Parker / Planas

Our founder Ed Parker, a native of Hawaii, learned the core of this ancient chinese art from the late William K.S. Chow. Mr. Parker analyzed and added concepts, theories, principles and innovations to adapt to the modern day American. This is what makes his system unique, practical, logical, realistic and applicable.

Mr. Parker's system also employs linear as well as circular moves, ultizing intermittent power when and where needed combined with moves that flow with continuity. Mr. Parker is recoqnized as the "father of American Kenpo Karate."

After Parker's passing other associations were formed, one of which promoted
Mr. Planas to Eighth Degree in 1991. Then in 1995 several associations joined
together to promote him to Ninth Degree Black.

Though his expertise is mainly in Kenpo he has studied many other arts,
including; Judo, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Shotokan, and Silat.

Today, Mr. Planas draws a crowd, teaching seminars all throughout the United States,
and internationally.

Known as the "Instructor`s Instructor," Mr. Planas teaches the "whys" of Kenpo,
not just the "hows" based on the rules and principals of motion.

Because it was easy to see the humble Mr. Planas had much time and the most
knowledge in Parkers Kenpo system he was seen around the world as the Master
of the system,after many attempts from combined associations trying to promote
Mr. Planas to 10th degree inwhich he declined on several occasions, he finally
accepted the well deserving rank and stands as
The Master of Ed Parkers Kenpo Karate system.

(Mr. Planas had never petitioned for his rank, asked his students to promote
him, neither has he promoted himself as you sometimes will see done.)

Mr. Casamento's artistic rendering of his lineage

I cherish the times on and off the mat with a genuine mentor/teacher/friend. His precise accuracy for targets with full body power and control that he seems to have dialed in perfectly.

The coordinated movements that many never cease to end to try to simulate/execute come to be so natural as if his limbs and body each have minds for themselves. If Mr. Parker were still with us today he would be greatly proud to see the Master Mr. Planas has become in which he had molded during his time here. Many make false accusations and take credit for others work, their egos grow to enormous size and claim they know it all when indeed they have not even broke through the surface. Mr. Planas’ teachings are never ending not in just martial arts but in many areas of life which to me is a true master. When working with him, its easy to see that there is so much more of Mr. Parkers system then meets the eye, and it makes one wonder if anyone ever will understand Mr. Parkers system in its entirety as does he. His humbleness is a true rarity of someone of his expertise. Not only in class but as he sits down with us for lunch/dinners/drinks and shares history, memories and insights on any subject which may arise.

He treats all he comes in contact with, the utmost respect and gives the feeling like we are all family, maybe because we are. To be his partner in class/seminars is a true honor just in itself. Maybe instead of the calling them seminars we should substitute the title, reunion, better yet, family reunion, as this is the energy I am left with.

I am also thankful for those I meet along my journey that share the same interests and open their lives to let others in to join in gatherings/teachings of our art that Mr. Parker left for us and for a man such as Mr. Planas to share it with us
with such generosity.

Respectively, Steven Casamento