You know what, check out the "Undisputed 3" it's the best mma movie. It has the best fighting techniques and scenes. Here is the trailer: ruclips.net/video/qq-yqajCo6k/видео.html
Hello sensei. I am also a blackbelt in Shotokan and I really enjoy your videos. I was going through your channel to watch more of your videos and saw on your about page that your belt grade is ni-dan. I hope it's not rude to ask, but are you testing for san-dan any time soon? I would love to know what kata are required for your organization. I believe mine are Tekki Sandan, Kanku Sho, and Gankaku.
Jeff Speakman was the REAL deal. He was an amazing martial arts star and it’s a shame he didn’t get more roles. He deserved them. I know he still is an amazing martial artist, but he should have had more of a movie career.
@@bradmiles1984 I’m sorry for not clarifying. I know he is with us, but it’s a shame that he was never realized as a star. He deserved it. He was good looking, he could act, he was charismatic, and he could kick ass! While most of that is still true, he should have made a bigger impact as a martial arts star. And that is a pity.
@@brichan1851 Yeah he got screwed over by the studio. He was signed on for a several movie deal but gave him nothing but B movies after Perfect Weapon. His interview on Scott Adkins podcast he talks all about it.
@@bradmiles1984 seen it. Loved it. He is so brilliant. I can’t believe what SPEED would have been if he’d been in it. Also, wouldn’t he have been a perfect Nathan Drake?
Jeff Speakman was combining elements of Forms 4,5,6 and a pinch of Goju Ryu. The reason why he looks at the ground is because he has just "swept" and opponent.
My style was also Goju. My master's name was Joseph Kelljchian. He was a disciple of Peter Urban, and founded United States of America Goju Federation (U.S.A.G.F.). I'm not sure what Forms 4,5, and 6 are. However, this is how we were trained as well.
In an interview, Jeff Speakman said that middle part of his kata in the opening scene, he incorparated Goju-Ryu to acknowledge his old sensei. You should watch Scott Adkins "The Art of Action" series he did during the pandemic. Real insight from other world Martial Artists.
@@davidnomad9750 the part of the Philip Rhee interview that I loved was when he said, “even if you hate me, if you were in a burning car I would run to help you. Cause that’s who I am!” That really hit me deep. Scott Adkins is an amazing interviewer.
Jeff is the real deal . His form is about constantly evolving the style - they have moved more into a ground game style now due to the rise of cage fighting. He is still teaching
He hasnt moved more into the ground fighting and it definitely has nothing to do with cage fighting. As a Kenpo practitioner for almost 30 years I have heard Master Speakman say he incorporated ground defense because it was an area where Kenpo was lacking and students should be able to be just as good at defending themselves on the ground should they end up there.
No, it's due to the rise of real martial arts that actually work in real fighting and giving average people real fighting skills because Kenpo is mostly McDojo nonsense that doesn't work as a system in real life resistance. They do groundwork because they know they would get their asses kicked if they used the actual Kenpo BS that they have always taught.
Which puts him at odds against "Parker Loyalists". I Know! I currently train under Sasha Williams, a devout "Parker Loyalist". His Dojos proclaim "Parker - Williams"
@@bernieeod57which is strange because Parker was always evolving and training in other arts and incorporated parts of those arts to fill weaknesses in the art
If you noticed, the first guy he goes up against in the Korean Martial Arts gym is the same actor/martial artist that plays Sae Jin Kwon in Best of the Best 1-James Lew. Which is why you can see his Tae Kwon Do moves so clearly.
Mako was Hugh actor. He played in a Conan movie and along side Jackie Chan. The big guy, the killer with the flower was a wrestler known as Professor Tanaka. Both have passed away since the making of this movie. Tanaka was partners with Mr. Fuji when they wrestled for the WWF. Years ago. The kenpo sensei was I believe played by I think his name is Toshishiro Obata. He's unique. He has some old videos on RUclips doing aikijujitsu (Shioda Gozo student) with Micheal Ibarra. Hes been involved with both Japanese and Okinawa martial arts. He has his own style Shinkendo. He's also a big actor. Loves to use weapons.
@@SlickTim9905 actually the Kenpõ Sensei was an actor by the name of Seth Oki (not sure if he had any martial arts background himself) Toshishiro Obata (the martial artist you are speaking of is a good bit shorter than Mr. Speakman.
My man! James Lew does NOT get enough credit. Legit martial artist, actor, AND choreographer. Huge fan of his and just recently re-watched Red Sun Rising with Don Wilson...I haven't seen that movie in years! Loved the fact he was the main villain!!
