I remember when I was a kid, we used to play and re-play The Perfect Weapon. Such an underrated movie from that era. I STILL have the VHS that we played the hell out of. (AND IT STILL WORKS.) How Jeff Speakman didn't become a huge star blows my mind. The guy had all the makings of an action star.
As a Goju-Ryu practitioner, I am grateful to you for making this interview happen. The perspective and experience of the venerable Mr. Speakman in both martial arts is full of wisdom, understanding, and creativity of how the two systems benefit each other most. Furthermore, it gives me a better understanding and appreciation for Goju-Ryu and for American Kenpo. Indeed, the rooted stance and the breath technique emphasized in Goju-Ryu maximizes power delivery, and it could be applied to any martial art. Also, I would add that circular / soft redirecting techniques in Goju become paramount in intermediate and advanced curriculum, and I am very interested in how other arts use these soft technique principles originated in Chinese martial arts.
I agree %100. I started GoJuRyu young and I love it. But I realy want to learn knepo. As i think critically like that also as a medical professionl from that point of view as well.
Goju Ryu is my main style, the style really connected with me and I always love it. I’m glad Jeff enjoyed it and applied it to his Kenpo. The kata he did in the Perfect Weapon that has Goju Ryu roots is called Tensho, the kata that embodies the soft side of Goju Ryu
As a Gojuryu practitioner I thought it was amazing that he learned GoJu first. Because iv wanted to learn kenpo long before learning this fact. I just wish there was a kenpo dojo near me here in Tulsa.
@@jessicabrandt1478 Sorry to hear that. I found it via internet search. As an aside, Goju has always fascinated me. Had there been a Goju school when I got started I may have followed that path.
I took Goju Ryu back in 1973 from grandmaster Glenn Keeney at Komakai Academy in Anderson, Ind. I have great respect for grandmaster Speakman but, my heart and soul will always be Goju Ryu.
Man, that was awesome! I've never done Kenpo in my life and I could listen to Jeff Speakman talk about it all day. What a wealth of knowledge and history
He did several movies, but unfortunately they did not have the same studio support that the Perfect Weapon did and didn't rise to the same level. But he has several films and if you know Kenpo, you can recognize a LOT of Kenpo techniques (they look great on film).
I remember watching the perfect weapon as a kid watching Jeff Speakman do the improvised movement at the beginning and mimicking them rewinding the VHS and rewatching
I have heard nothing but good things about Mr. Angel. It would have been awesome to have been able to meet him. I watched some videos of him working out shortly before he passed, that dude was super active and kept going until the end. That alone deserves respect.
Thanks Mr. Dan for another awesome interview with Master Speakman. Having had Goju experience in my past, it was excellent to hear how Speakman entered the arts through Goju. I remember seeing the Perfect Weapon back in 91’ and was blown away by the speed and fluidity of movement demonstrated by Speakman, that movie had a lot of influence on my path in the martial arts and pretty sure for others as well. Hearing some of Master Speakman’s thoughts and philosophies was awesome and thanks again for the excellent interview and great content on the channel.
I wish Jeff would have had the opportunity to grow in to a major action star. Lost opportunity for the martial arts film community that he didn't blow up.
I knew he made a few different movies, but it seems like after The Perfect Weapon he wasn't pushed at all by the studios. Which is weird because that was a popular film.
His second movie, I think it was street knight, was pretty bad. It barely had any hand to hand combat, it was a generic cop movie with guns. The Perfect Weapon was awesome because of the martial arts.
@@bjf9304 I recall that one coming out but never saw it on the shelf at Blockbuster and never saw it airing on TV. You have to wonder why the film studio didn't want to capitalize on the popularity of the first film with another martial arts film with a decent-sized budget and wide release.
That taekwondo scene is classic. I'm a TKD guy. And it was awesome to see our friendly rivalry play out in a movie. The groin kicks were on point lol...
My favorite move he did in that scene was when he punched the guy while shuffling in from the side. I remember rewinding that at least 10 times to watch it again the first time I saw it on VHS. Lol.
Great interview. Respect to GM Jeff Speakman for all that he has accomplished and also for giving my late teacher, GM Lou Angel, much love and respect. Good to see my photo being used in the video that I took when GM Lou Angel stood at my house in California and I took him down to GM Speakman's office in L.A. with Jeff Langton. Before that we took him to see a film that I was in "Maximum Force". Anyway, great job with your interviews and videos. Much love and respect to GM Speakman. Osu!
Literally interviewing one of my heroes... the first VHS that my dad brought home when I was a kid was the perfect weapon, along with Way of the dragon... it was the reason I sought out a Kenpo instructor in Indiana, arriving to a mentor and friend of mine Don Fleetwood. I earned my 1st Dan under him. Amazing information and amazing discussions!!! Brutha please keep doing what you're doing!!!
Jeff Speakman is one of the most under rated artists in the public genre, movies, etc.. I tell people about hom whenever the topic is appropriate. I'd like to meet him one day but I fear those times are behind both of us.. I'm not getting around and he's got a world of responsibilities which he handles greatly. I'm impressed with the way he's picked up the torch and carried on. I had taken Kenpo in the bay area in the early 70s, then Tang Soo Do from a Norris school and had the privilege of meeting Ed Parker when I competed at the Ed Parker Invitational in Spokane in '80.. A very electric personality. I, too, have been fortunate.
I have not watched a more refreshing, uplifting, heart warming, informative, and positive interview. Mr. Speakman epitomizes what a martial arts master should be and characteristics to demonstrate. Wisdom, strength, and kindness. American Kenpo Karate fan or not I do not understand how a human being could disrespect Mr. Speakman or yourself. Thank you for the fantastic interview and video.
Trained under Teruo Chinen for a few years. Started off as a college class, then I attended his Dojo. When I saw Perfect Weapon I recognized the Goju-Ryu techniques in the kata. Sensei Chinen was fantastic to train under. Soft spoken but very traditional and structured during the class. He was also great with training children. RIP Sensei Chinen. Goju-Ryu makes you a better person all around.
