Jim Park, Master Larry Tatum, Kenpo Karate, Black Belt Test

[RonSchinners]

thats 5 swords b

[RonSchinners]

its clyde!!

[rhino42094]

Shielding Hammer,Five Swords,Thundering Hammers,Dance Of Death.Some of my favorites.Good Job!

[rhino42094]

That's Kenpo.These guys rock!

[501Dogg]

i love larry hes my teacher and hes so nice and im a orange belt just tested today!

[sandypolice3]

Larry tatum was promoted to tenth under who? The tru grandmaster is Parker. i would bu no means be nervous in front of him.

[musajbs]

Very nice, i would be nervous too!

[musajbs]

Very nice i would be pretty nervous too, and i'm sure Mr.Tatum knows people are nervous too.

[jamesinct]

great job, your techniques look very clean and powerful, who wouldnt be nervous in front of Larry tatum.

[MrByaeger]

this is no longer my main style but as a kenpo practioner i'd say this is a pretty sharp performance under pressure. by now your probably a dan or few higher , i know i wouldnt post MY old tests for sure! good to see mr. tatum still so engaged and no doubt still very capable. best wishes for your future in the arts. as for technical differences..who cares? if it works, its good!

[RicePalaf]

Wow, I'll be testing in front of the same people in two months!

[waverip3rs]

I wanna learn karate plz help

[stevevandien]

Dear Sifu (I hold a purple belt in Tracy's kenpo), your performance here is outstanding. Nervousness in such a situation is natural. But it didn't begin to manifest itself during your performance:). All respect and HONOR to you, my senior in kenpo, to whom I wish all the best:) --

[Mider999]

they should put some protection then you can do it more full contact. then in the street you wont pull your punches

[Esca767676]

i would b verey nervous myself i tested for my black with jeff speakman and trained for my 2nd dan under huk planas. i will b goin to vegas this june 2 train with speakman, n watch him test 4 his 8thdan. AKK4LIfE

[LoneWolf138]

@Esca767676 That is awesome man, your living my Kenpo dream!! All the best. Salute

[OkinawaT]

Muy bien, pero el gestito con la mano del grandullón melenudo como diciendo: "ven aqui, majete..", creo que está fuera de lugar.

Very good, but I think that the gesture with the hand of hairy big man as saying: "come here pal" is out of place

[cmh1wow]

"just drop in to say hi..also to see if I can get your opinion on my invention to protect women from possible attackers?"

[056gk2]

Mr.Park your BRIALLIANT!! Could you please tell me how to develop my power and speed together the way you show it here!! Im doing my best to emulate your style in my training. Powerful as a tidal wave but as impressive as..the neptune statue in Gdansk (what a crap analogy)

[Fiftyfiveguy]

oh yeah, dance of death at 40 sec :p

[valakin]

Dance of Death is a very impressing string to say the least.

[ivoryshark]

Does that say "daws" on the back of the guy's gi?

[OMGitsTheWall]

don't worry u don't have to call me sir. I'm 15

[brunorochinha]

Only a great Master like Larry Tatum, can create a very good Master,

Best Regards from LTKKA Portugal!

[Feinam]

First time I've seen the kidney strikes on dance of death... Nice technique demonstration =)

[OMGitsTheWall]

Dude you kick ass!

[joshmatica]

That was great, i started learning kenpo about 8 or 9 months ago, currently an orange belt, you sir are an inspiration, i hope one day im at your level! Good job!

[PivotDark]

how long have you been in kenpo? ive been in it for 6 years. I am 13 years old and pretty good at it. Although belts dont mean everything,its mostly determination,and practice, right? Im still Orange, but i have fast reflex, i beat greens and browns

[Charlie7829]

6 years and still in orange...? you r doing sth wrong child... so you r sayin belts dont mean everything ;)

[hardcore9427]

I love it. FIVE stars!

[kenpo9599]

whatever your kenpo rocks!!!

