American Kenpo Karate

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What is American Kenpo Karate

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We would like to introduce you to Kenpo or Kempo karate. Give you some understanding of the wonderful health and other benefits of this great sport. And hopefully show you why we love it so much that you decide to go out there and try it out for yourself.

American Kenpo Karate, Kenpo or Kempo ( fist law) is written with the characters. Kempo is a term used to refer to a wide variety of martial arts, and is sometimes used as a blanket term for martial arts in general, especially in East Asia. Kempo is a Japanese translation of a Chinese word meaning "fist principles", "way of the fist", or "law of the fist form".

Kempo or Kenpo
The Kanji can be transliterated into English as either "Kempo" or "Kenpo". The first character "Ken" means "fist", while the second one "po" means "law". However, a popular system for translating Japanese into English is the Hepburn romanization method for creating Romaji, where the "Ken" would become "Kem" when it precedes an "h" sound, and the "h" takes on a "p" sound. Thus, "Kenho" becomes "Kempo". The common reference to "Kenpo" comes from the book that James Mitose produced in 1953 entitled What is Self-Defense? Kenpo JiuJitsu as a textbook on martial arts and due to a spelling mistake by the printers who printed an N instead of M the spelling of Kenpo came about. In English, it is correct to use either term, though their particular usages have become somewhat stylized. The term stayed with his students, and when William Chow and Edmund Parker went to create their own Kempo schools, they took the "Kenpo" name with them.

Both "Kempo" and "Kenpo" are acceptable forms of transliterating the Japanese name however, and regardless of how you spell it in English, the Japanese spelling with Kana and pronunciation will not change. An "n" sound coming before a "p" "b" or "h/f" sound and will be pronounced as an "m" because of the glotteral stop. This is a natural transformation, and a similar transformation can also be seen in the distinction between the different pronunciations of "thin" vs. "think". When pronouncing "Kenpo" vs. "Kempo" even an English speaker will not actually produce a truly different pronunciation as this transformation is a completely natural habit, and unconscious action to assimilate an nasal sounding "m". As a perfect example of this is taken from the English word "impure", which comes from the negation "in" and root "pure". Thus, the writing of an "n" as opposed to an "m" in this case is entirely aesthetic. The most authentic pronunciation is actually a blend of "n" and "m" together. The second mora begins as a slightly nasalized "n" with the tongue pressing against the roof of the mouth and the lips slightly apart. The mora ends as an "m"-like sound with the lips pressing together but the tongue remains on the roof of the mouth, unlike the conventional English pronunciation of "m".

Kempo in the West
In the West, Kempo is mostly known as a mixed style that combines a heritage in Chinese martial arts, especially Shaolin, with karate (and sometimes called "Kenpo Karate"), often mixed with elements of other Japanese arts like jujutsu and aikijujutsu. In Japan, Kempo can refer to a large number of different (and mostly unrelated) systems of martial arts, mostly stemming from families in the feudal period-the term Kempo being used as an abbreviation, since the names are long.

There is a faction of Kenpo from Okinawa that has no American influences. This system is known as "Okinawa Kenpo" or "Hon Kenpo". Hon means "original" and refers to the Kenpo from the old Kingdom of Okinawa taught by the Late Grandmaster Seikichi Odo. Master Odo (1926-2002) operated the Shudokan Dojo in Gushikawa, Okinawa. Some of his senior students such as Richard Gonzales, Dennis Branchaud and Larry Gradolf established the art in the U.S. during the 1970s and 80s and continue to teach this old system in its original form.

The style is built upon the karate of Shigeru Nakamura, a fellow student of Gichen Funakoshi under Master Ankoh Itosu. It preserves the old Kenpo from China with the addition of several kata taught to Odo by Seiki Toma, a student of Choto Kyan. There are influences from the indigenous Okinawan art of Ti and there is also a weapons component comprised of 11 different weapons. Odo's weapons art contains techniques from Shinpo Matayoshi, Seiko Kinjo, Shigeru Nakamura, and Seiki Toma.