I spent several years following Kenpo and I loved it. I had to stop due to physical issues which has always frustrated me as I wanted to continue. Tons of love and respect to you Master Speakman
I want one of those Kenpo Karate shirts because I just started Kenpo Karate this months I understand how Mr.Speakman is saying Everytime I go to the class and I am a beginner. Under Mr. Max Panther Kenpo and he is 5th Dan. And I came from Tang Soo do and Kokikkai Ryu Aikido he said he wanted me there to put my stuff together with Kenpo Karate.
Here are two links to the shirt, one is the same as what I have and another is a slightly different version: www.amazon.com/Kenpo-Karate-Fist-Martial-T-Shirt/dp/B07S2LGP7L/ref=sr_1_3?crid=8SEH4YJTSRX5&keywords=kenpo+tshirt&qid=1650392544&sprefix=lenovo+y500+fan%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-3 www.amazon.com/Kenpo-Tiger-Dragon-Karate-T-Shirt/dp/B082Y7V6FK/ref=sr_1_10?crid=8SEH4YJTSRX5&keywords=kenpo+tshirt&qid=1650392558&sprefix=lenovo+y500+fan%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-10
Thank you sir very much did you know did you know that delayed sword has in Ed Parker in the name?????😂😂😂😂 Man I love this system which I had done this before Tang Soo do
Great interview Sensei Dan. Thank you Master Speakman. I studied for two years under Goesi Yamaguchi the son of Gogen Yamaguchi at San Francisco State University and also visited the Dojo on 18th and Collinwood. Later after graduating returned to Sacramento and Studied Tae Kwon Do in Sacramento. I later competed in the Police Olympics and the guys in the film master Speakman spoke in the Tae Kwon Do Dojang one Samoan Guy was the heavy weight Gold Meadelist and I won a bronze meadel. The team that was the strongest was the LAPD Karate team. All these years later I am a Fist Dan Okinawan Shorin Ryu and a recomended first degree in Tae kwon Do. All this being said I am scheduled for surgery 64 years old and hope to continue my martial arts journey.
Just loving this second round with Jeff S. My original art is HQ in Elgin, IL, near where Jeff grew up. I am very familiar with the Joplin area and MSSU, and I recall reading about Lou Angel in the martial arts mags I constantly read in the 80s and 90s.
Love hearing stories from students of Gogen Yamaguchi. I train under Joseph Lopez, who trained Goju under Gogen/Gosei Yamaguchi and ran the New York Goju Kai in the 1960s/70s.
Masaichi Oshiro got his kenpo black belt from Mitose and Chow and trained beside Ed Parker, I have seen the photos. He formed his own style Te ken Jutsu, and later became a Goju Kai instructor, bringing his students with him. A small group went from kenpo to goju. Of that group there were some Goju legends. Their goju was different because the kenpo had already made them strong. one was a legendary fighter, and had strong kata. enough he gained the respect of the okinawans and japanese. If you know you know
Awesome. I just discovered your channel. I don’t do Kenpo but am fascinated by it. Loved the Perfect Weapon still do! Now I know the stick things was just Kenpo not FMA. I always figured it was FMA or something
So I'm hype for these because Goju and Kempo have been big on the self defense scene for a long time. This series just has so much heart. It pays so much respect to folks who put in work and helped build the roads that we are able to enjoy today.. And these heros are so damn human and these videos help. Speakman definitely of master class.
Hi Miss Jeff Speakman’s I haven’t been in school since 2007 because my mom passed away of COPD massive castrate a coronary disease Through that it got me very very depressed and that’s why I left but I wanna go back so bad because the love that he taught me through Kenpo Karate 5.0 I trained with Tim Cucuzza sensei Cucuzza that’s what I’m trying to say and other judges for when I was competing against another school or my own school for my belts through testing I miss my school it was so fun thank you Jeff Speakman’s I hope I can come back again I live in Phoenix Arizona you only have one school but they’re out in Gilbert Arizona too far for me I wish there was one closer to Phoenix so I can go back again I miss your school much respect to you master sensei Jeff Speakman’s thank you for giving me the power 🔥
Shout out from Joplin, MO. If you want another take on the Goju/Kenpo crosstraining consider interviewing Ray Kellison here in Joplin. He actively trains and competes in both. He was in Black Belt Magazine a few months ago. He trained under Lou Angel and Lee Wedlake.
Mr. Speakman, in 1990 I trained at Barbara Hale's Ventura Kenpo. She drove the two of us down to the West Los Angeles studio to watch Entertainment Tonight film you and Mr. Parker. The ventilation system in the studio was not working and ET had their very hot studio lights shining on you. The studio became so unbelievably hot that one of the lights caught on fire. Regrettably, Barbara was not able to introduce me to either yourself or Mr. Parker.
Awesome interview Dan Sensei! It is very encouraging to see such positivity from Jeff Speakman. He is an excellent spokesman for all martial arts….just as you are Dan my man! 😁👍🙏 Osu!
Very interesting video!! Thanks for bringing such high quality content to us!! As an Okinawan Goju Ryu practicioner it is a very interesting to hear the point of view of Master Speakman, it actually sounds like Kempo is closer to my style of karate than Japanese Goju Ryu. PD: HUGE fan of Perfect Weapon
Hats off to you Mr Sanz, another informative video. I don't know enough about Goju Ryu, but I am going to have to watch your deep dive on it, it is on my list, just didn't have the time for anything till recently. There is so much information in these videos, I had to watch it twice :D
ive wanted to train in american kempo ever since i saw the perfect weapon, i love the movements and how they flow, plus all the strikes at all the different angles and stuff like that. i dont care to get into a fight i just would love to learn the art itself
Hey, Jake Barrett it’s John Kane from Street Knight. Still now training 61 years in Martial Arts 🥋. I remember the first I K C in 1964 Long Beach 🏝️ California. Thanks for being my partner for my 5th Degree Black Belt, May 22, 1986. Respectively , Ed Parker’s adopted Kenpo Son. You were at my School 🏫 in 2005 for a Seminar and I had to go to the Doctor’s to take out my Staples when I torn off my right Bicep in Portugal 🇵🇹 at a Boxing 🥊 Gym. Now, 2 hips, 2 knees, and I new total shoulder; so take care of yourself and your body. Peace Be With You. 🥋🐉🦯🔪☮️❤️✝️🕊️🙋♂️
I was a personal student of Mr Parker and also trained some along with Jeff. One of my longtime black belts is a Goju-Ryu black belt also. My school back In Delray Bch FL was often visited by Goju Ryu black belts, and Isshin Ryu too, for Sparring. Our ealier years starting training directly with Joe Lewis was a huge help. We all benefitted and fought with each other at tournaments or kickboxing matches. Lol. The toughest crew! Riviera Bch to Miami! Salute to Goju.
