Ed Parker's Infinite Insights into Kenpo : Physical Analyzation I (Vol. 2)

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.

Ed Parker introduces the literal foundation of American Kenpo with this volume, the second in a series of five. Parker revolutionized "traditional" martial arts by trying to explain them via a developed scientific method. In his introduction, Parker states: "Breaking the bonds of tradition has truly enriched my understanding of Martial Arts. It has given me insight that others have not been able to perceive." (page 2) This volume contains Ed Parker's continuation of the history of American Kenpo, which discusses the further development of the tournament scene, martial arts in Hollywood, and especially the expansion of tournament karate in the United States. The rest of the book focuses upon the importance of physical preparedness, including explanations of how muscled work, agility, etc. and a section on warm ups. This is followed by a detailed explanation of basics, how they are learned, applied, and may be arranged for application. Parker introduces here several American Kenpo theories which he completely explains--including the two "rearrangement concepts" (Numerical and alphabetical). Also included is one of the most complete treatises I've ever read on stances. Along with the variety of named stances comes instruction on how to properly find your distancing and correct your own posture. This is followed by a section called "Maneuvers", which details every manner of closing, evasive effort, or locomotion one might consider during exercise or an attack. I can't think of a more basic foundation than stance and movement, or a better written treatment on these specific subjects. Parker has been very thorough and considerate in his treatment of the material. Chapters include: *Acknowledgements/Dedication/Creed/About the Creed/Preface 1. Introduction 2. History of American Kenpo (continued from Volume 1): Ed Parker's Kenpo Association 3. Physical Preparedness 4. Basics 5. Division of the Basics (Organizational chart on basics) 6. Stances (Org. Chart, Attention Stance, Horse Stance, Bow & Arrow Stance, kneel stance, twist stance, cat stance, one leg stance) 7. Maneuvers (org. chart, org. chart on foot maneuvers, foot maneuvers, org. chart on body maneuvers, body maneuvers 8. Conclusion (Don't Quit) Glossary of Terminology There are a few mistakes scattered here and there, for instance application of the Numerical rearrangement concept is said to be demonstrated on page 37 when it is acttually 39...little technical mstake that wouldn't confuse anyone actualy reading the book through from the start. Again my peeve with this series: no index. Small faults for such a detailed offering which is obviously the product of so much time, effort, and serious thought.

Ed's writing reflects his powerful and gracious persona. Gifted in martial arts, he was also one hell of a ukulele player and teacher, as I learned when he and I lived across the hall from each other as freshmen at Brigham Young University during the first term of the academic year 1950-51. His uke playing, like his fighting, was super-quick, but he was slow to show impatience in teaching. This calm, Hawaiian style shows in his spiritual approach to martial arts. You will enjoy this book whether or not your main interest is martial arts. Read it to appreciate the approach of a master teacher at work. Ed was so effective in teaching that he taught me what I hadn't known was possible: playing solos on such a tiny instrument. Though I'm primarily Caucasian, Ed taught me well enough to impress a beautiful Hawaiian girl, a professional hula dancer who became my wife. This book will give you the flavor of the man and his mission. I last saw him in the late '60s in the Washington DC area, where he was MCing a big martial arts event at which Bruce Lee performed an impressive exhibition. Ed was still the same classy, unpretentious and quietly helpful guy, even though he was world famous by then. Please do yourself the favor of reading this book. Though he died December 15, 1990, his ideas are still fresh and important.

The book was a very detailed explanation of the how and why of some of the basics. It gives a great understanding of the very foundation of the art and your movements.

An excellent book for all those interested in American Kenpo. I found it to be a great aid in explaining the many facets of this art to me-a non-practitioner. Well written and informative, it keeps you coming back for more. A must read for Kenpo enthusiasts.