Articles

January 2010

Topic of Trust!

--Sean Kelley

In my recent travels I have found that many of the school/club owners have met up with customers not aware of the need of knowing how to understand that customer relationships and loyalty are built on mutual trust.

In today's society the benefits and values taught at most karate schools is without the communication between parents and the coaches (karate instructors) in the commercial industry. Having taught as a professional facilitator for over 26 years now with over hundreds if not thousands of students I have found part of our lesson plan should be to educate our parents about their investment?the children!

There is no quick fix or mini-programs that is going to make any adolescent change in just a few months. This takes time, nurturing, and to change behavior it takes a team effort. I say welcome to the only school you get more than enough chances to make a change in life?no one quits and nobody gives up.

Karate is a discipline, which means like any education where mental, physical as well as emotional stages of improvement are being handled, it just can not be done without realizing it is a individual process and a skill that requires patience on all parties, especially in areas where there may be handicap challenges or for the sake a little extra care needed.

If our school system requires a 5 day/ 6 hours a day of habit forming time of investment to pass from one grade to another, then how is it people tend to believe that twice a week for a total of 8 hours a month qualifies them "Just Because" of paying a monthly tuition, to receive a minimum of 3 belts within a 12 month time period?

This is ludicrous as well as a disservice to our children and us as facilitators trying to bring out the best in every student we profile. Education is a must and we must take a roll of building trust with our parents to meet their goals but allow us to be the experts in our field as we would in their individual careers.

In reading a recent comment posted on Facebook by Michael Miller, who happens to be experienced in child protective services (as a caseworker for three years in McKean County) he reflects the need for parents to understand that children primarily learn through modeling behavior (social learning theory) by duplicating and repeating what they see and hear around them, primarily mirroring parental habits and behavior. This is a factor of concern to those wondering why their kids are developing or showing signs of improper behavior or lack of motivation to succeed.

The martial arts industry is place of improving character, self esteem, health/wellness, mental alertness, bully proofing, and developing strong work ethics for their future in corporate America. Let's begin a new year with building stronger relationships at the front of classrooms and at the front door of our studios. If we neglect this we will lose another young kid who needs us, or a customer who needs a home for reconnection in his/her life. Let it be known your philosophy is about trust, dignity, motivation, and spiritual balance, not about engaging or endorsing violence, but prevention, intervention and solutions to what is missing in life; it still takes a neighborhood to raise a child!

October 2009

European Kenpo Historical Event Overview

--Michael Miller

On September 3, 2009, a well overdue historical event took place in Dublin, Ireland for European Kenpo history. The history of Ed Parkers Kenpo in Europe has been speculated since it first took place in the early 1960s when John McSweeney brought it to Ireland. Later, Parker would revise his system and some, including McSweeney, stuck to the old Kenpo Karate rather than the new American Kenpo, known as Modern Kenpo to the Irish.

Many great people spread the seeds of Parkers Kenpo throughout Europe, but Ireland was the inception outside of the United States with McSweeney grooming his four top black belts who would continue the art perpetuating it in a positive manner. These four gentlemen were: Tommy Jordan, John Conway, James Rice, and Maurice Mahon.

Many stories have been told about European history, some true, others not so true, but after years of speculation, research, and communications, an alliance led by Grandmaster Michael Robert Pickone of Mr. Parkers top black belts and ex bodyguard to Mr. Parkerdrew up a document setting the score of the collective factual evidence of the actual initiation of Parkers Kenpo in Europe, and its perpetuation throughout many European Countries, with a focal point of recognizing the Irish for what they have accomplished.

The document was signed by Grandmaster Michael Robert Pick, Master Rainer Schultethe man responsible for introducing Parkers Kenpo to Germany and spreading the seeds throughout many of the European countries under his wing, Senior Professor Sean P. Kelley, Wes Idol (The primary person responsible to draft up the document and revise it), and some of the top Irish Kenpoists including, in no particular order: Tommy Jordan, Barney Coleman, Maurice Mahon, Peter Coyle, Shay Paget, Willie Kelly, and Dave Quinn.