Okinawa Kenpo is renowned for its unique sparring method called Bogu Kumite. Exponents spar with full contact using body armor that is similar to that worn by Kendo practitioners. The system is a blend of hard and soft (external and internal) arts and includes throws, heavy bag work, and makiwara practice. There is a strong emphasis on character development and maintaining a strict code of conduct.

Some practitioners follow that Kenpo uses much of the same path as Chinese martial arts, but in order to shorten the amount of time to train a person, methods from Karate were used as the basis to quickly allow a person to learn the basics, and techniques. Whereas it often takes 10 to 20 years of continuous effort to master one form of kung fu, Kempo practitioners often can be black belted in around three to five years, depending on the instructor and system. Today the "style" of Kempo/Kenpo has become diverse. It has evolved into hybrid versions of jujitsu (Kempo / Kenpo Jujitsu).

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Kenpo Yellow Belt Techniques

Kenpo Yellow BeltDELAYED SWORD

Defense against right lapel grab
Step back with your left foot into a right Neutral Bow while doing a right Inward Block and checking low with your left hand.
Technique Flow
Five Swords
Unfurling Crane
Defying The Storm
Do a right Front Ball Kick to attackers groin.
Technique Flow
End of Defying The Storm
Circling Fans
Middle of Scraping Hooves Ext.
As you land from the kick (towards 11:00 in a right High Wide Kneel checking attackers right leg), do a right Outward Hand Sword to attackers neck. Keep your hand on attackers neck as positional check.

Technique Flow
End of Spiraling Twig
Defying The Storm
End of Circling Wing
Twisted Twig
Five Swords
Desperate Falcons
End of Entwined Maces
Main Power Principle
Marriage of Gravity

AGGRESSIVE TWINS

Defense against two handed push
Step back with your left foot into a right Neutral Bow while doing a right Inward Block to close attackers center line. Check low kick with left hand.

Technique Flow
Reversing Mace
Repeating Mace
Shield & Sword
Do a right Side Kick to attackers left knee to open their center line. The kick should be to top of knee going down to maximize the break.

Technique Flow
Hooking Wings
Begging Hands

Rear Ball Kick to chest, landing forward in a left Neutral Bow. Kick high on attacker to move them back so you can land forward.

Technique Flow
End of Hooking Wings
End of Begging Hands
Main Power Principle
Torque

SWORD OF DESTRUCTION

Defense against left hook
Step back with your left foot into a right Neutral Bow while doing a left Inward Parry with an eye slice (optional) and a right Outward Extended Block as your left hand circles down and checks low kick.

Technique Flow
Shielding Hammer
End of Clutching Feathers

Do a right Front Ball Kick to attackers groin.

Technique Flow
Hooking Wings

As you land from the kick (towards 11:00 in a High Wide Kneel checking attackers right leg) do an Inward Hand Sword to the left side of attackers neck. Bring your right hand back slightly to check attackers arm at the shoulder, keeping your elbow in tight.

Technique Flow
Spreading Branch
End of Circling Wing
Twisted Twig
Desperate Falcons
End of Entwined Maces
Main Power Principle
Marriage of Gravity

DEFLECTING HAMMER

Defense against a right front ball kick
Hands up in Passive Defensive position. Step back with your left foot into a right Neutral Bow while doing a right Downward Block to deflect the kick past you and cock your right hand at your waist.

Technique Flow
Leaping Crane
Retreating Pendulum
Middle of Flashing Mace
Left hand checks (grab) attackers right arm against their body while doing a right Inward Elbow to their face (Push Drag if necessary).

Technique Flow
End of Circling Destruction
End of Backbreaker
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

GRASP OF DEATH

Defense against a left flank headlock
Turn your head to the left to clear your windpipe as you grab attackers right arm with your right hand and pinch attackers hamstring (or grab groin) while stepping forward with your right leg towards 12:00. The pinch, done properly, should cause attacker to loosen their grip.

Technique Flow
Grip Of Death
Move your left foot past attackers right foot to 1:00 into a left High Wide Kneel as you pull attackers right arm away from your neck and drive your left forearm/elbow into attackers armpit, pushing with your left forearm and pulling with your right hand to move attacker across your body. Attacker is now bent over in front of you.