[togleres]

ya on dance of death did u add stuff 2 it? i mean when i was doin that way back then i dont remember ever stepping on his back and stuff. And also ur hella fast, not to be rude, but my instructor is quite faster and its like u dont know what hit u. U cant even tell when he is gonna punch u (well for dimostration and not actual punch), its just there in a blink

[kenpo9599]

its called control... i am that fast... i can turn my power on and off like a stereo... u want it you got it... then i knock you out...

[catboy10]

I think its good.

[LoneWolf138]

Anyway man, the techniques are fast and flowing. I don't wan't you to think I am criticising your Kenpo. Your cover out looked modified to me and just wanted to know if it had been and why. I was taught a front cross over followed by a step through reverse, which enabled me to get a 360 survey on my environment while moving clear of my opponent. Maybe I put more emphasis on the cover out, because where I come from, on the street it is rarely one on one. Salute.

[LoneWolf138]

Hey man, i don't mean to offend - respect. I too practice Kenpo Karate, and enjoy sharing it's wealth of knowledge. Ok maybe on the first technique there was a brief 360 scan of your surroundings. But on the others there wasn't.

[kansaskenpo]

LoneWolf138: However you want to describe it, a front crossover in this case is the same as the twist followed by a step through reverse...done for both Five Swords and Parting Wings...there is no disputing this...so I'm done with this topic...still, with your criticism comes responsiblity...we'd like to see your video and you did not answer my questions...good luck with your training...respectfully, Jim

[Mider999]

@LoneWolf138 Exactly how many techniques do you have to learn in kenpo ?

[BXNYhardstyle]

@Mider999 154 techniques. Plus all your forms.

[Mider999]

@LoneWolf138 Have you ever had to use these techniques int he street? Or are techniques basically just principles on how to defend yourself and were to hit?

[cfG21]

man you are fast

[qachaqi]

Great clip. Why shouldn't people critisize Larry' authority? Is he so great?

[kansaskenpo]

Thanks much. It is simply a matter of what is honorable. Your opinion may differ - that's of course fine. However, if someone who claims to know kenpo is going to question a very common ending to Five Swords and criticize Larry Tatum, that person is elevating him/herself to something of an authority...so I'm just calling them out on it...no malice here...if you can't take the heat, then don't post comments.

[KidsKicksforChrist]

@qachaqi In ancient times men learned the arts with a view towards their own improvements, Nowadays the UN respectful men learn with a view towards the approval of others and look at me. Opinions are like farts, they stink when you don't look at yourself first and mention others names...Larry like all men worked hard to get where he is, I worked with many like him and they were all great no matter what they were teaching, Go to their classes and see how great, criticize when knowing nothing.

[qachaqi]

Great clip. Why shouldn't people critisize Larry' authority? Is he so great?

[spl100]

whats up with the kick at the end of five swords!? that not part of the technique!

[kansaskenpo]

It's part of the extension...your choice if you hate it...don't do it...it's that simple. Secondly, post your video (to show how great you are) and your name so that all of us in the kenpo community can know who you are...if you are going to criticize Larry Tatum's kenpo authority, that is the least you can do.

[spl100]

Lee Wedlake is twice the man Larry Tatum will ever be. The techniques have been altered from the original techniques. There was no sheilding hammer. The techniques was called sheild and mace. I am not purposely trying to deface or make fun of larry tatum. What i am saying is wedlake is better

[fntmdrgn1]

I really liked "dance of death" at the end.

[jnackord]

Nice...... good emphasis on the princeples.........

[raynay123]

the first move was AMAZING

[hlb101]

Fantastic demo very good Kenpo Karate is one of the best forms of self defence keep up with the good work.

[CobraLord]

yup so wats ur problem?

[kansaskenpo]

thanks for your defense of our Art...sometimes, it's not worth engaging a critical commenter in a discussion...it just ends up being a flame war...life's too short...

[CobraLord]

you did thundering hammers instead of dance of death hahaha nice spoteneity :D i love it

[pama4242]

Mr. Park is on his way, you can't lose w/ someone like Grandmaster Larry Tatum,(who by the way put out a video on this site about how kenpo blends in w/ ground fighting, it is not seperate, it's just another part of the same art. Kenpo has always had it, but Ed Parker's way was to win on your feet. It is there when you get deeper into the art, most people quit way before they get into that.