@@ArtofOneDojotoo cool bro! yes, for about 18 years on US1 then lost my lease and moved to Lantana. We were originally teaching at the Tracy's W Palm Bch Studio. We left the Org. and went with Joe Lewis. I moved to Vero Bch and taught at the School there for 2 years. Then we opened Delray School. Then later Mr Parker invited me to train directly with him. For 10+ years until his passing. I had a setup at my home until divorce screwed me up. Still teaching private lessons. Getting a kidney removed soon. Been down for a bit. Cant wait to get back stronger. Thanks for your hard work.
thanks to Sensei Speakman for sharing ,I wanted to ask if he ever trained or met Sensei Guy Kurose of seattle wa , he passed away 20 yrs ago he was a college karate champion in Japan a practitioner of Japanese Goju Ryu 6th dan
@The Art of One Dojo I recently spoke to "Kenpo" Joe Rebelo. I asked him if the "finger break" that Jeff Speakman performs in the gym scene of The Perfect Weapon was in Ed Parker's curriculum. Master Rebelo said that Ed Parker demonstrated the finger break "on him", and nearly broke his fingers.
Yet again another enlightening interview with Master Jeff Speakman, where he continues to shine the light, regarding his martial arts journey and his purpose of spreading the wisdom and knowledge that he has gained from his masters. How wonderful, selfless and exemplary of Master Lou Angel, to have written a referral letter for Master Speakman, to Grandmaster Ed Parker, asking him to take his former student, to continue to further his martial arts journey. Not many masters if hardly any would have had the humility, the selfless virtue to have recognised, that their student or students at some point, would be individually suited to go and study under someone, in order to be able to achieve their own individual full potential. Likewise is was wonderful and admirable to see, that Grandmaster Ed Parker was benevolent in welcoming, his good friend Lou Angel's former student, to further his martial arts journey. It was amazing to see that both Master Speakman and his teacher, Grandmaster Ed Parker were both able to work together in the fighting choreography of The Perfect Weapon movie, which was then successfully introduced through the film entailment medium to the rest of the world. I myself was surprised to see that in the film, Master Jeff Speakman was doing partially a segment of the Tensho Kata, which we ourselves in Kyokushin Karate have inherited from Goju-Ryu Karate, as one of our martial arts foundations, aside from Shotokan Karate. I however never knew that Master Speakman was originally a Goju-Ryu Karate practitioner, whom he had wanted to showcase such small segment of the Tensho kata, so as to honour his first martial arts mentor, Master Lou Angel from his Goju-Ryu Karate days. 剛柔流空手道 (Gōjū-ryū Karate-Do) are the Kanjis (Japanese/Chinese) characters embroidered on Master Jeff Speakman's belt, that he was showing when Sensei Dan asked him about the significance of the colours of his belt. 'The Way Of The Hard-Soft Style Karate' is the loose translation of those Japanese/Chinese Kanjis (characters) if someone might be wondering regarding its meaning, which in terms reaffirms what Master Speakman mentioned in the previous video interview, then here once again regarding his philosophy of focusing on power, soft, hard, linear and ultimately circular motion of execution, regarding his martial arts techniques. Thank you Master Jeff Speakman, also Sensei Dan for both yielding your valuable time, to bring us a further insight into the art of American Kenpo Karate, as well as its enigmatic founder, the late Grandmaster Ed Parker, Osu🇲🇽🇦🇺🥋🙏!
I really enjoy these videos of Jeff Speakman, he came to our intertournament at John Conway Sr’s Dojo, Mr Speakman was a awesome man. Have you ever thought of interviewing John’s Son or Kris Adrian?
Goju Okinawan style and Karate is a great style for POWER TRAINING, Kenpo by Ed Parker is a modernized form of Chinese Kung Fu with American flashy fluid movements mixed with Filipino Martial Arts = Perfect Weapon / Jeff Speakman movie style.
I think the perfect weapon was a great movie it showed the world kenpo is a complete art of self defense Jeff Speakman was excellent in the movie hope his health continues to get better he is great teacher of the art
Your right in the sense that every Kenpo teacher you go to they teach you the techniques have the same name but taught differently by different black belts'.
I'm a 7th gen Shodan from Robert A Trias, Shorei Kempo Karate, very related to Shuri-ryu. I don't know much about Kenpo. Is it rehearsed movements? I find the techniques creative, but I'm having trouble seeing how something rehearsed would work in a street scenario when in karate we are taught not to think or calculate moves.
Fair question and we've definitely dug into this topic to address this. The techniques are not intended for what they appear to be. Look for the video "Does American Kenpo Suck?" on our Library, I address the topic there.
After master J. Tripoli instructed me in Okinawan Shorin ryu kobayashi kenpo for 3 years he sent me to an Aikijustsu school a COMPLETELY different system and style but I understood that he had nothing else to teach me. Aikijustsu easily mated with the Kenpo, Kwon bop moo duk Kwon and JJ I already was being taught and would be taught. GM Speakman is MORE than a visionary or movie star he is a martial scientist like Grand Professor Parker. GM.Speakman is a TRUE successor of Sijo Parker. Osu and respect for sound fight science. Where ALL styles are ALIKE is a punch is a punch a kick is a kick an elbow is an elbow etc etc. 👍🙏🏼🐉🐅
In my kenpo and karate are very similar and let's leave it at that. Here's an idea for next video partner, import pressure points joint locking, trapping, and grappling techniques they can I use it in a fight to quickly and effective use against larger opponents, as well as smaller opponent.