Technique Flow
Crossing Talons
Returning The Storm
Slide your left forearm down attackers arm to pin the arm down against your left thigh with your left forearm as you do a right inverted Vertical Thrust punch to attackers mastoid.

Technique Flow
Main Power Principle
Torque

CHECKING THE STORM

Defense against a right roundhouse club strike
Push Drag back to 3:00 into a left Cat Stance while doing a right inward eye-slice across face (optional) into a right Inward Parry and left Outward Extended Block. Right hand circles down from parry to check low.

Technique Flow
Calming The Storm
Defying The Storm
Grab attackers wrist with your left hand (if possible) and pull their arm past your left hip while doing a left Front Ball Kick to attackers groin, landing in a left Front Twist stance, as your right fist comes to the left side of your chest.

Technique Flow
End of Circling Fans
End of Fatal Deviation
Triggered Salute
Five Swords
End of Spiraling Twig
Defying The Storm
End of Circling Wing
Twisted Twig
Do a right Side Kick to attackers right knee. As you land from the kick, pull with your left hand while doing a right Back Knuckle to attackers face.

Technique Flow
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

GIFT OF DESTRUCTION

Defense against an unfriendly handshake.
While pulling towards you with your right hand (to get attacker off balance), do a left inward/upward Heel Palm to jam attackers elbow upward. At the same time, lift your left knee up then jump up and forward (leaning slightly left to avoid a head butt), driving your right knee into attackers groin or stomach.

Technique Flow
Entwined Maces
As you land forward in a right Neutral Bow, check attackers right arm with your left hand (simply roll your hand clockwise to move from under attackers arm to the top of attackers arm) as you do a right Inward Elbow to attackers face.

Technique Flow
Main Power Principle
Back-up mass

MACE OF AGGRESSION

Defense against a two handed lapel grab and pull
Pin attackers hands onto your chest with your left hand as your right foot steps to 11:00, stomping attackers right foot. At the same time, do a right raking Hammerfist (angled from 1:30 to 7:30) across attackers temple, nose and down onto their arms. This will draw attacker into you, so keep your back straight and your head upright.

Technique Flow
Spiraling Twig
Circling Wing
Right Inward Elbow to left side of attackers face.

Technique Flow
Release attackers hands as you Push Drag forward while doing a right Side Elbow to attackers face.
Technique Flow
Five Swords
End of Thrusting Wedge
Main Power Principle
Marriage of Gravity

ATTACKING MACE

Defense against a right straight punch
Step back with your left foot into a left Neutral Bow while doing a left Inward Block, closing attackers center line. Right hand checks at waist.

Technique Flow
Thundering Hammers
Flashing Wings
Flashing Mace
Open left hand as a check and move into a left Forward Bow while doing a right Horizontal Thrust punch to attackers ribs to open their center line.

Technique Flow
Protecting Fans
Slide your right hand down attackers arm, grabbing their wrist and pull attacker into you while doing a Rear Ball Kick to their groin.

Technique Flow
Land from the kick just in front of attackers right knee and do an Uppercut punch to ribs. Keep holding wrist of attackers punching arm.
Technique Flow
Crossing Talons
End of Grasp Of Death
Glancing Salute
End of Evading The Storm
Destructive Kneel
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

INTELLECTUAL DEPARTURE

Defense against a right Front Ball Kick
Step back to 4:30 with your left foot as you turn backwards into a reverse Cat Stance while doing a right Inside Downward (palm down) block with right forearm on kick.

Technique Flow
Do a right Rear Kick to attackers groin before their kicking leg lands.

Technique Flow
As you land from the Rear Kick into a right Neutral Bow facing attacker, do a right Back Knuckle to attackers temple. This may or may not make contact, depending on how far you moved them with the kick.

Technique Flow
Right Slide-Up Side Kick to attackers chest, landing forward in a right Neutral Bow.

