being aware of your opponent's zones is that of attacking a zone (instead of only a target). This principle can be demonstrated rather easily with a weapon, such as a knife. It quickly becomes obvious that you could injure any part of your opponent's body with this weapon, so it would make sense to first attack the first depth zone (e.g.: guarding hand), then move on to the next depth zone (e.g.: front area of the body, vital target), etc.  As a matter of fact even empty handed this concept well understood makes for easy access to vital targets. The arms (or legs), when attacked, will be rendered useless before striking the more vital areas. A third benefit of zone theories, and this one seems to be difficult to understand for many, lies in the contemplation of available action, particularly when your movements are limited by your opponent, due to locks or holds. Although contained in virtually all of Mr. Parker's techniques which defend against grabs, holds, hugs, and locks, too often students practice these without being aware of how the dimensional zone theory applies to them. It is common for people to concentrate on limitations placed on them rather than their remaining options. This is amplified if one is suddenly limited in an area in which one only moments before had total freedom....but the answers to these "limitations of movement" are already provided in the techniques as they are taught. The Dimensional Zone Theory can be thought of in this way: In which dimension do I still have movement left? You should ask yourself this question for each limb of the body separately. What dimensions are available to my left/right arm? My left/right leg? More specifically, if you were in a certain hold or lock, you should determine if a specific limb can travel up or down (dimension of height), if it can turn, or move side to side (width, and in some cases depth), or if it can move forward of back (depth). You will find that there is almost never a situation that limits your motion in all three dimensions. Written by Sascha Williams

WHO IS SASCHA WILLIAMS?  Mr. Williams is now considered one of the leading authorities of American Kenpo Karate. With a background in several martial arts, Mr. Williams developed a reputation for his extreme ease in learning any new concept or motions early in his training. This is what finally brought him to the door steps of the legendary Ed Parker. Having been able to study directly with Mr. Parker is an honor of which Mr. Williams is apparently very proud.     Today Mr. Williams is an author of several books on Kenpo Karate, as well as training manuals for students, instructors, and studio owners. He owns a chain of martial arts schools, many of which operate in Central California. Mr. Williams is also an internationally requested instructor with students not only throughout the United States, but as well in South America and Europe (with countries such as Sweden, Germany, Greece, et al.)  Mr. Williams is also to regional director for Mr. Parker's association, the International Kenpo Karate Association (IKKA) for California, Washington, Oregon, and Montana. Ranked as a 6th degree black belt in Mr. Parker's association, Mr. Williams travels worldwide for seminars, and lessons regarding American Kenpo Karate. Mr. Williams also held the position of Officials Director for the International Karate Championships in Long Beach California, one of the world's largest and longest standing prestigious tournaments. Events

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BACK TO COMPETITION

As some of you might already know, Mr. Williams is no longer working as an officials director at the International Karate Championships. After many years of behind the scenes work, he decided to go back into competition.

At this years IKCs (1998), Mr. Williams placed 2nd in the 30 and older black belt forms divsion, 3rd place in the black belt self defense division, and fourth place in Freestyle.

He went on to compete in Bob White's "Karate On The Beach" tournament and placed 1st in freestyle, 2nd in 18 and older forms, and 2nd in 35 and older forms.

Continuing on his winning streak, Mr. Williams participated in the 11th annual "Earthquake Open" in Hollister, California, placing 2nd in 18 and older freestyle (as well as 3rd in 35 and older).

Next came the "Californa Gold Coast Classic" in Los Angeles (Whittier) California held by Eddie Chavez. Mr. Williams placed 1st in empty hands forms, narowly missing the Grand Championship title (Butch Togisala won over Mr. Williams by 2 tenths of a point)

"We mourn the passing of one of our Kenpo brothers, Jay Patrick McElwain on August 28th of this year. He will be dearly missed. Many of us had a chance to work with Jay and have enjoyed his unassuming honest nature. As I get older it is events such as this one and others that teach me not to take anything for granted and to remember that life is short and precious. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my help to other practitioners of American Kenpo Karate, regardless of affilitation."