Stay tuned for an upcoming three part article about the whole event through the eyes of those who were there. An alliance has been formed with the Irish and we are all proud to be a part of their family.

July 2009

Honesty is still out There

--Sean Kelley

I wanted to share something that took place recently and how much it meant to me. My daughter Tori had her birthday on July 17th, 2009 and has turned 12 years old. She is a big fan of the "Twilight" series and had a request for getting her own custom "Twilight" Sneakers done.

Her mother located on E-bay the ability to order these custom made sneakers and one could pick a particular design out of a selection of about 4 different choices. The only clench here was they were being ordered out of the country from the Philippines. My worry was getting them, buying them and of course never to ever receive the order and being out of $160 dollars plus Tori being let down out of her special gift.

The Order was placed on July 2, 2009, and I did this to give me a window of about 15 days to get them, since they were to be shipped within 3-5 business days. Well, there were a nightmare of problems through the United States Mail services and our Customs department.

There were a cluster of emails and phone calls to our customs and Miami Mail Division as well as reports of possible mail fraud. I found out that problems had been reported about ordering from China and claims have been coming in constantly that there was a mail fraud concern, but not yet from the Philippines.

I was so upset because it came down to the wire of it being one more day before her birthday and no item was mailed. It was now in the hands of customs and nobody was able to assist because there was no tracking of the item and they do not go after "A" item for anyone.

I ended up calling my American Express company as E-bay wants you to work it out with the seller, but AMX took immediate action and put the payment on hold for investigation reasons.

The situation was frustrating, but there is a positive side to this whole story. The woman who was responsible for the handcrafted sneakers goes by the name Ayin Gurling. She lives in Manila and runs an online business. She was sincere and very upset at the chain of events and was more than willing to go the extra mile to make sure I received Tori's gift and her reputation was not damaged.

I have to say I learned that there still are many who are honest out there and it goes far on this planet, even to the place in Manila, Philippines. Not only did I eventually get my order on Saturday July 18th, 2009, the day after Tori's actual birthday, but we waited for Saturday anyway to have a surprise party with karate friends and family at 3pm for everyone to come and be there. At 1:45pm the package arrived and it was the second pair that Ayin had done for Tori and Ayin drove an additional 90 miles to a mail delivery place to guarantee we would receive the gift.

Tori was so surprised and I was thrilled that it all worked out and I have to say this to those reading this, I highly recommend this lovely woman Ms. Gurling to anyone wanting to order these custom sneakers. She also put "Tori's" name on them for no extra charge, and after all the problems, I received a second pair with extra small gifts from Ms.Gurling as well; So not only did I get what I ordered from out of the country, but also, I was given honesty treatment from a very special woman who displayed honor, dignity and my trust. I told her I look forward to many more business opportunities with her based on this situation that was a happy ending. Please check out her Web site at http://ayinx.etsy.com to see all that she has to offer. Ayinx custom hand painted sneakers.

June 2009

A thank-you to Ranger Gary ONeal

--Michael Miller

For those of you who attended the 2009 Florida Camp, you had the honor of meeting a true war hero, and had the opportunity to take a lesson from him as he became a special guest instructor, along with being a special guest of honor. He is a good friend of Grandmaster Michael Robert Picks, and has become a part of the CKF Board of Directors (click on the board of directors link for a complete bio). This fine man is Grandmaster Gary Lee ONeal.

I personally enjoyed my time with him as I spent as much quality time as I could picking his brain. He shared many great things with me and I have gained a tremendous amount of respect for him. I was humbled that he shared many of his lifes trials and tribulations with me, and how he overcame impossible odds. Aside from my personal time with him, I was mesmerized by his speech he gave during his seminar. I took many notes and I would like to share some of the things that impressed me.