Question: I originally studied Tracy Style Kenpo; I was told Al & Jim Tracy studied under Sensei Parker. Now, I never heard my Sifu ever say anything BAD, just that Sensei Tracy & brother Jim wanted to lean towards the Chinese elements. But my Sifu never put Parker style down, but that Tracy was more traditional (Sifu Verbert oh, Parker system puts out competent fighters, but we do some things better). How bad was the Rift on Parker, & Tracy, & did they reconcile before Sensei Parker passed ?
It's an interesting time period and I only know parts of it as it happened well before I was born. But Mr. Parker was teaching what he called "Kenpo Karate" in the 50's and 60's. Chuck Sullivan, The Tracy Brothers, and others were his students. After a while, Mr. Parker wanted to completely restructure and improve the system, but the Tracy's didn't agree with it, so they broke away and developed their OWN version from what they learned and called it Tracy Kenpo. Sometimes they call it "True Kenpo" because it's based on what they were originally learning, but I don't agree with that term. Mr. Sullivan also developed his own branch of Kenpo. So Mr. Parker then created what is now known as American Kenpo, and it's very different from what he taught originally but you can still find a lot of roots in it. The cool thing is...you can look at American Kenpo, Tracy Kenpo, and Mr. Sullivan's style and see that they are all different but you can definitely see the overlap and roots in common from the Kenpo Mr. Parker taught in the 60s. As for the reconciliation I don't think they did but I don't know for sure.
Kakie, like Tuite & Tegumi (Gripping, locks, throws, and grappling) is largly missing from modern karate. Kakie is the sticky hands (Wing Chun) or push hands (Tai Chi) of karate. Kakie is translated as pushing hands. There are kenpo schools who use hubud drills from Filipino Kali/Escrima to gain the same skill for Kenpo. Goju Ryu kakie does give some insight as to why this is an important skill to learn which will only enhance techniques. As 'blocks' are not always 'blocks' so much as they are ways of contact, thus contact reflex drills. If Kenpo developed their own sensitivity drills, what would Kenpo 'Kakie' look like? Why Kakie: Goju Ryu Taira Masaji Sensei - ruclips.net/video/0cK96mEAdy0/видео.html Kakie (Pushing Hands) - Max Beddow Sensei - ruclips.net/video/rFnMuM7Dd7k/видео.html Kakie-Goju Ryu - ruclips.net/video/2NfXnfKqP4w/видео.html Hubud Lesson - Level 1 - Hubud Lubud - ruclips.net/video/0KJztFKSH7o/видео.html Hubud Drill for Kenpo (Example) - ruclips.net/video/pBXLEhtyjbY/видео.html
Great interview Mister Dan as always! Was hoping though you guys wouldve discussed his bjj training with Master Nathanson in California. Very curious to know what belt he earned, his opinion on bjj and how it compares to kenpo and if he plans to integrate more bjj to the 5.0 system. Thanks again for the interview with one of the greatest!
my foundation is ED Parker based who taught Marge, who Taught Sifu Shergold who taught at Simon's Karate who is also a Lohan of Bak Fu Pai which I am learning now
Top notch character, through and through. Huge respect... he has EARNED that belt, no doubt. His students are very lucky.
I remember when I was a kid, we used to play and re-play The Perfect Weapon. Such an underrated movie from that era.
I STILL have the VHS that we played the hell out of. (AND IT STILL WORKS.)
How Jeff Speakman didn't become a huge star blows my mind. The guy had all the makings of an action star.
As a Goju-Ryu practitioner, I am grateful to you for making this interview happen. The perspective and experience of the venerable Mr. Speakman in both martial arts is full of wisdom, understanding, and creativity of how the two systems benefit each other most. Furthermore, it gives me a better understanding and appreciation for Goju-Ryu and for American Kenpo.
Indeed, the rooted stance and the breath technique emphasized in Goju-Ryu maximizes power delivery, and it could be applied to any martial art. Also, I would add that circular / soft redirecting techniques in Goju become paramount in intermediate and advanced curriculum, and I am very interested in how other arts use these soft technique principles originated in Chinese martial arts.
I agree %100. I started GoJuRyu young and I love it. But I realy want to learn knepo. As i think critically like that also as a medical professionl from that point of view as well.
You'd love Isshinryu, it seems.
Goju Ryu is my main style, the style really connected with me and I always love it. I’m glad Jeff enjoyed it and applied it to his Kenpo.
The kata he did in the Perfect Weapon that has Goju Ryu roots is called Tensho, the kata that embodies the soft side of Goju Ryu
As a Gojuryu practitioner I thought it was amazing that he learned GoJu first. Because iv wanted to learn kenpo long before learning this fact. I just wish there was a kenpo dojo near me here in Tulsa.
@@jessicabrandt1478 According to my search there is a Kenpo school in BA ... Allen Saunders. I train TSD at Christian Karate South Tulsa.
@@timkittle5418 sadly that kenpo school in BA is closed.
@@jessicabrandt1478 Sorry to hear that. I found it via internet search. As an aside, Goju has always fascinated me. Had there been a Goju school when I got started I may have followed that path.
I took Goju Ryu back in 1973 from grandmaster Glenn Keeney at Komakai Academy in Anderson, Ind. I have great respect for grandmaster Speakman but, my heart and soul will always be Goju Ryu.
Man, that was awesome! I've never done Kenpo in my life and I could listen to Jeff Speakman talk about it all day. What a wealth of knowledge and history
I loved the Perfect Weapon growing up. I just wish Mr. Speakman had done more movies. Another great interview.