You're right about the older films having better fight choreography. Close up shots and fancy camera angles are typically used to hide the actor's lack of martial arts experience.
See that all the time with actors who are too old to do any kind of martial arts. One of my favorites, Liam Neeson, is a perfect example. See what I did... Perfect Example....no.
I met Jeff at a martial arts competition years back. It was a few months after this movie came out. He was so chill and humble. You wouldnt know he was a movie star. We talked for about ten minutes or so. He was really nice.
Fun fact. Kim (Mako) was the voice actor for the original uncle Iroh in Avatar: The Last Airbender before he died. Jimmy Ho (Dante Basco) voiced prince Zuko.
The knot is off to the side on purpose, I believe. In some Kenpo schools this is a throw back homage to the Chinese roots. The Kung Fu sash is worn with the knot on the side. So, this is a halfway mark between the two ideas to show respect to both the Japanese roots and the Chinese roots of Kenpo.
That is correct, but this kid thinks he knows it all Does not even know karate was spawn from Chinese kimpo which dates back to 520 bc which he laughed at and said I don't think so
I forgot Mako was in this film! I watched it on HBO a lot when it was newer, but it's been at least 20 years. What an awesome movie, and Mako is an absolute LEGEND! Speakman was a solid actor and an awesome on-screen martial artist, who never got his honest due, I've always thought. Also, Kempo was the first style I practiced back in 1987 or so, when I was 8. It was cool to see a movie based on my first style!
Jeff Speakman's style is Kenpo Karate, which is Japanese, Kempo is Chinese Karate, which I also started in 1987, I did Chinese Kempo, Kung-Fu, and Jiu- Jitsu.
Master Ed Parker, who was Jeff Speakman's Sensei, was heavily involved with helping him choreograph the fight scenes in this movie. They both wanted people to see real Kenpo in action, not "Hollywood" Kenpo. They both said that there are no moves in this movie that are not actually taught or used in Kenpo dojos.
@@centristmiguel8581 As a Gen x martial artist I have to point out that you kind of have to excuse a lot of martial artists from my generation. There was a lot of McDojo shit, no doubt. But at the time, Americans had no real way of vetting a good school from a bad school. Hell even Black Belt Magazine back then allowed all kinds of ads for bullshit martial arts. But that said, there's a lot of guys that started in bullshit schools and ended up decent martial artists. I think Jeff is one of them. The thing I like the most about his combat kempo or whatever he's calling it, had adopted a lot of MMA into it in the last decade. Learning from what we know actually works. I'd prefer people study arts like that. With a basis in traditional martial arts for the core curriculum but with the addition of MMA techniques. I say this mostly for morals. Most MMA gyms are a shitty fratboy culture known for producing some of the most toxic human beings I've ever seen. Traditional (good) martial arts will teach someone how to diffuse a bad situation whereas acting like McGregor, Masvidal, or Diaz is just more likely to just get you shot in the back in 2023
I know a little bit about Jeff Speakman he invented that move with the fist is called the hammer with he swings like Thor you can see it in his RUclips Kenpo videos!!!!
The combo Jeff starts at 24:03 has been one of my favorites from martial arts movies. He uses his movement so effortlessly to advance forward and use the pivot of his body to continue the attack. I just love it
Jeff was originally a collegiate swimmer or diver (forgot which) which is likely the reason why his lats were that developed. Jeff's first instructor was Tenshi Goju-ryu founder Lou Angel. After he relocated to Los Angeles he began training in American kenpo from white to third degree black belt under Larry Tatum. There's actual video of Jeff at a testing at the school Larry ran for Ed Parker. The kata at the beginning isn't a regular kata per se. It's a mix of several other kenpo forms and some goju inspired movements. In traditional western school they still make you take off your jewelry, for safety reasons obviously. Schools that allow jewelry to be worn or more of the newer generation of schools. As for the 2,000 year old claim, that's something Ed Parker always claimed about kenpo's lineage. He tried to link it back to Bodhidharma to give it some tie to Chinese martial arts. Also in American kenpo only black belts can wear the knot of their belt in the middle. Non black belts must wear it either to the left or right depending on their gender. If you read Parker's Infinite Insights into Kenpo book series he goes into kenpo's "history" and other things. As for the whole "kenpo karate" name thing, kenpo in America has always been rather interesting. James Mitose who brought kenpo to the U.S. from Japan called what he was teaching Shorinji kenpo to kenpo jujitsu to finally Kosho Shorei-ryu kenpo. His most famous student William Chow called what he has teaching kenpo karate, which was continued by his student Parker and son on. On a site note. The actress 12:52 is Mariska Hargitay who is the star of Law & Order: SVU. The first guy that Jeff fought in the gym was James Lew who was in Best of the Best as one of the Korean fighters.