Mr. ONeal is a warriorpure combat, like Mr. Pick. Although I was never in the military, my keen interest is in the combative side of Kenpo. Like Mr. Pick, Mr. ONeal has had real combative experience throughout his life as an elite soldier. He knows about life and death. I remember him saying, The difference between life and death is the amount of emotional content that is put into the technique. That was a great lesson.

He talked about the three elements of combatyour spiritual being, mental being, and physical being. He enlightened us by saying that the most important is that of your spiritual being. He explained that if we misuse our art, it will destroy us. His humility was displayed when he said, Everybody you come in contact with is a teacher to you.

He instructed about the importance of the mind and how you need to train that first when you are learning a new technique. Mentally, you are always in a fighting position. He then followed that up with, Your body is relaxed, but your mind is constant. I enjoyed all the reinforcement of what I tell my students; especially when Mr. ONeal talked about self-discipline: Self-discipline is not in the dojo. It is a lifetime commitment.

I want to thank Mr. ONeal for helping mold my vision of not only the great art of American Kenpo, but also my life. Mr. ONeal is a true inspiration and I hope to get the opportunity to meet up and train with him again. Thank-you for the life lessons. We in the CKF are proud to have you on board.

May 2009

Friedman Camp and Schulte's 70th birthday:

--Michael Miller

Kenpo Legend Rainer Schultes 70th birthday is coming up on June 10, 2009. Four of his great students will be over from Germany to celebrate his birthday at his house in Inverness and then will go over to Mike Friedmans camp to meet and bang with the other participants of the camp. Among Rainer's fine students attending are: Peter Ritters (First Brown) the FIRST Kenpo student in Germany; Andree (Pitbull) Kretchmer, one of the founding members of the WAKS (Willich Ass Kickers) -- Willich is a Township in Germany where Rainer and his students trained and partied--; Thomas Kozitzky, who was promoted by Rainer Schulte to 5th black in December of 2008 but would only accept this promotion in front of a CKF panel; and the fourth person is Claudia, Tommy's fiancee.

Rainer will be at Friedmans camp along with Mr. Kelley (as the instructor of the camp) and hopefully many more students and black belts. The camp will be held on Saturday June 13, 2009 and will take place at Friedman's school, Champion Karate, located at 101 N. Country Club Road, Suite 105, Lake Mary, Florida 32746. For more information contact Mike Friedman at 407-322-1434.

April 2009

Special People in the CKF:

--Sean Kelley

This story is long over due. I wanted to mention a person who I feel has stepped up to the plate and proved to be not only a man of honor, but also a man with ethics, morals, and no confusion in his martial path. Many people have come and gone within the CKF organization either by termination, changing direction, or just not fitting the profile we expect within our group who are chartered members.

Life is about choices and we all have those rights to choose our path of where we train, and what we learn from who we feel is our teacher, leader, or the right person who shares a mutual interest in our goals. We all have those we feel comfortable with in our journeys to self-improvement and some step up while others like to stay in the slow lane.

The great man I'm speaking of who has stepped up is Jamie Seabrook from Canada who owns and operates Jamie Seabrook's Kenpo Karate, London-Ontario, Canada. A man of strong faith, family values, and is very careful who he decides to be led by for both himself and his students.

Mr.Seabrook has demonstrated over the many years I have seen him in places such as Las Vegas, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, what a class act he really is. He competes with sportsmanship, and win or lose, is honorable. He like many of us have made decisions for our clubs/schools and some of our students were unhappy with what we chose and so they moved on. Well, the door swings both ways and sometimes young, inexperienced black belts think they know more than their teacher only to get a wake up call down the road.

I'm proud to have Jamie Seabrook as a CKF Charter member but more proud to see him teach with enthusiasm and true martial spirit at one of Michael Miller's past seminars that left many of us saying, Now that is a professional black belt, not a guy whose head is inflated to the point he needs to turn side ways just to get into the door.

