Customer Reviews

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

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

 

 

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!

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).

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.

Fantastic book exactly as described in the title "What every beginner and black belt should know." Readers will not be disappointed as Master Wedlake gives a good prospective from his personal experiences both good and bad in the art without an agenda. A very worthwhile read for every Kenpo student and this will suit students from other martial arts as well.

Everything was great the book got here super fast! In the condition stated.

I strongly believe you must SWEAT SWEAT SWEAT to learn karate, instead of reading on your couch, and think you have mastered Karate. This is just another karate book only good for information.......I would like to see more philosphy type of book.