Customer Reviews

Further Insights into Kenpo

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Prior to breaking my wrist in the spring of 2001, I studied American Kenpo with Curtis Abernathy in San Antonio, Texas. I read and reviewed Mr. Wedlake's "Kenpo Karate 101," and I'm happy to report those who liked that book will enjoy "Further Insights Into Kenpo." Although the book is mostly a compilation of previously published articles, I doubt anyone could collect them for less than this book's cover price.

Mr. Wedlake's material comprises three major themes. The first covers technical aspects of kenpo, such as the elbow, knee, finger, checking, and footwork. The second discusses slightly less technical (but still relevant) material, such as tournaments, eskrima, weight training, bracing against attack, and kenpo's "nine golden rules." The third theme includes material for instructors, like judging kenpo forms, kenpo associations, overseeing sparring, arranging a seminar, and launching a Tai Chi program. Mr. Wedlake also provides thoughts on kenpo in general, the state of kenpo 10 years after Mr. Parker's death, and counter-terrorism/bodyguard training.

Even if you've read these articles in Black Belt or Inside Kung Fu, you will benefit from Mr. Wedlake's inserts and edits in "Further Insights Into Kenpo." Some of his comments are more interesting than the main material! Readers may be surprised to learn that some of the words attributed to Mr. Wedlake in various published articles were the result of changes by magazine editors. "Further Insights Into Kenpo" is a chance to set the record straight on several occasions.

While I doubt readers will find every article directly useful, I predict one or two will answer some question you've carried for months or years. I found the footwork, sparring, and "golden rules" articles enlightening.

All I ask is that Mr. Wedlake continues to write these books. While I've decided to stay in shape through cardio kick boxing, I still remain interested in kenpo. If Mr. Wedlake keeps publishing, I'll keep buying!

Even though I am not a Kenpo student, I have always admired and respected Ed. Parker's insight into combat. Lee Wedlake, Jr. was a student of Parker and in fact, many years ago we had met at a Shotokan Karate class. This text is made up of collected articles which appeared in various martial art magazines. There are many excellent articles in this collection and martial artists from other systems and styles would also benefit from reading this book. For example "the nine golden rules of Kenpo" can also apply to most striking system martial arts. In conclusion, this is a book that will be of interest to most martial artists.

Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques: Combat Karate for the street manual).

This book is a collection of articles the author has written over the years concerning Kenpo, and related disciplines. Some, such as the one on using the elbow, or the one on checking, I found very useful. Others, while not directly applicable to combat, were nonetheless entertaining, such as the short bio on Ed Parker. And then there were those that I skimmed through altogether, such as "How to Launch a Tai-Chi Program". However, I will say that I believe there is something in here for almost everyone. The author himself trained under Ed Parker, and is full of insights into the Parker system. He has included footnotes in his text to clarify a point, or to input additional information. I believe, due to it's focus, this book is best suited for those who practice kenpo of the Parker lineage, but it's fun to read and as I stated before, almost anyone can glean SOMETHING out of it. The major drawback is that, due to the nature of the book (reprinted magazine articles), select things are covered in-depth while many other aspects of kenpo as an art are completely omited. As well, I believe that many of the original photos are probably missing. Overall, a decent book, one which I would recomend specifically for kenpo students.

This book helps kenpo students learn more about the history and philosophy of Ed Parker, the Kenpo master. It teaches the whys of art and how to get the most out of classroom lessons. This is not a "how-to" book.

Mr. Wedlake has complied must know information for all Kenpoists. This book starts off with basics that will help any Kenpo practitioner from beginner to an instructor. Definitely worth a read.