I welcome all his students as extended family and only wish the best to those who chose another direction as we all know SGM Ed Parker had many seeds in the Kenpo garden to learn from. I say enjoy every chance to meet, greet and network with all martial artists even outside of the Kenpo Community--you might just learn something.

In closing, as we just finished our 15th Year Anniversary of the Florida Kenpo Camp it was once again an honor to have with us the many who make it so worth having. A special thanks goes to GM Michael Robert Pick, Master Rainer Schulte, GM Joe Lewis, and Master Manny Cabrera.

Honored guests who made the weekend a historical moment once again as they were able to share a few words of wisdom, motivation, and a reminder about how to be a true Black belt by stepping up to the plate. Thanks to these people as well: Wes Idol, Curtis Sliwa (Founder of the Guardian Angels), Ranger Gary O'Neal, Kevin & Jenni Mills, Marcus Buonfiglio, Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, Dr. Steven James, and all the CKF Reps and students, as well as guests who traveled from the AKI organization under Master Tony Cogliandro as our new extended friends of the "Alliance" that has grown worldwide.

Let's not forget those special people who were awarded their day of being apart of the next Generation and to those like Fred Mergen, Rachael Ramiccio, and Chris Ori; we congratulate you on your promotions well earned through your dedication and hard work!

August 2008

CKF In the News Again: "Inside Kung-Fu" magazine

--Sean Kelley

Once again, CKF is in the news thanks to great writing by Michael Miller with his ability to communicate important Kenpo principles to the public. This time his topic was about speed and how you can instantly increase it if you practice for it correctly. Increase Your Speed Instantly was the title of the feature in the October issue.

It features great pictures of Dave Hebler, Sean Kelley and Mike Miller himself demonstrating speed drills as well as the principle of "Point of Origin" and Economy of Motion. Many of our Kenpo sayings and quotes were added along with comments from and/or about Bill "Superfoot" Wallace and Don "The Dragon" Wilsontwo men who are well respected in the Kickboxing arena and considered experts in their field.

It was also enjoyable to see Brittany Tatum featured with her fatherPresident of the LTKKAGM Larry Tatum. Their article was well spoken in regard to her encounter with a situation she once had to deal with. It also sets the stage of her future role within the LTKKA organization in carrying the torch in her fathers art of American Kenpo.

It seems Kenpo has been featured quite in a bit in the month of August as I also just received the newest release of Black belt magazine with a featured articled covering GM Frank Trejo as well. To me all news is good news when Kenpo is a featured name and article.

July 2008

Florida Summer Training Camp a Success!

--Michael Miller

The 2008 Florida Summer Training Camp held at Mike Friedmans went extremely well. For those who missed it, you missed an amazing event filled with great knowledge. I was honored to be present with two of my students, green belt Matt Morris, and orange belt Jason Wood.

The event began on Friday evening with a special knife class instructed by Ama Guro Raffy Pambuan. This was my first experience with him and all I can say is, What an amazing man. Mr. Kelley, Mr. Schulte and Mr. Hebler sat on the sidelines in awe of this humble man moving so effortlessly with the knife. Mr. Kelley took several notes on how Pambuans Arnis system parallels our system of American Kenpo. That class alone was well worth the investment.

Saturday was another great day as Mr. Schulte began with an awesome class on tailoring. Aside from that, he announced that this seminar would be his last in the United States. He has one more in Germany and that will be his final seminar. He wants to retire while he is still in good shape. (Keep in mind that his biography will be coming out in the beginning of 2009, so you can read up about his adventurous life. Pre-orders will be taken in November.) Mr. Hebler had a back to the 50s class, which was enjoyable and Raffy Pambuan taught a stick class, which was an extension of his phenomenal Friday night class.

