Ed Parker
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Edmund Kealoha Parker was born in Hawaii in 1931, and raised a devout Mormon. He began his training in the martial arts at a young age in Judo and later boxing. Some time in the 1940's, Ed Parker was first introduced to Kenpo by Frank Chow. After some time Frank Chow introduced Ed Parker to William K. S. Chow. Mr. Parker trained with William Chow, while serving in the Coast Guard and attending Brigham Young University. It was 1953 that he was promoted to the rank of black belt by William Chow.
By 1956, Mr. Parker opened his school in Pasadena California. One of his first black belts was James Ibrao, although there is debate that a Charles Beeder was his first black belt. In either case, the other black belts in chronological order up to 1962 were; Rich Montgomery, Rick Flores, Al Tracy, Jim Tracy, Chuck Sullivan, John McSweeney, and Dave Hebler. In 1962 one of Mr. Parker's black belts, John McSweeney, opened a school in Ireland, which enabled Mr. Parker to create the International Kenpo Karate Association.
Mr. Parker was well known for his skills as an instructor and his business sense. He helped many martial artists to open their schools. He was also well known in Hollywood, he trained a great many stuntmen and celebrities, most notable was Elvis Presley and he also helped Bruce Lee get started by introducing him at his International Karate Championships, as well as contributing to the development of Lee's martial art Jeet Kune Do. Many people owe Mr. Parker in one way or another.
He is most well known to Kenpoists as the founder of American Kenpo and is referred to as Senior Grand Master.
Edmund K. Parker died in Honolulu, December 15, 1990.