Technique Flow
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

Orange Belt Techniques

Karate Orange BeltLONE KIMONO

Defense against a left handed lapel grab (pushing out) readying for right punch
Step back with your left foot onto the ball of your foot while pinning attackers left hand against your chest and cocking your right hand at your waist.

Technique Flow
Clutching Feathers
As you torque into a right Neutral Bow, do a right Upward Block type of move under attackers left arm (above the elbow, aiming to attackers face) to hyperextend or break their elbow.

Technique Flow
Reversing Mace
If hook comes in, the elbow break turns into a block, parries arm under and to right, into end of Cross Of Destruction.
If cross comes in, the elbow break turns into an outward parry and into Crossing Talons or Shield & Mace.
Circle your right hand down, out and up, into an inward/downward Hammerfist onto attackers forearm (use Frictional Pull down and across your body to cancel attackers width and depth) as you release your left hand.

Technique Flow
Five Swords Ext.
finish with a right inverted Outward Hand Sword to attackers throat (hand sword is angled with elbow higher than hand to get the proper Angle of Incidence) and return to fighting position.

Technique Flow
Main Power Principle
Torque

CROSSING TALONS

Defense against a right (cross) grab on your right wrist.
Pin attackers hand with your left hand and roll attackers arm away from you as you step to 1:30 with your left foot into a left Neutral Bow. Press down with your elbow while pulling up with your hands (think fulcrum here) to break attackers elbow. This will bend them over in front of you.

Technique Flow
Middle of Grasp Of Death
Hold attackers wrist against your body with your right hand as you slide into attacker (hip check) while doing a left Side Elbow to side of attackers head.

Technique Flow
Left hand claws up attackers face, tracks down their spine and (tightly) circles into an Overhead Elbow to attackers spine.
Technique Flow
Hold the back of attackers head with your left hand as you drive your right knee into their face.

Technique Flow
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

TWIRLING WINGS

Defense against a rear two handed shoulder grab
Step back to 4:30 with left leg into a transition Front Twist facing 10:30 and immediately unwind counter clockwise into attacker while doing a left upward Back Knuckle to attackers triceps that turns it into a left Outward Extended Block to move attackers arms to your left.

Technique Flow
Left hand grabs attackers upper left arm as you do a right Inward Elbow to their floating ribs.
Technique Flow
Shield & Sword
Crossing Talons (left side)
Gripping Talon
Tripping Arrow takedown (left side)
Left hand grab is replaced by your right hand which grabs and pushes attackers left arm as your left foot steps into attacker (into a Horse Stance to keep your center line closed) while you do a Inward Elbow to attackers solar plexus.

Technique Flow
Right knee to thigh and Crossing Talons left side.
Main Power Principle
Torque

SCRAPING HOOVES

Defense against a full nelson.
Slide your left foot out to the left and sink into a Horse Stance while striking attackers face with both fists over your head (elbows in tight).

Technique Flow
Pull your elbows down to your side to break attackers grip and pin their arms.

Technique Flow
Crashing Wings
Spiraling Twig
Slide right foot over to your left foot into a 90 degree right Cat Stance as you extend your arms down to your sides (keeping attackers arms pinned) and do a rear head butt.

Technique Flow
Do a right heel kick to attackers left shin (or inside of their left knee) followed by a right side kick to inside of attackers right knee, scraping down to break attackers right knee and stomp on their foot.

Technique Flow
Spiraling Twig (if side kick does not work)
Repeated Devastation
Thrust your right leg back to 7:30 to buckle the inside of attackers left leg. Step straight through to 1:30 hooking your right ankle on attackers right ankle and step through with a shoulder shove to attackers chest. This will buckle their right leg and knock them to the ground.

Technique Flow
Main Power Principle
Marriage of Gravity

STRIKING SERPENTS HEAD

Defense against a front bear hug - arms free
Step back to 7:30 with your right foot into a left Neutral Bow as your right hand checks at face level (to check a head butt) and do a left inward Back Knuckle to attackers mastoid.

Technique Flow
Pin attackers head by anchoring your left elbow or grab their hair and anchor your left elbow to draw their head back. Do a right Half Fist, palm down to attackers throat.