Mr. Kelley taught two great seminars over the weekend, one on Saturday and the other on Sunday where he taught Variable Expansion. His classes were extremely informative and everyone walked away with some new knowledge as always. Uncle Dave Hebler had a free womens self-defense seminar, Making it out Alive, on Sunday for through the Gift of Power Foundation. As one of his certified instructors and his senior consultant of the Gift of Power, I had the pleasure of assisting him. The seminar went well.

Mike Friedman did a great job throwing this camp and is certainly one of the top leaders in the CKF as well as the Gift of Power Foundation. He is a man who steps up to get things done and it was a pleasure to be at his school. Keep up the great work Mike.

June 2008

Mary's Prayer

--Sean Kelley

I wanted to dedicate this month's letter to a special woman who has recently passedThursday, May 26, 2008. Mary Miranda, the wife of one of my black belts, Mike Miranda, has just passed away from a 7 year battle with cancer. Many of you know Mike as he is one of the most dedicated students I have along with being an awesome instructor at my studio.

What makes this important is not so much about the life of Mary but the people who were close to her and how much love she gave too those she came into contact with. I recall one of the many times I had spoken to her in how she couldn't stress enough how much of an impact Kenpo Karate has had on her son Mikey and her entire family. She went on to say it was the best investment they ever involved themselves with and she explained how she always encouraged other parents about the positive changes martial arts can produce in their children as she had the experience of proof based on her own families involvement.

Today (Sunday, June 1, 2008) after our normal Sunday training the family of students all banned together to pay tribute to Mary Miranda and her family by attending a private ceremony with a prayer from the family members who spoke special words for Mary but also sang a very touching song by one of the family girls and her father. A shrine was perched in a corner of the living room to give memory of a special person many had grown up with, were related to or just knew as a person with love for people and a smile that made many glow when witnessed.

It brought tears to my eyes to hear the little girl sing with touching words and such an awesome voice. The support coming from the likes of CKF family members Mike Friedman, Matt Camburn, Chris Oldrich, Brian Phelan, myself and my fiance Kimmy who were there to pray and give respect to the Miranda family, was also touching.

We all know Mary is in the hands of God now and she will be taken better care of in the place in heaven. If any of you would like to send a prayer to the family you can contact Mike Miranda at mikey-dj@hotmail.com .

Grandmaster Michael Robert Pick and the UKF also send their condolences. Let's all give a moment of Prayer to a wonderful mother, wife and extended family member within our CKF family....GOD Bless!

May 2008

Train Smarter, Not Harder as you Age

--Michael Miller

As you get older in the martial arts its important to note that your body doesnt respond the way they did when you were in your twenties. You need to find a way to stay in tune with your training, but not find yourself trying to heal from multiple injuries. According to Bill Larson, a second degree black belt who is in the medical profession, you have to listen to your body. He explained that if you are in pain, its a good sign that your body is telling you something.

As you get older you have to understand the aging process and understand that injuries take longer to get over, Larson explains. What may have taken a couple of weeks or a month in your twenties and thirties; it takes you five to six months, maybe a year when you get older.

Working out should be tailored to the aging process. You need to know when to take it easy, when to stop, when to start, when to turn it on, when to slow it down, etc. You have to pace yourself in your training regimen. Larson says that it is important to train slowly when you are older, because you can always speed things up when necessary. You can slow down, because you know when to turn up the volume, he explains, where the young wheels want to do everything hard, fast, how much and how many.

Larson notes that as you age you will realize that you could probably still do all those things you did when you were younger, meeting your maximum potential, but you need to know when to customize things to your body type and your own style of performing and teaching the art.

Stretching plays an integral role in the aging process. Although it is no mystery how important stretching daily is to a martial artist, stretching properly is the key. Larson prefers to stretch the larger muscle groups and he makes a bi-weekly visit to his chiropractor to maintain appropriate body structure.

Larson feels that you need to do aerobic workouts and also do some weight training or other anaerobic workouts to strengthen the muscles as you age. You are going to lose muscle mass as you age, he explains. Just like anything else, if you dont use it you lose it. Calisthenics are a good supplement to weight training, which will stress the muscles and the joints to assist in maintaining muscle mass.

