What is Parker American Kenpo?
Ed Parker’s American Kenpo Karate is a martial arts style characterized by the use of quick moves in rapid-fire succession intended to overwhelm an opponent. It is largely marketed as a "street" self-defense style and is derived from traditional Southern Chinese martial arts and martial arts from the cultural melting pot of Hawaii. Parker introduced but significant modifications to the art, its theories and its terminology throughout his life, leaving behind many different styles and methodologies that claim a place in the American Kenpo lineage.

Is American Kenpo an effective Martial Art for self-defense?
American Kenpo is effective for self-defense, just like a firearm is effective for self-defense. Before you jump to conclusions, let me explain. It takes time and patience to both physically and mentally prepare for the sheer ability to act in moments of extreme danger and duress, it is under these times when your mental and physical conditioning take over. In this, both American Kenpo and a firearm are effective, but only if you are willing and able to respond.

Is American Kenpo the "Ultimate" Martial Art?
There is no "Ultimate" martial art. Although in my opinion Kenpo is the top of the food chain when it comes to stand up fighting arts, however Kenpo is lacking in the areas of ground fighting techinques and this must be overcome with cross training in "grappling" arts like judo, and jujistu. Likewise most grappling arts are weak in the areas of stand-up fighting.

Why are there so many self-defense techniques in American Kenpo?
Mainly because repetition develops muscle memory. Also exposing you to as many "attack" scenerios as possible, it will reduce the "shock" if you are actually attacked.

Why should I study American Kenpo?
Only you can answer that. American Kenpo means something different to everyone. For me, its a way of life-a part of me just like my right hand, to others it is just exercise or for better self control, and to most a way to safeguard themselves against a dangerous world.

Wow. Some of those techiques sound dangerous, is it safe for my child to learn?
Absolutely, I intentionally with-hold the most dangerous techinques from the children I teach and provide them with the approriate supervision and guidance that is expected in a martial arts training enviroment.

If I have any questions who do I ask?
Feel free to ask me anything. There are no stupid questions, just stupid answers. If you are uncomfortable asking me in person feel free to send me an email or call.

What does a black belt stand for?
In Western Society a black belt has become more than just a rank in your local martial arts school, it now holds a special almost mystical place in the minds and imaginations of those who haven't even taken a single martial arts lesson. To the average person when you say "I am a black belt in...<insert your chosen art here>" they associate several attribute to you; Masterful skills, extrordinary abilities, and most predominatly "Expert".

The exact definition of "Expert" changes from person to person, but the most common, is probaly the most inaccurate. Most people consider an expert someone who has "put in their" time and has learned all the core skills to be compentent in the chosen field, in this case their chosen martial art. How does this misrepresented term affect what determines a black belt? Its simple, this "serve my time" mentality has bled over into the dojo.Under this misguided notion, a student can show up for classes regulary, pay their tutition, and in about 4 years of regular testing "earn" their black belt. An "Expert" of this type may have some good martial arts skills, but he is no master, he cannot teach and in some cases cannot even represent his or her chosen art. This student's black belt doesn't mark their skills as a martial artist, it just shows they stuck it out long enough get it, they haven't really earned anything.

So if being an "Expert" doesn't make you a black belt, what does? First of all it takes time, not a set period, just time. For some it could come quickly in just few years others, like myself six years. Secondly it takes dedication, dedication to your school, your art and instructors, and most importantly dedication to yourself. This dedication will not only show by you coming to class regulary but will shine through in your practice, which doesn't just happen at the dojo. This dedication will not only make your martial arts skills better, but it will make them part of you, a good martial artist is not just someone who can punch and kick but truely lives the martial way. Lastly, but not least, to become a black belt it takes experience, and with experience comes patience, with patience humility. Experience is earned through practice and study of the martial arts, your instructor will give you the tools you need but it will take you experiences with those tools to hone your skills, and learn how to use them. It is your instructors duty to instruct you on the legal and moral implications of practicing and using the martial arts. It is the experiences that you gain from the time and dedication to your chosen art that will forge the skills and mentality necessary to be able to honestly claim that "I am a black belt..."

Can a child be a "Black Belt"?
By my definition of what it takes to be a black belt, there is no way a child is capable of earning a black belt. For example put a martial artist that is 10 years old who has been studying the martial arts for 5 years, regardless of rank and put them in a sparring match with a 16 year old student who has only been studing a year, who do you think will win the match. Now take a student who is 16 and studied for a year and put them in the same sparring ring with a 21 year old student who started at the same time, the victor is not so clear. Are there children who can posse excellant phyical abilities, absolutely, but in my opinion they do not have the mental capacity to fulfill the "Expert" role, required to be an honest black belt.

In most cases schools the have a youth black belt program are motivated by the profit that is generated by that program. And if you look at the youth "black belt", it is just a watered down version of their regular curriculum, does that warrent the same prestige associated with the rank of black belt. In my opinion absolutely not. Do not get me wrong, most youth programs taught are very good, and provide excellent character building training, and in most case some very limited, but very good, self defense training.

Do you feel that children should study the martial arts?
Absolutely. Learning martial arts can benefit children in many ways. Codes of conduct help children learn tolerance and respect for others. It also guides a child in learning to think before acting in what may be a potentially dangerous situation. Health benefits include overall body conditioning, enhanced coordination and balance, and sets the stage for a lifelong habit of exercise. Children also learn how to defend themselves in case the need would ever arise. In addition, a child who has learned to respect others and who is physically fit understands that they are someone worthy of respect. This develops the self-confidence children need to succeed.

Ok, I looked it up on the Internet, a Red Belt in Parker Kenpo?
This one is simple, I made it up. This is my equivilant to most other programs "Youth Black Belt". The Red Belt gives young students an advanced rank they can earn , and still maintains my stance on children and black belts.The color red is that of professorship over and above Black. This shows that young students must stay dedicated to the art in order to earn a black belt. It will take the young student years, more than most adult students to earn their black belt, this will take dedication, patience, and time.

You told me my child is not part of the organization your school is associated with, what are the standards they are judged by?
Any student under the age of 16 is judged by my high standards and the belts they are awarded are earned by them. They are not part of the AKLA for a simple reason, children are not taught all the materail required by the AKLA for rank promotion.

Where is the school located?

Classes are currently held at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Gym in Cuba MO.