He did several movies, but unfortunately they did not have the same studio support that the Perfect Weapon did and didn't rise to the same level. But he has several films and if you know Kenpo, you can recognize a LOT of Kenpo techniques (they look great on film).
@@ArtofOneDojo Thank you I will definitely look for them.
I remember watching the perfect weapon as a kid watching Jeff Speakman do the improvised movement at the beginning and mimicking them rewinding the VHS and rewatching
In my experience Lou Angel was one of the kindest, most sophisticated gentlemen I've ever met. He was a true humanitarian.
I have heard nothing but good things about Mr. Angel. It would have been awesome to have been able to meet him. I watched some videos of him working out shortly before he passed, that dude was super active and kept going until the end. That alone deserves respect.
Thanks Mr. Dan for another awesome interview with Master Speakman. Having had Goju experience in my past, it was excellent to hear how Speakman entered the arts through Goju. I remember seeing the Perfect Weapon back in 91’ and was blown away by the speed and fluidity of movement demonstrated by Speakman, that movie had a lot of influence on my path in the martial arts and pretty sure for others as well. Hearing some of Master Speakman’s thoughts and philosophies was awesome and thanks again for the excellent interview and great content on the channel.
I wish Jeff would have had the opportunity to grow in to a major action star. Lost opportunity for the martial arts film community that he didn't blow up.
I knew he made a few different movies, but it seems like after The Perfect Weapon he wasn't pushed at all by the studios. Which is weird because that was a popular film.
His second movie, I think it was street knight, was pretty bad.
It barely had any hand to hand combat, it was a generic cop movie with guns.
The Perfect Weapon was awesome because of the martial arts.
@@bjf9304 I recall that one coming out but never saw it on the shelf at Blockbuster and never saw it airing on TV. You have to wonder why the film studio didn't want to capitalize on the popularity of the first film with another martial arts film with a decent-sized budget and wide release.
Jeff Speakman is a great master. I always enjoy hearing his words
You do your teachers proud, Sensei Speakman. I see their teaching & honor shining through you.
goju ryu is one of the most hardcore style right next to Uechi ryu
That taekwondo scene is classic. I'm a TKD guy. And it was awesome to see our friendly rivalry play out in a movie. The groin kicks were on point lol...
"I wonder if I could kick your ass. No, not just you. All three of you."
My favorite move he did in that scene was when he punched the guy while shuffling in from the side. I remember rewinding that at least 10 times to watch it again the first time I saw it on VHS. Lol.
You. Tht kata
I ordered this movie 20 years later
Great interview. Respect to GM Jeff Speakman for all that he has accomplished and also for giving my late teacher, GM Lou Angel, much love and respect. Good to see my photo being used in the video that I took when GM Lou Angel stood at my house in California and I took him down to GM Speakman's office in L.A. with Jeff Langton. Before that we took him to see a film that I was in "Maximum Force". Anyway, great job with your interviews and videos. Much love and respect to GM Speakman. Osu!
Literally interviewing one of my heroes... the first VHS that my dad brought home when I was a kid was the perfect weapon, along with Way of the dragon... it was the reason I sought out a Kenpo instructor in Indiana, arriving to a mentor and friend of mine Don Fleetwood. I earned my 1st Dan under him. Amazing information and amazing discussions!!! Brutha please keep doing what you're doing!!!
Mr. Parkers legacy continues to breathe, grow and evolve.
Well after he has left us.
To me, that is superhuman.
Mad respect.
Jeff Speakman is one of the most under rated artists in the public genre, movies, etc.. I tell people about hom whenever the topic is appropriate. I'd like to meet him one day but I fear those times are behind both of us.. I'm not getting around and he's got a world of responsibilities which he handles greatly. I'm impressed with the way he's picked up the torch and carried on.
I had taken Kenpo in the bay area in the early 70s, then Tang Soo Do from a Norris school and had the privilege of meeting Ed Parker when I competed at the Ed Parker Invitational in Spokane in '80.. A very electric personality. I, too, have been fortunate.
Simply put: OUTSTANDING JOB SIR!!!
I have not watched a more refreshing, uplifting, heart warming, informative, and positive interview. Mr. Speakman epitomizes what a martial arts master should be and characteristics to demonstrate. Wisdom, strength, and kindness.
American Kenpo Karate fan or not I do not understand how a human being could disrespect Mr. Speakman or yourself. Thank you for the fantastic interview and video.
Trained under Teruo Chinen for a few years. Started off as a college class, then I attended his Dojo. When I saw Perfect Weapon I recognized the Goju-Ryu techniques in the kata. Sensei Chinen was fantastic to train under. Soft spoken but very traditional and structured during the class. He was also great with training children. RIP Sensei Chinen. Goju-Ryu makes you a better person all around.
I know that there is no way I am the only one that seems Jeff Speakman life should be made into a movie
I spent several years following Kenpo and I loved it. I had to stop due to physical issues which has always frustrated me as I wanted to continue. Tons of love and respect to you Master Speakman
I want one of those Kenpo Karate shirts because I just started Kenpo Karate this months I understand how Mr.Speakman is saying Everytime I go to the class and I am a beginner. Under Mr. Max Panther Kenpo and he is 5th Dan. And I came from Tang Soo do and Kokikkai Ryu Aikido he said he wanted me there to put my stuff together with Kenpo Karate.
Here are two links to the shirt, one is the same as what I have and another is a slightly different version:
www.amazon.com/Kenpo-Karate-Fist-Martial-T-Shirt/dp/B07S2LGP7L/ref=sr_1_3?crid=8SEH4YJTSRX5&keywords=kenpo+tshirt&qid=1650392544&sprefix=lenovo+y500+fan%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-3
www.amazon.com/Kenpo-Tiger-Dragon-Karate-T-Shirt/dp/B082Y7V6FK/ref=sr_1_10?crid=8SEH4YJTSRX5&keywords=kenpo+tshirt&qid=1650392558&sprefix=lenovo+y500+fan%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-10
Thank you sir very much did you know did you know that delayed sword has in Ed Parker in the name?????😂😂😂😂 Man I love this system which I had done this before Tang Soo do
Mr Speakman is a great man & the BEST in his talents!
