Customer Reviews

Ed Parker's Infinite Insights into Kenpo: Physical Analyzation II

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As a kenpo student/instructor myself...these books in the Insight series have proved to be an asset worth reading over and over again. Gaining detailed analysis of blocks and strikes used in the kenpo system in this particular book is a great learning tool. These books help you to understand the "Whys" of Kenpo...which is the line between student and instructor. If you are serious about learning the Kenpo system...or teach, these books are priceless, written by the Late Grandmaster Himself. It is a peek into the mind of the Man known as "the father of American Karate"

The Third volume in a five volume series, Parker continues where he left off in volume two explaining the "how" of American Kenpo. Physical Analyzation I covered basic theory, stances, and maneuvers. Physical Analyzation II delves further into technical American Kenpo, again using organizational charts to divide basics into catagories, then covering blocks, strikes (arms & legs), specialized movements such as twisting and locking, and additional exercises.

Unlike most other basic level martial arts books, Parker isn't content to somply demonstrate the thechniques. He wants the reader to understand how a technique works, yes--but he is also reaching further by explaining and stressing possibilities and variations.a good example of this is page 34, where in "An Educational Review" he shows how a simple circular movement follows the same path as virtually every parry block. Parker also continued to make use of organizational charts throughout, a useful tool for those of us who like to visualize possibilities.

Throughout Parker shares hints he's gathered through years of experience. His realism and practicality is refreshing. One interesting example is on page 120, where Parker offers an important reminder to the reader:

"Please do not look upon STRIKES as only weapons of destruction. They can be injured just as easily as they injure[...] Therefore think of your natural weapons as targets as well and this will reduce the possibility of your being an open prey. It must be remembered that when a man is occupied with his own injury, he is not apt to think of retaliation. [...]Also remember to remain relaxed when blocking or striking. Tense only at the time of contact, then relax again" (120)

This is a deep and intelligent work finishing off the "How" of Kenpo. This is not a catalog of every kenpo technique. It appears Parker is teaching principles under the assumption that the reader already has or is in the process of learning techniques. Some specific things are demonstrated, but the purpose is apparently to familiarize the reader with American Kenpo Principles and relate the principles to one another and their practical application. Included are the following chapters:

*Acknowledgements/Dedication/Pledges/About the Pledges/Preface
1. Introduction
2. Division of the Basics (basics org. Chart & explanations)
3. Blocks (org. chart, striking, parrying, positioned, pinning, specialized, blocks w/ foot & leg: stiking, parrying, positioned)
4. Strikes (Org. Chart, clawing, slicing, whipping, thrusting, hooking, roundhousing, hammering, specialized. Comparative analysis of arms and legs, concepts of minor and major moves, determining factors, strikes w/ foot & leg: slicing, whipping, thrusting, angle of no return, hooking, front scoop kick, roundhousing, hammering, specialized, strikes with the head. composite of natural weapons.
5. Specialized Moves and Methods (twisting, locking, org. chart on specialized moves and methods)
6. Exercises (pre-stretching, other training exercises, stretching, strengthening
7. Conclusion
*Glossary of Terminology

In the conclusion of this third volume, Parker explains that the first three volumes give the "how" of American Kenpo, while volume four the what, and final volume five the "why". I found this description to be adequate, and this series as a whole is of definate use to any thinking martial artist regardless of style. Parker's ability to explain things in plain English without attempting to mask the how what or why is what makes this series worthwhile reading regardless of style.

I was a white belt when I first tried to read this book. This book is more of a study, as is Book#4. Only until after I have been studying the art for nearly a year did it become comprehend-able and useful to me. The diagrams in the picture a bit over the beginners head. As an intermediate rank the diagrams are useful and education.

Regardless of your martial style, you can add to your education by studying Professor Parker's series. This book continues the scientific study of kenpo and reflects on the effectiveness of techniques that blend in with any Okinawan-Japanese-Chinese-Korean art. A great read in a great study.

All Kenpo stylists should have Ed Parkers "Infinite insights into Kenpo" books. I have read these books and they go into great detail of Kenpo techniques, history, and philosophy.