Customer Reviews

Law of the fist and the empty hand: A book on kenpo karate

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A superb introduction to Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate, this manual covers basic techniques in Part I, and in Part II the first (original) 62 maneuvers required for promotion to 2nd brown tip white belt--that is, before the introduction of belts other than white, brown and black. Remember this volume was written in 1960.

This was Parker's first book, and it stands out from what little was available at the time for its straightforward explanations and crisp, clear drawings and photographs. Each sequence is completely explained and illustrated with written instruction and photos--on average each technique (series) is shown in 3-5 photos which include precise arrows illustrating the path of movement.

Even in 1960, you can see the intellectual side of Parker's American Kenpo, as he covers topics such as the "Importance of Speed", the "Importance of Maneuvering", and the "Importance of Integrating Speed, Power, Accuracy and Gauging of Distance" (page73-74). Already Parker was making use of organizational charts for anatomical points, method and effect of attack. (pages 58-65).

For the history buffs among us, Acknowledgements are given by Parker on the copyright page to several of the early men of Kanpo Karate, including Ben Otake, William Ingram, Robert Liddle, Tim Trahan, Charles Pranke, and Rich Montgomery. Parker and several early students (Including two of the Tracy brothers of Tracy's Kenpo fame among them) take turns demonstrating techniques, with Parker alternating between Tori (demonstrator) and Uke (assistant). Of special value to those with an interest in Karate and Kenpo history in the United States.

this book keyed on most of the points in kenpo karate...if you have the time to wait for the book it is a perfect buy for any martial arts fanatic

Mr. Parker's first book lays the majority of groundwork for the infinite insight series. Also he establishes some rules and theories that help define him as the Engineer of Motion. This book is by no means a complete tell all of Mr. Parker's Kenpo system but it is a great look and example of where his system began to evolve from.