Looking good Jeff❤❤
what an in depth interview ,much respect to Mr. Speakman.Good to see the traditional arts get the respect they deserve.
Great interview Sensei Dan. Thank you Master Speakman. I studied for two years under Goesi Yamaguchi the son of Gogen Yamaguchi at San Francisco State University and also visited the Dojo on 18th and Collinwood. Later after graduating returned to Sacramento and Studied Tae Kwon Do in Sacramento. I later competed in the Police Olympics and the guys in the film master Speakman spoke in the Tae Kwon Do Dojang one Samoan Guy was the heavy weight Gold Meadelist and I won a bronze meadel. The team that was the strongest was the LAPD Karate team. All these years later I am a Fist Dan Okinawan Shorin Ryu and a recomended first degree in Tae kwon Do. All this being said I am scheduled for surgery 64 years old and hope to continue my martial arts journey.
Good luck on the surgery, wishing you a very quick recovery and hope you're back dishing out some power again soon!
Thank you Sensei Dan!!
The more I listen to him the more admiration I have for Mr. Speakman. Respect!
As a Goju Ryu practitioner with an appreciation for Kenpo, this was a pleasure to watch.
Jeff is the best inside and out. You did an excellent interview
I am beyond impressed! I have no more words than those.
I can feel his love for the world.
My respect always. When he said respect, he caught my heart. As an artist it makes me feel happy.
Just loving this second round with Jeff S. My original art is HQ in Elgin, IL, near where Jeff grew up. I am very familiar with the Joplin area and MSSU, and I recall reading about Lou Angel in the martial arts mags I constantly read in the 80s and 90s.
Big admirer of Mr Jeff Speakman!
Cool interview. Speakman is definitely not a guy you want to pick a fight with. I appreciated his positive message.
Many thanks for this great interview with such an amazing master :)
Awesome, thanks for posting! Great for you, a fellow Kenpo practitioner to be able to interview such a legend.
Love hearing stories from students of Gogen Yamaguchi. I train under Joseph Lopez, who trained Goju under Gogen/Gosei Yamaguchi and ran the New York Goju Kai in the 1960s/70s.
This man speaks truth, shows respect 🙏🏻
Masaichi Oshiro got his kenpo black belt from Mitose and Chow and trained beside Ed Parker, I have seen the photos. He formed his own style Te ken Jutsu, and later became a Goju Kai instructor, bringing his students with him. A small group went from kenpo to goju. Of that group there were some Goju legends. Their goju was different because the kenpo had already made them strong. one was a legendary fighter, and had strong kata. enough he gained the respect of the okinawans and japanese. If you know you know
Awesome. I just discovered your channel. I don’t do Kenpo but am fascinated by it. Loved the Perfect Weapon still do!
Now I know the stick things was just Kenpo not FMA. I always figured it was FMA or something
So I'm hype for these because Goju and Kempo have been big on the self defense scene for a long time.
This series just has so much heart. It pays so much respect to folks who put in work and helped build the roads that we are able to enjoy today.. And these heros are so damn human and these videos help.
Speakman definitely of master class.
Hi Miss Jeff Speakman’s I haven’t been in school since 2007 because my mom passed away of COPD massive castrate a coronary disease
Through that it got me very very depressed and that’s why I left but I wanna go back so bad because the love that he taught me through Kenpo Karate 5.0 I trained with Tim Cucuzza sensei Cucuzza that’s what I’m trying to say and other judges for when I was competing against another school or my own school for my belts through testing I miss my school it was so fun thank you Jeff Speakman’s I hope I can come back again I live in Phoenix Arizona you only have one school but they’re out in Gilbert Arizona too far for me I wish there was one closer to Phoenix so I can go back again I miss your school much respect to you master sensei Jeff Speakman’s thank you for giving me the power 🔥
Shout out from Joplin, MO. If you want another take on the Goju/Kenpo crosstraining consider interviewing Ray Kellison here in Joplin. He actively trains and competes in both. He was in Black Belt Magazine a few months ago. He trained under Lou Angel and Lee Wedlake.
Mr. Speakman, in 1990 I trained at Barbara Hale's Ventura Kenpo. She drove the two of us down to the West Los Angeles studio to watch Entertainment Tonight film you and Mr. Parker. The ventilation system in the studio was not working and ET had their very hot studio lights shining on you. The studio became so unbelievably hot that one of the lights caught on fire. Regrettably, Barbara was not able to introduce me to either yourself or Mr. Parker.
Jeff is the real deal
This was a great interview with some really good history and training perspectives. Mr. Speakman was great to listen to. Thank you
I also love that the style takes the best of other forms and incorporates it into its doctrine.
Awesome interview Dan Sensei! It is very encouraging to see such positivity from Jeff Speakman. He is an excellent spokesman for all martial arts….just as you are Dan my man! 😁👍🙏 Osu!
Excellent interview, delightful information on the subject. Fantastic work as normal!! 10 stars out of five!!
Goju ryu was my first style and honestly it was my favorite. Sadly, my school closed down and there were no other teachers around me.
What a great interview!
Very interesting video!! Thanks for bringing such high quality content to us!!
As an Okinawan Goju Ryu practicioner it is a very interesting to hear the point of view of Master Speakman, it actually sounds like Kempo is closer to my style of karate than Japanese Goju Ryu.
PD: HUGE fan of Perfect Weapon
The greatest respect comes out a heart of love.
Thank you Master Speakman! I wished I could remember all the different kata’s from white to orange belt just to stay fit!
Glowing words about Goju and martial arts in general!!!! Very cool.
