Style Names of Kenpo/Kempo
by Zoran Sevic Kenpo-Kempo is pronounce Kempo and roughly translates to; Law of the Fist. Kenpo is a generic term that usually refers to systems the are of Japanese-Okinawan origins that stems for the Chinese martial art of Chuan Fa (also spelled Quan Fa), which also has a similar translation. It’s considered by most as [...]
Historical Perspective
by Ron Chapel It has been arguably stated, “Ed Parker is the father of American Karate.” Although there are some who may take issue with such a claim, there are particulars that are undeniable and those who subscribe to Ed Parker’s lofty status in martial arts history are probably much closer to the truth than [...]
McSweeney’s 7th from Ed Parker
by Zoran Sevic It would seem that many in the Kenpo community believe that John McSweeney was never awarded a 7th Degree Black by Ed Parker. I’m here to say that they are wrong. So lets set the records straight. On January 6, 1990; Grandmaster Edmund Kealoha Parker awarded John McSweeney his 7th Degree Black. [...]
To Attack or Not Attack
by Zoran Sevic Your back is against a bar. You have people on your left and your right. In your face is a very infuriated person who’s calling you names and threatening you. He’s says, “I’m going to bash your face in”. You execute a quick and powerful hand blade to his throat. Your antagonist [...]
Dennis Conatser Bio
by Zoran Sevic Martial History: Mr. Conatser’s first introduction to the martial arts was in 1967 in Judo. His first introduction to Kenpo came in 1971 under the instruction of Mr. Lonny Coots. He was awarded his 1st Degree Black Belt by Mr. Coots in early 1976. That same year, he left Mr. Coots to [...]
Celebs
by Tom Saviano When the publishers of KICKBOXX first informed me of this issues theme, I thought “Celebs Will Be Easy” WRONG! It seems to me that we as a society have more celebrities than we need. A rock group has one hit and they become “Celebrities”, a martial arts student wins a tournament or [...]
Richard Planas Bio
by Zoran Sevic Martial History: Mr. Planas began his training in Kenpo in the late 60’s under Steve Labounty and Tom Kelly. Later, he went to Pasadena, California, to train under Ed Parker. It was Ed Parker who awarded him his 1st black up to 7th black. He received his 7th black in 1985. Mr. [...]
Frank DeMaria Bio
by Zoran Sevic Martial Arts History Frank DeMaria began his training in the martial arts at the age of nine. Much of his training was in Kung Fu. He had many a teachers, most of which were Chinese.Mr. DeMaria has a rich history. I’d love to give you all I have found but I’m not [...]
Martial Artist vs Martial Artist
by Zoran Sevic This is an experience I had while working as a bouncer when I had to tangle with another martial artist. One of the few times that I can remember all that happened as everything seemed to move in slow motion. Being in a fight can be a strange experience. Time can seem [...]
The Best Defense is a Good Offense
by Zoran Sevic If you are in a situation where you can’t find a non violent solution, pull the trigger. Most self defense techniques start with a block or some sort of counter movement. A self offense technique will usually start with a strike. Here is my disclaimer, I am not advocating the next time [...]