The trick is to stay with your training. You dont want to have long extended absences from stretching and training or it will only get more difficult. According to Larson, as you get older you lose the elasticity of your muscles and you also lose a lot of the fluids in your body including the lubricants of the joints. The bottom line is to keep loose and limber, Larson adds. The key is to not get away from stretching. If you dont keep stretching you will raise your susceptibility for an injury.

As you get older, use your head and common sense. Dont push yourself too far. Sometimes you will find that your body will hit a plateau and Larson suggests that you allow your body to take a vacation. Take a day off from training to get re-energized and you will feel much better and will overcome your obstacle.

April 2008

New benefit for CKF school Black Belt Club members

--Michael Miller

We have some good news for black belt club members of Chinese Karate Federation Schools. Pro Karate and Boxing Supply has agreed to give a 15% discount on all products that you purchase from them. Some of the products they carry include: uniforms, weapons, sparring gear, MMA gear, Official UFC fight gloves, various apparel, DVDs and books.

They have two locations in Florida. One is located at 521 Dixie Highway, Lake Worth, Fl (561-588-6550) and the other is at 6843 West Commercial Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, Fl (954-720-0744). You can also order on-line at www.prokarate.com. E-mail me at millhouse23@hotmail.com to find out how to take advantage of this opportunity.

Pro Karate and Boxing Supply is a well known one stop shop for all your martial arts needs. They have been in business for 30 years under the ownership of Cynthia Burney. This is a great benefit and our gratitude goes out to Cynthia as she was kind enough to offer this to our black belt club members.

If you are a CKF student and are not a black belt club member, I encourage you to ask your instructor about the program and when and how you can earn the privilege of upgrading into the program. If you are on a quest to be the best you can be and want to make a commitment to black belt excellence you must become a part of the elite black belt club program.

March 2008

"Change of Scenery"

--Michael Miller

I have been teaching Kenpo for ten years now in Bradford, Pennsylvania and Mr. Kelley has been teaching in Palm Beach County for over twenty-five years. Although my experiences have not been as profound as Mr. Kelleys, I have been honored to teach hundreds of people all ages ranging from 4 to retired senior citizens.

Knowing how to educate others on the benefits of our art has provided the opportunity for me to teach law enforcement, security personnel, the National Guard, children with handicaps, womens groups and much more. Kenpo has provided a tremendous journey for me and I put a lot of pride into our art and my students.

Politics are in everything. Although some good comes out of Kenpo politics, a lot is unpleasant. Over all, I can still enjoy the fruits of our trade as a professional under the guidance of my teacher. Bullying is at an all time high and there are many out there who attempt to manipulate others any way they can. I choose to stand up in the line of fire to put a stop to those who try to hurt the weak. Theres a time to stand and a time to step aside, but when it comes to bullying I always stand my ground. There are those in the Kenpo world who have been attempting to bully their way through the art.

As a full-time instructor, I teach my students how to recognize and handle bullies. Teaching children is not an easy task, especially when all are different with diverse backgrounds. Assuming they would grasp the understanding that leadership, reputation, image and other important factors are an earned process of several long years of hard work, discipline, travel, research and trial by error at times is a false perception. Many children must be taught the privilege of learning Kenpo through education so that they grow into leaders who are strong rooted and can stand as role models.

Mr. Parker once told some of his students that he was grateful for having the ability to have so many awesome students over the years, but he was also offended by those who hurt him, used him, embarrassed him and stabbed him in the back.

Its astonishing that Mr. Parker was technically within driving minutes to his Pasadena school but chose to remain home and teach private lessons from his house rather than go to the school. It makes you wonder the motive behind this decision. Was it easier for him? Was he that private? Or, did he just want to avoid going to a place that gave him more headaches than joy? It was said to me that when the Pasadena school burned down due to arson in 1990, Mr. Parker considered it a blessing rather than a curse.