This interview is so beautiful man
Hats off to you Mr Sanz, another informative video. I don't know enough about Goju Ryu, but I am going to have to watch your deep dive on it, it is on my list, just didn't have the time for anything till recently. There is so much information in these videos, I had to watch it twice :D
Well done interview Dan with Master Speakman !!Oss
ive wanted to train in american kempo ever since i saw the perfect weapon, i love the movements and how they flow, plus all the strikes at all the different angles and stuff like that. i dont care to get into a fight i just would love to learn the art itself
Outstanding interview.
Amazing interview. Wow
Amazing jeff speakMan. ❤️ your presentation.
loved this interview!
Even more respect - great details and interview!!
Hey, Jake Barrett it’s John Kane from Street Knight. Still now training 61 years in Martial Arts 🥋. I remember the first I K C in 1964 Long Beach 🏝️ California. Thanks for being my partner for my 5th Degree Black Belt, May 22, 1986. Respectively , Ed Parker’s adopted Kenpo Son. You were at my School 🏫 in 2005 for a Seminar and I had to go to the Doctor’s to take out my Staples when I torn off my right Bicep in Portugal 🇵🇹 at a Boxing 🥊 Gym. Now, 2 hips, 2 knees, and I new total shoulder; so take care of yourself and your body. Peace Be With You. 🥋🐉🦯🔪☮️❤️✝️🕊️🙋♂️
I was a personal student of Mr Parker and also trained some along with Jeff. One of my longtime black belts is a Goju-Ryu black belt also. My school back In Delray Bch FL was often visited by Goju Ryu black belts, and Isshin Ryu too, for Sparring. Our ealier years starting training directly with Joe Lewis was a huge help. We all benefitted and fought with each other at tournaments or kickboxing matches. Lol. The toughest crew! Riviera Bch to Miami! Salute to Goju.
You had a school in Delray Beach? That's where I am now, what a small world!
@@ArtofOneDojotoo cool bro! yes, for about 18 years on US1 then lost my lease and moved to Lantana. We were originally teaching at the Tracy's W Palm Bch Studio. We left the Org. and went with Joe Lewis. I moved to Vero Bch and taught at the School there for 2 years. Then we opened Delray School. Then later Mr Parker invited me to train directly with him. For 10+ years until his passing. I had a setup at my home until divorce screwed me up. Still teaching private lessons. Getting a kidney removed soon. Been down for a bit. Cant wait to get back stronger. Thanks for your hard work.
thanks to Sensei Speakman for sharing ,I wanted to ask if he ever trained or met Sensei Guy Kurose of seattle wa , he passed away 20 yrs ago he was a college karate champion in Japan a practitioner of Japanese Goju Ryu 6th dan
I am not sure if he's replying to comments on here or not, but if you send an email to their website I'm sure someone may be able to answer that.
@@ArtofOneDojo I know it’s a low likelihood that Speakman trained with Kurose . thanks , your channel is very informative
I'm also from Seattle area and know of Guy Kurose...have never told anyone who trained me to fight, never will. Was a family favor to my brother.
@@rollinbowtie1 Ooos🙏🏽
The kali in kenpo came from Guru Dan Inosanto . He is the second of Ed's famous students , Elvis being the first .
Great video kenpo can help builds one character so much.
@The Art of One Dojo I recently spoke to "Kenpo" Joe Rebelo. I asked him if the "finger break" that Jeff Speakman performs in the gym scene of The Perfect Weapon was in Ed Parker's curriculum. Master Rebelo said that Ed Parker demonstrated the finger break "on him", and nearly broke his fingers.
Great interview
Yet again another enlightening interview with Master Jeff Speakman, where he continues to shine the light, regarding his martial arts journey and his purpose of spreading the wisdom and knowledge that he has gained from his masters.
How wonderful, selfless and exemplary of Master Lou Angel, to have written a referral letter for Master Speakman, to Grandmaster Ed Parker, asking him to take his former student, to continue to further his martial arts journey. Not many masters if hardly any would have had the humility, the selfless virtue to have recognised, that their student or students at some point, would be individually suited to go and study under someone, in order to be able to achieve their own individual full potential.
Likewise is was wonderful and admirable to see, that Grandmaster Ed Parker was benevolent in welcoming, his good friend Lou Angel's former student, to further his martial arts journey.
It was amazing to see that both Master Speakman and his teacher, Grandmaster Ed Parker were both able to work together in the fighting choreography of The Perfect Weapon movie, which was then successfully introduced through the film entailment medium to the rest of the world. I myself was surprised to see that in the film, Master Jeff Speakman was doing partially a segment of the Tensho Kata, which we ourselves in Kyokushin Karate have inherited from Goju-Ryu Karate, as one of our martial arts foundations, aside from Shotokan Karate. I however never knew that Master Speakman was originally a Goju-Ryu Karate practitioner, whom he had wanted to showcase such small segment of the Tensho kata, so as to honour his first martial arts mentor, Master Lou Angel from his Goju-Ryu Karate days.
剛柔流空手道 (Gōjū-ryū Karate-Do) are the Kanjis (Japanese/Chinese) characters embroidered on Master Jeff Speakman's belt, that he was showing when Sensei Dan asked him about the significance of the colours of his belt. 'The Way Of The Hard-Soft Style Karate' is the loose translation of those Japanese/Chinese Kanjis (characters) if someone might be wondering regarding its meaning, which in terms reaffirms what Master Speakman mentioned in the previous video interview, then here once again regarding his philosophy of focusing on power, soft, hard, linear and ultimately circular motion of execution, regarding his martial arts techniques. Thank you Master Jeff Speakman, also Sensei Dan for both yielding your valuable time, to bring us a further insight into the art of American Kenpo Karate, as well as its enigmatic founder, the late Grandmaster Ed Parker, Osu🇲🇽🇦🇺🥋🙏!
The gym fight scene is probably one of the top 3 movie fight scenes of all time.
loved thisim gonna check out speakmans gym tommorow
I really enjoy these videos of Jeff Speakman, he came to our intertournament at John Conway Sr’s Dojo, Mr Speakman was a awesome man. Have you ever thought of interviewing John’s Son or Kris Adrian?
