Ed Parker's Infinite Insights into Kenpo : Mental Stimulation (Vol. 1)

The first in a five volume series, this book contains Ed Parker's Autobiography as well as a detailed history of Kenpo as Parker understood it. Parker explains how he learned kenpo in Hawaii from William Chow, began teaching it in the United States, started the Kenpo Karate Association of America (KKAA), which became the International Kenpo Karate Association (IKKA). Explained are all of the symbols of American Kenpo, including the original International Kenpo Karate Association patch, Parker's original Universal Symbol. This volume goes beyond most basic introductory books in that it includes a significant amont of detail. For instance, in chapter 3 when Parker explains the three divisions of the art of Kenpo, including Basics, Self Defense, and Freestyle, he breaks each one of these three divisions into all of its possible components. Basics includes techniques, combinations, and kata, or forms, physical and mental conditioning, etc. Parker explains each specific term, why it is important and how it applies. Additionally there is a glossary in the back of the book which covers all of the kenpo specific terms used in the book. If you need to refresh on the difference between Paragraphs of Motion versus Phonetics of Motion, you need only flip to the back of the book. My complaints about this book are few--namely, lack of an index, and the glaring omission of the Family Tree Chart, which was mentioned specifically, but never included in the book. Other than that, I highly recommend this book to practitioners of American Kenpo specifically, as well as practitioners of any of the "traditional" striking arts. Ed Parker was a thinking matrial artist who put his ideas concerning martial arts practice down in a specific way so that others could understand and build on his work. Whether one practices his style of kenpo or not, the principles are worth considering and this book is worth reading. Chapters in Volume One: Mental Stimulation include: 1. Introduction 2. History of American Kenpo 3. Three Divisions of the art (Basics, Self-Defense, Freestyle) 4. Relationship of Martial arts Systems 5. The Art as Related to Daily Living 6. Ingredients, Stages, and Plateaus of Learning 7. Philosophical Attainment 8. My Philosophy of the Martial Arts 9. Formalities and Rituals (verbal respect, Physical gestures of respect--Parker himself demonstrates the Kenpo Salute) 10. Belt Ranking System 11. Preparatory Considerations (Acceptance, Environmental Awareness, Range, Position, Maneuvers, Targets, Natural Weapons, Natural Defenses 12. Stories of Related Value (Time and Place, Modern Day Ethics) 13 The Ten Commandments of Prevention 14 Conclusion Glossary of Terminology

Well, I am certainly no expert however I feel the sheer fact Mr Parker was able to write the extaordinary accompanying texts to his art deserves 5 stars. Having experienced a taste of Mr Parker's genius in my dojo through the skilled teachings of my instructor, I am doubly happy that there is a textual reference to backup and enforce the knowledge imparted to me. Any true science is benefited by a reference, although there can be no substitute for a skilled instructor. Hopefully this and the other books will act as a compass to keep me pointed in the right direction in years to come.

I am training with Master Rose in the Art of American Kenpo Karate and reading this book enforces everything he has taught me. It is an excellent book for anyone interested in taking up or participating in the Art of American Kenpo Karate. I highly recommend it.

This is one of the cornerstones that all Kenpo instructors should be very well versed in. Being well versed in this is what will make the differentiation between a good black belt and a true Kenpo black belt. In addition, this was a tough book to find before I found it here.

I really enjoyed "Mental Stimulations." The explaination, of the Kenpo history is clear and accurate. I enjoyed the explainations of why Martial Artist flourished in China, Japan, Korea, and the historical elements that created a need for developing a fighting system for protection. "Mental Stimulations" shares some of Ed Parker's life events. Key points are the evolution of Modern fighting Methods, the Kenpo Creed, Saluation, and Universal Pattern. Each chapter is logically organized, interesting, and definitely worth reading.