Over the years in this career many instructors have been in a position where they had to ask a black belt student to move on as he or she should take a new direction. It has become a black belt curse at times as many develop an ego and think they know more than their instructor.

As awesome as it is to take someone to the level of becoming a black belt, it can be harmful at times as well. It is their responsibility to learn how to act like a black belt and not take the privilege of uninvited boundaries.

Becoming a black belt is a beginning of a new you and there are many things to learn from conduct to humility, to the way you treat fellow class mates and peers. Many instructors have been in the situation where they rank a black belt or higher and the student thinks he or she is the chosen one of their school. There are also those who think they dont have to prepare for an upcoming tournament because they think they are flawless.

Mr. Parker once told Mr. Kelley that he has had to deal with many Kenpo monsters he had created because they got too comfortable and even went to the extent of saying they were his prot?g?s. This can happen to any instructor. Sometimes new black belts need a change of direction and a taste of humble pie.

When a student who was loyal at one time is asked to change direction by going elsewhere it is always a learning experience to see how the request in handled. It is similar to the young adults who move out of their parents house for the first time to get a rude awakening of life and how to become resourceful by taking personal responsibility for their lives.

This situation can be unsettling and may seem like a Kenpo divorce where each one will go his/her separate ways, but will move on. The best way to handle it is in an honorable manner by not turning it into a campaign attempting to convince others that you were right and your instructor was wrong.

If you want respect from others, be silent with your transition and dont campaign against your fellow classmates, instructors and the organization that once guided you (if you were a part of an organization). Keep in mind that just because you may go another path, others enjoy their current path and dont need ridiculed for their own choices. Moving on with dignity and humility with your change will produce automatic respect in the eyes of those who see your actions.

Nobody in life is perfect, but if you are unaware of the bigger picture then step back and try to see if from another angle. Be proud of what you are now representingthe black belt, and enjoy the many out there who can now guide you with new vigor and insight to a fascinating world of martial science.

February 2008

"2008 Florida Kenpo Camp"

--Sean Kelley

We had a late start for this months article due to many current projects in the making as well as our 14th Annual Kenpo Camp which was a busy time for all of us.

The annual event had many Kenpo friends as well as guest instructors who attended this year. This years roster included GM Dave Hebler, GM Michael Robert Pick, Master Rainer Schulte, Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, Professor Pat Salantri, Professor Rich Hale, MMA Expert Trever Sherman and Wes Idol who made his Florida Camp debut teaching the Friday night class and did an awesome job.

Many of our old friends missed us and decided to come back after a few years being away and it was delightful having them back to spend time with us. They included Rex Whittaker, and Owen Lattie from the Cayman Islands, as well as camp favorite Mr. David Stanley who took time off from his busy Film making career to tie on his Black belt and work out with the boys.

I was honored in having Dave Crouch and his student Elisa who both traveled from California to attend for the first time and be a part of our positive weekend of networking and good "Ole" Kenpo as we enjoy the camaraderie. The honor was also extended to Marcel De Jong, JP Bolhuis, and Michael Woudstra who traveled again for a second year from the Netherlands.

As always we try to bring flavor and excitement to the event so we had to add kickboxing legend Joe Lewis to the guest list as a last minute surprise. Our good friend Ed Parker Jr. was there to show case some portraits of a few who asked to be painted by him so he hand delivered them to the attendees who were excited to see the finished product of his awesome work.

I've been receiving emails from people telling me how much of a great time they had and asking if the event a success or not? My answer is this: the event has been my way of getting people to come and enjoy a diversified venue of extreme talent as given to those who had the privilege of knowing SGM Ed Parker as well as worked with him. The theme is always to show different signatures of his work but to leave with an open mind.