Jeff Speakman (born November 8, 1958) is an American actor and a martial artist in the art of American Kenpo and Japanese Gōjū-ryū, earning black belts in each. Between 2008 and 2018, he was President of the International Kempo Federation. Style: American Kenpo, Karate(Gojū-ryū) Rank: 9th degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate 9th degree black belt in Tenshi Goju Kai. Years Active: 1988-present Occupation: Actor Martial Artist
Dude! New idea for him to re-emerge as a Hollywood star: he should play Solid Snake in a Metal Gear Solid movie. He’s age appropriate and is still a total badass!
He explains in an interview that the opening kata is a form they learn at, (I believe) at the black belt level. Also, you should check out Sidekicks with Chuck Norris. All sorts of random styles under the umbrella of “karate”
All students in the class were required to have their belt knot to the side, only the one person teaching the class wears their knot centered. Just a bit of tradition.
1. Mako was a beloved Japanese-American actor with a long career in movies and TV. 2. Jeff Speakman is a former student of American Kenpo founder Ed Parker; he's considered to be the "keeper of the flame" of Parker's style. 3. The huge dude is Professor Toru Tanaka, a former professional wrestler from Hawaii. I believe that Toru Tanaka is a stage name. Whenever American filmmakers need a huge Asian guy to play an invincible monster Mr. Tanaka was the go-to guy.
And Professor Tanaka, also had a martial arts background in the arts of sumo and a black belt in Danzan Ryū Jūjutsu, another eclectic martial art founded in Hawaii in the 1930s.
So glad you're taking our suggestions Yusuke! Your analysis of this half of the movie was very informative and entertaining. I might dare to say this was your best reaction video so far! I agree that Hollywood has lost it's way when it comes to showcasing martial arts in film. I think that's a part of what makes Cobra Kai such a phenomenon.
I was training directly with Kenpo Grandmaster Ed Parker when he and Jeff made the film. Don't be overly concerned with some of the little details of form, as it's always different when doing stuntwork. I did a seminar with Jeff Speakman and Uke'd for him in W Palm Bch Florida right after the movie opened. He's a real badass martial artist and a good guy.
You will find limb destruction in many Chinese arts. "American Kempo Karate" has absorbed a great deal of the techniques and concepts from Chinese M.A. You attack the weapon. Arm, leg, head, knee, elbow, ....Whatever enters your space gets destroyed. Requires speed, timing and precision. Intercept the attack. Every block/deflection is intended to cause damage. Attack, stick to the opponent and beat them until the body breaks. Attack deliver combinations, at the damage point or any openings. Kung fu is a lot more straight forward in mind set than folks think . But the techniques can be complicated The physical skills and reaction time needed for intercepts much less destructions was beyond me. Catching a kick or a telagraphed o punch okay... but takes like years and experience to get further than that. Bone and skin conditioning is the only defense against limb hunting in a stand up fight. Even then it's still eage taken. My Sifu taught me that in "Chinese Kung fu/MA, speed kills". When no edge or equality in power and precision can be had. It come down to "Survival of the fastest!" * edited for spelling mistakes.
He just got his 10th degree black belt this year in 2023. He developed Kenpo 5.0 v2 that brings in Ju-Jitisu, Judo into the mix. American Kenpo is not all stand up striking like in the 90s. He continues to improve the art as Ed Parker did. As the Gracies did and as Eddie Bravo does.
I have trained in Shotokan karate under Ohshima Sense and his students. My mother met my father from him teaching her Shotokan karate. I love your channel very much!!! I hope that some time soon you cover the absolutely classic film Enter the Dragon! Did you know that Jim Kelly (one of the three leads of the movie) trained in Shotokan karate? I’m sorry for writing so much and hope that you are having a wonderful time doing these videos! They are really cool and fun! Thank you
Yes sir! American Kenpo has knot on left hip for males. Right hip female.. only Black belt can have center. Thank you for your review of one of my favorite movies that influenced me to study American Kenpo!
Please review the film Black Belt aka Kuro Obi (2007). Apparently the actors are also Shotokan black belts so it would be interesting to hear your in depth analysis of their technique.