Technique Flow
Main Power Principle
Torque

THRUSTING PRONGS

Defense against a front bear hug, arms pinned
Step back with your right foot into a left Forward Bow while jamming your thumbs into attackers groin to loosen their grasp.

Technique Flow
Track our left arm up attackers back and hook your hand onto their upper arm and shoulder, pulling in and down to lock out attackers right elbow as you do a right knee to their chest. Your right arm cocks back at our waist at the same time.

Technique Flow
Land forward into a right Neutral Bow checking attackers right leg with your right leg as you do a right Inward Elbow to attackers face.

Technique Flow
Shielding Hammer Extension
Glancing Salute Extension
Thrusting Salute Extension
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

SHIELDING HAMMER

Defense against a left hook (probably followed by a right punch).
Step back with your left foot into a right Neutral Bow while doing a right Outward Extended Block on attackers punching arm and checking low with your left hand.

Technique Flow
End of Snapping Twig
Do a right Inward Hammerfist across attackers temple/nose.

Technique Flow
If right cross comes in, continue your Hammerfist into a right inward block on the strike
Delayed Sword
Five Swords
Move your let hand check up to shoulder level and Push Drag into attacker doing a right Side Elbow to their solar plexus.

Technique Flow
Bow Of Compulsion
Twisted Twig
Circling Wing
Spreading Branch
Circles Of Protection (left side)
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

REVERSING MACE

Defense against a left step through punch from right-to-right.
Step back to 4:30 with your left leg into a right Neutral Bow while doing right Inward Block (don't actually move your arm, the turn will accomplish the block).

Technique Flow
Grab attackers left wrist with your left hand and pull attacker toward you with your left hand as you Push Drag into attacker (if necessary) while doing do a right Back Knuckle to their floating ribs.

Technique Flow
Circling Destruction
End of Wings Of Silk
Shield & Sword
Do a right Front Roundhouse Kick striking at attackers upper hamstring and driving down to the back of their knee.

Technique Flow
Main Power Principle
Torque

BUCKLING BRANCH

Defense against a left Front Ball Kick
Step back with your right foot to 4:30 into a left Neutral Bow while doing a right Inside Downward (palm up) block and a left hammering Downward Block to redirect attackers kick.

Technique Flow
End of Circling Destruction
Step into Shield & Sword
Middle of Backbreaker
Do a right Front Scoop to attackers groin, landing in a right Front Twist stance.

Technique Flow
Leaping Crane left side
with your left hand checking at the back of attackers shoulders, do a left Step-Thru Side Kick to the back of attackers right knee and cover out before landing from the kick.

Technique Flow
End of Retreating Pendulum (left side)
End of Leaping Crane (left side)
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

CLUTCHING FEATHERS

Defense against a left hand hair grab.
Pin attackers left hand onto your head with your left hand as you step back onto the ball of your left root and cock your right hand cocks at your waist. Immediately torque into a right Neutral Bow as you do a right vertical Middle Knuckle strike to ribs under attackers armpit (nerve shot).

Technique Flow
Shield & Sword
From the strike, do a right Outward Vertical Block that turns into a Outward Extended Block (drawing attacker towards you). While turning into a right Forward Bow, do a left Heel Palm to attackers face.

Technique Flow
If right punch comes in, redirect Heel Palm to attackers shoulder and into Shielding Hammer.
Snapping Twig
Raking Mace
Main Power Principle
Torque

TRIGGERED SALUTE

Defense against a straight right push
Pin attackers right hand to your chest with your left hand while stepping forward (riding the force) to 11:00 into a right Neutral Bow (checking attackers right leg with your right leg) while doing a right Heel Palm to attackers chin.

Technique Flow
Calming The Storm
Five Swords
Crane attackers pushing hand down with your right hand to draw them toward you (canceling their height) and continue down with your right hand to your waist.

Technique Flow
Twisted Twig
Circling Wing
Do a right Inward Elbow to attackers solar plexus allowing your arm to continue around the left side of your body (full extension) and Push Drag into a right Side Elbow to attackers ribs, allowing this strike to pass through into a right Back Knuckle to ribs, followed by an Uppercut to their chin.

