Kenpo Karate 101 : What the Beginner and the Black Belt Should Know [Paperback]

Lee Wedlake Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 27, 2000

This is a broad scope book, aimed at both new students and instructors. It contains chapters on how to find a school, set goals, student responsibilities, practice methods, special sections for women, children and seniors. Has a short history of Kenpo and Ed Parker, information on self defense (but not how-to), psychological response to fear, tournaments, street fighting and more.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English

About the Author

Lee Wedlake is an eighth degree black belt in Kenpo Karate. A published author in magazines since 1983. Member of the American Kenpo Karate team with Ed Parker when visiting overseas. Former national Top Ten competitor. School owner since 1976.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Lee Wedlakes Karate (October 27, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967991609
• ISBN-13: 978-0967991603
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #128,455 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent material for new students and old hands alike, January 5, 2001

By 

Richard Bejtlich "TaoSecurity" (Metro Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kenpo Karate 101 : What the Beginner and the Black Belt Should Know (Paperback)

I am 29 and on 30 Aug 00 started American Kenpo training at Curtis Abernathy's school in San Antonio, Texas. Previously, during 6 1/2 years in the Air Force, I studied in schools teaching Wah Lum kung fu, tae kwon do, modern arnis, and wing tsun, and dabbled in small circle jujitsu, ground fighting, and tai chi. (I tried a little shotokan karate and judo in college earlier.) American Kenpo, as presented by my current instructor and in Mr. Wedlake's book, is the most enjoyable system yet.

Mr. Wedlake roughly covers the following: - What is kenpo, and who was Ed Parker? - Set a goal, select a school, how to be a student - Class structure, student responsibilities, and how to practice - Kenpo techniques and cultural impact on the arts - Attitude/philosophy - The gi, belt, and testing - Women, children, and seniors - Street fighting, seminars, associations, competitions, and demos - Instructor footnotes and rules of motion

The book is short (157 pages) and can be read in two or three sittings. I was tempted to blast through it in one, but letting the lessons within sink in requires some time for reflection. The material mirrored much of what I've been learning in class, and helpfully illustrated and reinforced techniques and theories. As kenpo is a very logical system, it is suitable for the analysis presented in books like this. It is not a series of attack - response scenarios, like most martial arts books in my library. Rather, it explains the ideas behind kenpo and its associated practices, filling a gap left by some other authors.

Having been a student of Ed Parker Sr., Mr. Wedlake brings many personal stories to the book. He answers many "why" questions, such as why newly promoted students are struck in a good-natured manner upon receiving their belts. (I'm sure this will surprise non-martial artists. I first saw this aspect of kenpo in Jeff Speakman's movies.)

This volume is a must-read if you are a kenpo student. Serious practioners from other styles with any interest in kenpo will find it useful, too. I'm looking forward to your next book, Mr. Wedlake!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic basic guide to beginning karate students., September 4, 2009

By 

Joseph J. Truncale "warriorwriter" (Vernon Hills, Il) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kenpo Karate 101 : What the Beginner and the Black Belt Should Know (Paperback)

Even though the karate style I was trained in was Shotokan; nevertheless, I found the information in this volume valuable and interesting. This book provides a great overview of what students should know about Kenpo Karate. First off, this is the karate system taught by the late grandmaster Ed. Parker. I have always had enormous respect for Mr. Parker and his book, Kenpo Karate, was one of the first books I ever read on this art. In conclusion, this is a book for not only students of Kenpo Karate, but for any martial artist who desires to learn what it takes to make progress in karate.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques: Combat Karate for the street).

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I'd had this when I started!, April 22, 2008

By 

Brandon Scriver "Metalhead Karateka" (Logan, UT USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Kenpo Karate 101 : What the Beginner and the Black Belt Should Know (Paperback)

This book was a great read, I really wish I'd had it when I started studying Martial Arts. The book gave a good overview of some of the cultural stigmas surrounding MA as well as what to look for in a school. I'd recommend Mr. Wedlake's books to anyone. He has a lot of information to share that will make you life easier and help make your studies more effective.