Hell yeah, another person saying this :D Kuro Obi had such solid karate in it from what I remember, I haven't seen it since back in the day when I could still do karate, but I loved it, I'm sure it'd make for good content :)
There is not much to "analyze". While the narrator here has some expertise, the actors in Kuro Obi, are way way way out of his league. (Not to be meant negative to the narrator), the main actor actually started his own youtube channel: Kuro Obi World.
I think this is one of the best martial arts movies ever made. The plot follows a familiar formula. The fight scenes feature textbook kenpo techniques with great choreography. Great camera work. The acting is decent. Jeff Speakman is a real martial artist. All around great action with a healthy dose of cheese. Too bad people don't make movies like this anymore.
Yes, there are some "American Kenpo Karate"-schools which have a tradition of "knot of the belt on side" for students, "knot of the belt on center" for instructors. Maybe Mr. Dan from "Art of one Dojo" can tell you more about it.
Possibly there is a connection or "nod" to the "sash" of "Kung Fu"-styles. But it is unlikely connected to Funakoshi Gichin, since he was not that important for Hawaiian/American Karate.
I heard Kenpo has this belief where energy flows better on one side for males, and the other for females. they only put the belt in the middle at black belt to show that the kenpoist is balanced.
Actually it was that women were the stronger of the two sexes(the pain they endure during childbirth), so they move their knot to the strong side. Men to the weak side. Trained off and on for 20ish years in American Kenpo
jeff speakman in the opening kata sequence actually integrated three katas in one. the first two american kenpo forms and then he added a bit of his goju training to see if his goju ryu sensei would notice it in the movie.
Mako is a great actor! He was in an episode of the Green Hornet and actually fought Kato (Bruce Lee). I’m sure that will recognize him if you look him up! Thank you!!!
Jeff Speakman is good. Most action martial arts films of the 80's and 90's had real martial artists who grew up watching Bruce Lee films in the 70's. Hollywood during that era was investing in action films and independent filmmakers were doing pure martial arts films. Today most of the action stars of that time have become fight choreographers or grand masters in the martial arts. Today it's super heroes films which are popular with Hollywood stars with no martial arts background. Those who are bit good are those who have dancing background. Most action martial arts films of recent time goes straight to DVD. They rarely go to cinema halls.
The Karate style in Karate Kid was from Shito Ryu though. They even had Sensei Fumio Demura as the stunt double for Pat Morita's Mister Miyagi. You can check it out.
From what I heard "Kenpo" is Japanese for "Kung fu", Japanese Kenpo supposedly has its origins in Kung fu. Then again "Shorin" in "Shorin Ryu" from what I heard, it is from "Shaolin", so they say that it is "Shaolin style" karate.
In viewing a recent interview with Jeff Speakman, the kata he performs in the I GOT THE POWER montage is a Kenpo black belt kata. In the last movements her performs, are Go Jiru movements. Mr. Speakman stated it was a nod of respect to his original Sensei Lou Angel
I honestly think Speakman is free styling the kata at the beginning. I also thing he was directed to try and somewhat synch the movements with the music. I also think maybe the character might do this both for practice and for a cardio workout, which may be a reason he doesn't seem to stop moving one time during the kata. lol A GREAT '90s song from Snap, BTW! lol
In the late 70's and into the 80's, Kenpo practitioners began cross-training in Filipino arts like Arnis and Escrima without sacrificing one for the other, because they saw that the two styles are very compatible. That was pretty much the organized beginning of the real mixed martial arts, outside of solo practitioners and as opposed to what passes for mixed martial arts today.
I would like to see some video bite version's of Wesley Snipes doing his martial art's in many of his films. Not just Blade. He also is a real martial artist. Who puts a lot of his art in his films. He has not made a specific martial arts film, though I wish he had.
Once again it was great watching this video full of insights and informations, I deeply love what you are doing, and it is also interesting to see a thoughtful take by new generations (aknowledging the fact that yes, absolutely, 70/80/90s martial arts movies are on a completely different planet compared to nowadays, they are not even on the same universe). I grew up with all these flicks and at 35 I still feel the need, mandatory, to go back to them at least once a year. If you don't mind, I highly reccomend you the following flicks to add to the to watch list: - Showdown in Little Tokyo - Best of the Best 2 - American Ninja, at least n.1 and 3 (for martial arts analysis, for entertainment, 1 to 4 mandatory) - Kickboxer, 1 to 4 - Way of the dragon - Enter the Dragon - No retreat no surrender - Mortal Kombat 1995 These are the best (along with Best of the Best and, the ultimate masterpiece, Bloodsport) you watch these and your martial arts cinematic "education", so to speak, from that era, the best era, is accomplished. Of course there are tons of them, from HK stars like Jackie Chan and Jet Li, to Don The Dragon Wilson, but these are the musts. Hope this list could be of some help. Keep up the good work, love your content.