Technique Flow
End of Twisted Twig
Change uppercut to a push on attackers right should and into the end of Calming The Storm
Main Power Principle
Back-up Mass

GLANCING SALUTE

Defense against a right cross push/punch.
Step to 9:00 with your left foot while doing a left Inward Block. Immediately as you turn into a right Forward Bow snap your right arm up, pulling toward you on the inside of attackers wrist to hyperextend or break attackers elbow and cancel their width.

Technique Flow
Flashing Mace
Grab and push attackers right arm down with your left hand while moving (in place) into left Forward Bow facing 12:00 as you do a right Heel Palm to attackers face.

Technique Flow
Desperate Falcons
End of Circling Wing
End of Twisted Twig
Grab the back of attackers neck with your right hand and pull towards you and down while

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Martial Arts Overview

Kenpo Self DefenseMartial Arts Overview

Anytime an individual decides to learn how to protect themselves, learn self defense, or become a better person, one thing comes to mind - martial arts. Martial arts are very common these days, being practiced all over the world.

The martial arts have been used for many centuries, although they really became famous around the time of Bruce Lee. Bruce invented the style of Jeet Kune Do, which involves very fast strikes with amazing counter defenses. Once people began to see just how fast Bruce Lee could move, they began to look into martial arts and see just how it could benefit them.

Martial arts are broken down into specific styles. The style all depends on where and what you study. A lot of cultures and countries offer martial arts that they originated, developed, and perfected. Brazil offers Brazilian Jui-Jitsu, Japan has Karate, Thailand has Muay Thai, France has Savate, and China has Shaolin. Keep in mind that each style will vary in techniques and what it has to offer you.

Although many people think of martial arts as being just for self defense purposes, this isn't always the case. Martial arts are used in tournaments and competitions as well, which can include sparring, floor routines, and even block and brick breaking demonstrations. All across the world, there are competitions and chances for fighters to prove themselves and their knowledge.

In general, all martial arts will teach you how to defend yourself and above all else - help you develop self control. Once you begin to study a martial art, you'll quickly start to develop a much better state of mind. No matter what style of martial art you study, the instructors will drill self control into your head.

Those of you who have a bad temper or just need to learn self control, martial arts can be very beneficial to study. Not only will you learn self control, you'll also learn how to defend yourself in the most drastic of situations. Self control is very important, as martial arts can be very deadly if they are taught to the wrong person - with the wrong intentions.

Over the last decade, there have been a lot of mainstream competitions that showcase martial arts, such as Extreme Fighting, King of the cage, and the most popular of all, the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). The UFC has come a long way over the years, sparking interest from all over the world. It pairs stylists from all over the world together, to test their skills and see who is the better fighter.

With the UFC, a lot of people have gotten the wrong idea about martial arts. A martial art is great to learn, although if it works in the UFC, it doesn't always mean that it will protect you out on the streets. Karate for example, teaching blocking and striking, with little to no emphasis on grappling
techniques. If you get in close, Karate really doesn't help. With some distance however, Karate can be very devastating.

No matter how you look at it, martial arts can be great to learn if you learn it for the right reasons. Each style will vary in technique and what it has to offer you, which is why you should pick the best style for your needs and what you hope to accomplish. Martial arts can teach you a lot about self defense and yourself - all you have to do is give it a try.

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Mark Schiffman Kenpo Karate Mechantville NJ

Mr. Mark Schiffman started his martial arts training, like so many of us, with Judo at the local "Y" in 1972. After finding that Judo did not meet the need for self-defense, he moved on to join a local "American Karate Studios", and attained the rank of Black Belt in 1983, from Mr. Dennis Nackord.
Mr. Schiffman first met Mr. Ed Parker at a tournament in York, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Parker was a guest. After driving for 3 hours in the snow and arriving late, the tournament director said; "you are too late to enter", Mr. Parker
countermanded that order with a final; "let them in". Coincidentally, this was
the first time that Mr. Schiffman won first place in competition, he was a purple belt.