This was my 14th Year hosting this venue and the cost vs. return has been disappointing due to many factors. From people telling me they were coming and to count them in to the people who wouldnt set aside there egos to get along with others for just a few days. Its unfortunate that some backed out on supporting a dynamic weekend to enjoy training with new friends as well as to perpetuate the art as a carrier of the Kenpo spirit with good character and humility.

January 2008

Step Assessments

--Michael Miller

February 2008 brings two important step assessments to the surface. One will be at the Kelley Karate Center in Florida and the other will be an East Coast step assessment held at Corsellos Kenpo Karate School.

Step assessments provide the opportunity for you to go through all the material on the mat where Mr. Kelley can watch you move and get a sense of where you are and what you need to work on. This also allows you to make a personal evaluation of yourself.

If you are a CKF school owner it is imperative that you try your best to attend. Each assessment is for green belt students and up so please bring all students who meet those requirements if at all possible. These assessments are crucial on your journey in terms of progression. We dont have formal belt tests for CKF instructors for this reason. You are evaluated through your mat experience and this provides a formal assessment. You dont advance without diligently running through the material and getting a sense of awareness in terms of where you need to improve.

Make every effort you can to be a part of this. If you are on the East Coast please make yourself available on Saturday, February 23, 2008 to get this accomplished. Those in Florida: be sure to attend the one on February 15-16, 2008. If you attend be sure to wear full uniform with the CKF patches, which includes our circular arm patch as well as the TCB crest. Also bring your log books to the event for review.

I look forward to seeing those who attend the East Coast assessment as I will be there on the floor running through the material. If you have any questions please contact Regional Representative Michael Beal. Please e-mail him to let him know whether or not you will be attending the East Coast assessment.

December 2007

14th Annual Florida Kenpo Camp

--Michael Miller

It wont be long and we will be feeding our minds and exerting our bodies at the 14th Annual Florida Kenpo Camp coming in February. Every year the camp gets more and more exciting. Its always a pleasure seeing new faces and reacquainting with others to share the beauty of the art Mr. Parker created.

Last years camp left me with many new friends and several bruises. Aside from blocking Bill Superfoot Wallaces foot with my face and impersonating Gumby while dummying for Lee Epperson, I appreciated the groin shots from my good friend Brian Phelan. Brian has a nice front kick and Wallace has a nice roundhouse, which goes without saying. I just hope Wallaces foot is okay. I look forward to partnering with him again this year.

I learned a lot from last years camp including that I had the ability to pick my ear with my toe (thanks Lee). It was the first time I was on the mat with Mr. Pick, which sparked a great friendship, and this years camp will be my fourth weekend with him. If you have never been on the floor with this man, you need to get to this camp. That alone will be well worth your investment. His views will leave you speechless. Be sure to bring a notebook and some Ibuprofen.

Aside from the excellent classes from top notch instructors, the camp provides the opportunity to fellowship with likeminded people who share the same passion as you. Ill never forget last years dinner as it will go down in history. One surprise after another had my head spinning in excitement. I recall going up to the food line for the second time and having a conversation with Mr. Kelley. After about thirty seconds into our conversation he formed a sneaky grin on his face. I turned around only to see the legendary Joe Lewis two feet behind me staring me down. I knew he wasnt sizing me up as I am sure he didnt want to break his knuckles on my nose. Shocked, I reached my hand out to greet him. After that horrifying handshaking experience, I had to get a cold beer; not to drink, but to help with the swelling. Mr. Kelley had Lewis as a surprise guest instructor, which turned out to be an awesome learning experience, especially since I have always leaned towards his methods of fighting.

Last years camp was a turning point on my Kenpo journey and will always be one of the most memorable moments in my career. The friendships I have taken away from that camp have blessed me in many ways. I cant thank Mr. Kelley enough for providing the opportunity to train with Mr. Parkers finest as well as other legendary martial artists.

I encourage all of you to attend this year as it will be another cherished moment in Kenpo history. I am looking forward to seeing many friends and meeting some new people whom I can break bread with and chalk up as another success on my path of self-discovery.