[davyRS6]

kempo is for gay ! like martial art ! mma rules and boxing too ...........

[jemibanez]

learn to spell you knob

[kansaskenpo]

davyRS6: this is not "kempo." are you strangely attracted to the men in the mma shorts? is that why you like mma so much? and your stunning grasp of the English language! impressive!

[KoganSvetlanov]

I read that some Kempo master's were musicians, high gifted musicians!Kempo would be ok for a violinist like me ?

[teamabby]

hahahaha pwnt.

nice demo, i've never heard of kenpo before actually. it seems...more aligned with knug fu styles than karate? i'm just guessing...it looks damn effective : )

[dutch04]

Whats MMA? Are you talking sport? I'm a Kali/JKD guy myself but like Kenpo a lot for it's flow and directness. If you are talking of sport MMA or Boxing you need to understand how many rules there are. There are many ways to stop an opponent fast that have little to do with going for a knock out punch to the face or rolling on the ground looking for a subission. Kenpo is much more combative and destructive and thierfore more effective.

[TravKenpo]

Again, Mr. Jim Park reminds me of a younger version of Master Jody Sasaki. I mean this statement as a total positive compliment and I hope that Mr. Park reveres it as so.

[sarason3]

I respect all martial arts and it seems that kenpo is very good for streetfighting scenarios as it does not emphasise grappling.

Respect!

[naujitii]

Ive practiced Jujitsu and Taekwondo, and I think this art looks effective in self-defence and street combat.

I love the way your tactics are performed, this is truly the beauty of speed at its best.

[kenpoartist]

I think you did a good job on your test. I didnt see any flaws in your test. Kenpo is an art and you should enjoy your progress and if your Grandmaster believes you deserve the next belt level up then thats all that matters. Also when your taking your test theres alot of pressure and we all tend to make more mistakes under these conditions. I'm a Kenpo student of IKCA.

[circaboy]

i started kung fu fang shen do after doing 5 years of karate and i prefer kung fu for sure

[adangonzalezelmormon]

please stop posting stupid comments your only making yourselves look ignorant. Kenpo is simply the most complete martial arts system on the planet and ed parker was a genieus. If you really feel like kenpo is fake, then you must not be a martial artist. g>o>o>g>l>e "larry tatum Tip of the week" THATS THE GUY IN THE BACKGROUND OF THIS VIDEO!

[gabesbad]

that guy is pretty fast, but it's more like a dance than combat. i mean he couldn't really hurt anyone with those little slaps.

[naujitii]

So is Capoiera (if is with the K, sorry), it looks like a dance, which was developed by the African immigrants in Brazil, and is really effective.

[elcaraepelota]

capoeira is a shit.its not efective

[TheBXSici1ian]

"To hear is to doubt,

to see is to be deceived,

but to feel is to beleive." - Ed Parker

...In other words you won't believe the power of Kenpo until someone uses it on you.

[Reyargento]

I've been reading all the comments and as a martial arts lover (even when I practise Korean Tang Soo Do), I assume that people who criticize others because of ignorance or prejudice don't deserve to get an answer; I agree with ya about Kempo ( I'm a diehard Elvis fan and he loved Kempo) , so keep on going your own path despite foolish people's toughness. My respects from Argentina.

[pama4242]

Hey, I just want to say that at first I was critical of Kenpo, I had been out of it for a long time, but after talking to Mr. Park , I really must say there's much more that i didn't realize about kenpo, much more. Jim park is a fair man and never rude , let's show some respect for Mr.Park, everyone is not Bruce Lee.