Mr. Schiffman opened his studio, AMERICAN KARATE SYSTEM in 1987. After opening his studio, he was again in the market for an instructor, the IKKA recommended Joe Palanzo. In 1990, just six weeks before he died, Mr. Parker promoted Mr. Schiffman to 4th Degree Black Belt at the last East Coast training camp. Mr. Schiffman is careful to point out that he was not a student of Mr. Parker, but
trained with him. He never formally asked to be his student. "I don't want to be like some other people that go to a few seminars or a few camps, and then announce to the world that they were a personal student of Ed Parker". Mr. Schiffman met Mr. Sean Kelley in 1989 in New York, where Mr. Schiffman drove with Mr. Parker for a meeting with Curtis Sliwa of the Guardian Angels. Through
Mr. Kelly, Mr. Schiffman has met and trained with; Mr. Lee Wedlake, Master Knife Maker Mr. Gil Hibben, and Bill "Superfoot" Wallace. It was at Mr. Parker's funeral in 1990 that

Mr. Schiffman and Mr. Kelley met Mr. Jeff Speakman, star of the movie THE PERFECT WEAPON. The first movie to showcase Ed Parker's American Kenpo.


When Mr. Parker died and the meeting was held to decide to form the WKKA, Mr. Schiffman met Mr. Huk Planas. At lunch, not even 3 hours after they met, they got into a philosophical discussion about the "how's and why's" of Kenpo. "Mr.
Parker often spoke about 'my boy Huk'. Finally meeting him was quite an honor". In 1994, Mr. Schiffman was tested and promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt in front of a board that consisted of; Huk Planas, Joe Palanzo, Frank Trejo, Greg Silva,
Dennis Nackord and Joe Bridenstein. After leaving the WKKA, Mr. Schiffman became a formal student of Mr. Huk Planas, and has been training with him ever since. He is the last word on how to do Kenpo, I wish I had met him 20 years ago."


Mr. Schiffman has also trained with undefeated World Champion Joe Lewis, Mike Stone, former Elvis Presley bodyguards and Kenpo Black Belts Mr. David Hebbler and Elvis's step brother Mr. David Stanley. Mr. Schiffman is still an active student and competitor. He has competed all over the United States and Canada, and won his first national tittle in 1979 as a Green Belt. In 1994, he won the
National Black Belt League National Championships in Self-Defense. In 1999, after extensive boxing training with Mr. Frank Trejo, he won a full contact boxing match against an opponent 15 years younger and 35 pounds heavier. "It was
a great experience,", Mr. Schiffman says of the intense training and the fight itself, "but not one that I am eager to repeat!". His most recent victories include, in 2001; 1st Place in the "Black Belt Battle" in King of Prussia, in 2003; 1st Place in the 1st annual "Kenpo Clash", and in 2004, 1st Places in
Executive Black Belt Forms, and Fighting at the 2nd annual "Kenpo Clash" held in Southamton, PA.


Mr. Schiffman has also trained with local police, and the US Marshals. He has done speaking engagements, and demonstrations for Women's groups, the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Birthday Parties, Public and Private Schools, Gun Shows, Thanks Giving Parades, 4th of July Parade, Flyers Hockey games, Sixers Basketball games, The Charge Women's Soccer game (where he met "Gervis, from the
first Survivor TV show!), and Movie Theaters.


In November of 2006, Mr. Schiffman moved to New Jersey where he is now teaching full time. See the website for details.

When not teaching, Mr. Schiffman attends as many training camps and Seminars as His time allows. Personal Quote: 'Live each day as if it were your last, it might be, and you will have a greater appreciation of all that is around you". Teaching Philosophy: "Lead by Example, and be Accountable for Your Actions".


Mr. Schiffman may be contacted at (610) 574-1686, or on the net at
http://www.americankaratesystem.com

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So you want to know a little about me? Well I was born and raised in North East Philadelphia, graduated Archbishop Ryan H.S. in 1990. Graduated from Johnson... more »

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