AMERICAN KENPO KARATE

American Kenpo Karate is a modern martial art deeply rooted in Edmund K. Parker Sr.'s vision of a dynamic and systematic approach to self-defense. Developed in the 1950s, Parker drew inspiration from both traditional Japanese karate and Chinese martial arts but adapted them into a more fluid, strategic, and logically structured combat system.

Parker emphasized principles such as continuous flow, economy of motion, and adaptability, whichdistinguish American Kenpo from more traditional styles. He laid the foundation for a system where techniques are linked into smooth sequences, adapted to an opponent's reactions, and built upon the body's natural movement patterns.

Larry Tatum, one of Parker's foremost students, helped refine and spread the system, with a particular emphasis on speed and fluidity. Chuck Sullivan, who trained directly under Parker from 1959, co-founded the IKCA (International Kenpo Karate Association) to preserve and further develop Kenpo methodology. Ted Tomeski, a student of Al Tracy—one of Parker's early students—carried forward insights from this branch of Kenpo. Our curriculum is a synthesis of these influences, compiled by Bernie Gorak II, drawing from the teachings of Tatum, Sullivan, and Tomeski. At our school, we practice American Kenpo Karate as a dynamic and comprehensive self-defense system, incorporating not only the classic techniques but also grappling and fighting techniques to meet modern competition and self-defense needs.

American Kenpo is a living system, and we strive to balance tradition with innovation. Our goal is not to rigidly preserve a historical method but to provide practitioners with the tools they need to defend themselves in today's world—while carrying forward the knowledge and structure rooted in Ed Parker's groundbreaking work.