[kansaskenpo]

Hello everyone...just to be clear...I actually do appreciate everyone's comments, critical or not...I am sure that my martial arts execution is flawed in many ways...and is Ed Parker's kenpo the "best" Art? It is for ME. Btw, I think I speak for many when I say that it is so easy to sit and criticize eating Doritos, Cheetos...if you're gonna slam and rip apart the video, then show us YOUR video first, your picture...stop hiding...THEN post - Jim

[BoManBlink]

Ya Monarch3436, just be quiet or you will end up humiliating yourself even more.

Anyway, very nice!! I study under Master Bob White. What a feeling to be testing with Mr. Tatum! Congratulations!

[kansaskenpo]

Certainly, Bob White is a tremendous kenpoist with a truly great reputation...I am part of John Sepulveda's organization and I think He and Mr. White are now in the same organization under the AKTS...respectfully, Jim

[Monarch3436]

Ummm... Kenpo sucks. This guy is decent, but he would be MUCH better served in a traditional karate s school. Everyone in the martial arts community knows Ed Parker is a fake. I hold a 1st Degree Black Belt in Kenpo... and I hold a 3rd Degree in Karate. Kenpo SUCKS!

[kansaskenpo]

Monarch3435 - thanks for your comments...please put up your video now...wow, you're a 3rd degree black belt...how impressive!! Are you going to put up or shut up? And please, don't embarrass yourself with more words...I am sure I speak for all of us...show us your video NOW to show us how awesome you are...and like the other guy who posted, please don't embarrass yourself by making excuses about not having a video camera...borrow one if you have to...respectfully, Jim

[kenpo9599]

parker is fake? r u on drugs? i have a 1st dan in kenpo and i've had other styles offer me other blackbelts on the spot with my knowledge...

[kenpo9599]

u cut kenpo down? give me a shout i'll fight u...hehe

[cybberia]

Sad thing is so many people claim to know Kenpo, and cut this video down. Hate to bring you to reality but then your instructors are scamming you. This is the the real deal. Real Kenpo is awesome, it's just sad that there are so many fake schools out there breeding crap like some of these posters are saying. Awesome video, and keep up the good work.

[michaelsama28]

Very cool!

[jaggedsoup]

it barely has enough power, speed is there probably, but simply looks like a paper windmill in action, loads of action but not enuff damage at all,

[kansaskenpo]

Hello jaggedsoup: Great comment! Please, for all of us, post your video showing your awesome power. Question for you: it's a demonstration, would you have him hit so hard that he ends up in the emergency room? There has to be a balance. Again, show us oh mighty one, how it is supposed to be done. Show us your "iron" windmill. We're waiting. You were blunt, I'm blunt back. Respectfully, Jim

[jaggedsoup]

well, i be honest, i have no videos oh sarcastic one, only in security footage with a punk robber with a knife. my take is that we are learning a martial art, its a skill or technique you use to hurt, its not an circus art or show&tell, if you are gonna strike, strike with your whole body.

[jaggedsoup]

Wear armour then, if you are gonna fight in a controlled enviroment, knock him out maybe, not kill him..

if you want to see hows its done, go be a cop, go out to the streets, where karate is meant to protect those who cant fight, instead of playacting.. Respectfully, Chris

[kansaskenpo]

Hello jaggedsoup(Chris): I was only matching your tone; can't take it? then don't criticize. This is an ART. AN ART. We can approach realism-maybe get close. I could easily have blocked your comments but I let you speak your mind. You really NEED to post your own video- because you claim such authority. BTW, I mean you no harm/offense and I wish you all the peace in the world. Respectfully, Jim

[jaggedsoup]

im a Karate Yondan or Karate 4th Dan, depending on how people spell it, normally i try to oblige, but i really dont have any, stopped having videos after my Rokukyu,and that was like 10 years old.. =D Peace, Chris

[nicaOne]

Part of martial arts is the number of stripes you have on a belt; another is the respect you have for others. Hiding behind a screen a posting such comments says alot. Good job, Jim.. I could imagine how nervous you must've been with Mr. Tatum in front of you. Kenpo salute!

[nicaOne]

The former part of the comment was for jaggedsoup and the latter was for Jim..