I attended a seminar in Chicago area under grandmaster Saviano. Was amazing to work with u
Goju Okinawan style and Karate is a great style for POWER TRAINING, Kenpo by Ed Parker is a modernized form of Chinese Kung Fu with American flashy fluid movements mixed with Filipino Martial Arts = Perfect Weapon / Jeff Speakman movie style.
Sir! This is a great one!
thanks for sharing
Great interview! 🥋🙏
I think the perfect weapon was a great movie it showed the world kenpo is a complete art of self defense Jeff Speakman was excellent in the movie hope his health continues to get better he is great teacher of the art
This is better than great. This is perfect.
Jeff you are the man. I'd love to train under your tutelage
Your right in the sense that every Kenpo teacher you go to they teach you the techniques have the same name but taught differently by different black belts'.
I'm a 7th gen Shodan from Robert A Trias, Shorei Kempo Karate, very related to Shuri-ryu. I don't know much about Kenpo. Is it rehearsed movements? I find the techniques creative, but I'm having trouble seeing how something rehearsed would work in a street scenario when in karate we are taught not to think or calculate moves.
Fair question and we've definitely dug into this topic to address this. The techniques are not intended for what they appear to be. Look for the video "Does American Kenpo Suck?" on our Library, I address the topic there.
After master J. Tripoli instructed me in Okinawan Shorin ryu kobayashi kenpo for 3 years he sent me to an Aikijustsu school a COMPLETELY different system and style but I understood that he had nothing else to teach me. Aikijustsu easily mated with the Kenpo, Kwon bop moo duk Kwon and JJ I already was being taught and would be taught. GM Speakman is MORE than a visionary or movie star he is a martial scientist like Grand Professor Parker. GM.Speakman is a TRUE successor of Sijo Parker. Osu and respect for sound fight science. Where ALL styles are ALIKE is a punch is a punch a kick is a kick an elbow is an elbow etc etc. 👍🙏🏼🐉🐅
In my kenpo and karate are very similar and let's leave it at that. Here's an idea for next video partner, import pressure points joint locking, trapping, and grappling techniques they can I use it in a fight to quickly and effective use against larger opponents, as well as smaller opponent.
Love this video
Question: I originally studied Tracy Style Kenpo; I was told Al & Jim Tracy studied under Sensei Parker. Now, I never heard my Sifu ever say anything BAD, just that Sensei Tracy & brother Jim wanted to lean towards the Chinese elements. But my Sifu never put Parker style down, but that Tracy was more traditional (Sifu Verbert oh, Parker system puts out competent fighters, but we do some things better). How bad was the Rift on Parker, & Tracy, & did they reconcile before Sensei Parker passed ?
It's an interesting time period and I only know parts of it as it happened well before I was born. But Mr. Parker was teaching what he called "Kenpo Karate" in the 50's and 60's. Chuck Sullivan, The Tracy Brothers, and others were his students. After a while, Mr. Parker wanted to completely restructure and improve the system, but the Tracy's didn't agree with it, so they broke away and developed their OWN version from what they learned and called it Tracy Kenpo. Sometimes they call it "True Kenpo" because it's based on what they were originally learning, but I don't agree with that term. Mr. Sullivan also developed his own branch of Kenpo.
So Mr. Parker then created what is now known as American Kenpo, and it's very different from what he taught originally but you can still find a lot of roots in it. The cool thing is...you can look at American Kenpo, Tracy Kenpo, and Mr. Sullivan's style and see that they are all different but you can definitely see the overlap and roots in common from the Kenpo Mr. Parker taught in the 60s.
As for the reconciliation I don't think they did but I don't know for sure.
Kakie, like Tuite & Tegumi (Gripping, locks, throws, and grappling) is largly missing from modern karate. Kakie is the sticky hands (Wing Chun) or push hands (Tai Chi) of karate. Kakie is translated as pushing hands. There are kenpo schools who use hubud drills from Filipino Kali/Escrima to gain the same skill for Kenpo. Goju Ryu kakie does give some insight as to why this is an important skill to learn which will only enhance techniques. As 'blocks' are not always 'blocks' so much as they are ways of contact, thus contact reflex drills. If Kenpo developed their own sensitivity drills, what would Kenpo 'Kakie' look like?
Why Kakie: Goju Ryu Taira Masaji Sensei - ruclips.net/video/0cK96mEAdy0/видео.html
Kakie (Pushing Hands) - Max Beddow Sensei - ruclips.net/video/rFnMuM7Dd7k/видео.html
Kakie-Goju Ryu - ruclips.net/video/2NfXnfKqP4w/видео.html
Hubud Lesson - Level 1 - Hubud Lubud - ruclips.net/video/0KJztFKSH7o/видео.html
Hubud Drill for Kenpo (Example) - ruclips.net/video/pBXLEhtyjbY/видео.html
The video was very impressive Thank youuuuuu❤❤❤
Pretty sure this guy had/has, it was a long time ago, a school in mill creek, WA. My buddy spent some time hanging out with him. Good times.
Great interview Mister Dan as always! Was hoping though you guys wouldve discussed his bjj training with Master Nathanson in California. Very curious to know what belt he earned, his opinion on bjj and how it compares to kenpo and if he plans to integrate more bjj to the 5.0 system. Thanks again for the interview with one of the greatest!
He said in the last interview that he is a whitebelt in bjj
@@LUMBERJACKDAVE I think he said in another interview that he did BJJ for four years. Is it possible for him to still be a white belt?
@@miesvaillanykyisyytta3252 yes
just discovered you, great channel.
Thank you! I hope you stick around and enjoy the content :)
my foundation is ED Parker based who taught Marge, who Taught Sifu Shergold who taught at Simon's Karate who is also a Lohan of Bak Fu Pai which I am learning now
Shalom Speakman.
Lot Angel received his yodan, fourth degree black belt from Master Urban who he started with in 1959.
Mr. Urban was definitely a driving force for Goju Ryu in America.
Very cool