[kenpo9599]

dude that is called control... why would he put so much power in it... and shit kick the guy... i can do these techniques with any amount of power like turning up the volume on a stereo...

[BoManBlink]

Jagged...

This is a belt test, a demonstration. If Mr. Park here wanted to hit hard he could have. In fact, control shows your skillset. If you cannot use a technique on someone and NOT kill them, it not only shows your lack of control, but your lack of skill.

[pama4242]

I'm not near as impressed with this art now that I've been away from it 10 yrs. It looks flashy, it can work, but it is just just an endless kick punch combinations fest. You can learn this system fast, but it is not near as complex as Ryu Kyu Kempo(WHICH TAKES FOREVER TO LEARN) not much in joint locks or groundwork in Kenpo, but it sure looks good, I've been in both systems I know.

[MarkJGS]

And I'm a leather belt that I'm going to use to whip round your faces if you don't stop boasting about your belt colours...

[Coinicon]

I'm a Black Belt in karate, those moves had plenty of speed, power and were performed correctly. Dude, I have good feeling about you.

[stephens1980]

kool im red purple belt

[SebaleonSeba]

mucho grito, poca efectividad en la ejecucion de las tecnicas........

[kansaskenpo]

Hola SebaleonSeba: "Oír es dudarse, ver es ser engañado, pero sentir debe creer."

[iizabunghole1234]

pretty kool! im a 1st gup red belt testin 4 my black belt soon....not 2 b disrespectful, but that lil video dosent look like nuthin...

[kkekolo]

diosito!

[Inthetube89]

ooh, one thing to point out, I study under Sullivan's American Kenpo, and we use the Parker system... our branch has many people like Valari, and Sullivan... we love this art(though it does sadden me when I see young students with a lack of respect for this style)

~Peace over Power~

[Inthetube89]

Very nice Kansaskenpo

I myself have been a student of Kenpo, though I am reletivly new(Yellow Belt) I have trained in others as well, and am good even at my young age of 17

I love Kenpo, It saved my life, and I study under Sensei Joe Champagne, who studies under Shihan Larry Sullivan.

~Peace over Power~

[kansaskenpo]

thank you sir, and to all of you that think so much of this amazing art, I thank you...respectfully, Jim

[JesseG1213]

dear jim, my email is westlafadeaway@ gmail. com if you would ever like to discuss our wonderful art. i would also like to congratulate you, i didn't get to in my last post. also, i study under Master Machellette. Do you use the Parker or Tracy system?

[moneywagon]

was that the Tracy or Parker system?

[kansaskenpo]

moneywagon: Ed Parker's 24 techniques per belt system outlined in Parker's Infinite Insights Volume 5...thanks much, Jim

[mrgiggles2007]

WOW ..What do you call this ??? It is without any doubt NOT KENPO!!! Jim maybe you should actualy work on proper form, timing and execution... when you throw your back kick you are way off balance .. I am assuming that you FAILED this test...right???

[JesseG1213]

yo, mrgiggles2007 i've been studying kenpo karate for a bit over 11 years now. and i can tell you he is doing the technique correctly. the back kick is not off balance, it is used to retreat, it looks off balance because he is getting ready to cross out. if you payed attention you would realize that

[1point21Jigowatts]

i have to agree with JesseG1213. i've been studying kenpo since 1994 and it looked great to me. mrgiggles doesn't have any idea what he's talking about. great job, Mr. Park!!

[kansaskenpo]

Thank you JesseG and 1point - I wasn't going to comment, but I can't resist. Does anyone who would get on here with the name "mrgiggles" have credibility? Amazing. Not even sure he knows who Larry Tatum is. However, despite his attack-he even emailed me-I wish him all peace-you see, kenpo has saved my life and has meant too much to me-it is beyond any criticism anyone can have. My journey started after seeing the Perfect Weapon and all respect to Ed Parker and all kenpoists. Respectfully, Jim

[Ksjddragon]

lol i go to kempo moves are differnt

[th7dude]

Not WMA. Removed from group.

[brasidus]

Nice video, but why is it Western historical martial arts?