At 9:30 he the child version of him is practicing Star Block. That is a warm up kata we use to teach the fundamental Kenpo blocks and to get the upper body moving. When using this in warm ups, I always reinforce with my students what each individual block is for and how it can be used as part of a block & counter. While it is performed in Horse Stance (Shiko Dachi), the individual blocks themselves can be used in any stance. I generally only use this with our Advanced Children students and our Teen Adult students.
Hi Sensei, when you have the chance, I would like to know your thoughts about the movie “The Last Samurai”. Hiroyuki Sanada is one of my favorite actors. Ive read that he studied Shorinji Kempo and later took up Kyokushin kaikan karate. I really enjoy watching your videos, keep up the good work! 👏🏽🇯🇵🙌🏽
I was enrolled and learning Kenpo when I was 11, turning 12. Should've started earlier. Really regretting not sticking with. I was too scatter brained as a kid. Couldn't stay focused on anything. My Sensei had a lot of confidence in me. I showed good focus, but was too tense all the time. And could not maintain my focus.
I had the same problem, except I was 19. I still have all the instruction papers from that period of time too, so I may start going through it again and practicing the katas and pinans.
Also, the guy fighting Jeff in the gym is James Lew. Well, one of them. The axe kick to the face is the same move he used on Alex Grady in Best of the Best. That's right. James Lew was the guy opposite Eric Roberts in Best of the Best. ;-)
Sensei, please take a look at the interview with Jeff Speakman here on RUclips. It’s The Art of Action Episode 17. You could get some insight for his style of Kenpo in The Perfect Weapon straight from his own mouth. Excellent interview.
Back in the day. They took martial artists or at least some experienced people and made them actors. But now a days they take actors and teach them martial arts. Some actors take their training seriously and others do the minimum. That's where the "Cheesy 80s acting" comes from.
I was both a student and instructor in Black Rose Kenpo (a combination of American and Chinese Kenpo) in the late 80s into the early 90s. In the kata where he was a kid in his bedroom in his pajamas was called Star Block in BRK - I believe it's called Blocking Set in American Kenpo. In BRK, you did the descending blocks on the right side, then the left (like he was doing), but next came a combination of both sides/hands together, then we did one side descending and other side ascending simultaneously. Then you switched sides and started with the left side first. In BRK, there were no spinning kicks in techniques (there was some in kata). The reason being is that you can lose your stability whenever you are airborne or on one foot only. The only head kicks we learned was when the person's head was on the ground. No kicks above the waist. The circular pattern on the wall (at 8:20) that looks similar to a flower in the dojo was a patch we wore on our gi. It symbolizes all of the moves in Kenpo. What I liked the most about Kenpo was that it was defense only system as well as a scientific system. Where many other systems teach moves in a straight forward approach where it's force to force, in BRK, our moves were off angle by 45 degrees to shift our power line to where ours is now lined up to them while theirs is still facing away. I also enjoyed that all of our classes were 1/2 hour private one on one lessons. We had group classes as well, but the main training was one on one.
The obi knot is off center because it is worn like a sash knot in Chinese martial arts. Kenpo has Japanese and Chinese roots. Fun fact: The actor playing Adam also played Virgil in Best of the Best.
The knot is worn on the side during instruction by the student while the instructor wears the knot in the center. Outside of instruction such as in a tournament situation the knot would be worn in the center.
16:16 - Yeah, Speakman’s basically been in the martial arts his whole life. He’s currently a 10th degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate and a 9th degree black belt in Tenshi Goju Kai.
The kid doing the block with his hand chambered before and between movements is doing the star block which consists of, downward, upward, inward, and extended outward blocks
Yes some of the opening movements, is a kata Ed Parker kempo. The part where you ask if he's making up something as he faces forward. Are strikes to the face. Eyes and he's using a modified horse stance
I"m glad to see someone pointed that out. Based on what Sifu Paul Britton (Louisiana) told me, it was an eye rake, basically the same thing you're saying. It just looked...odd...because of how slow he did them, don't you think?
The belt knot is moved to the left for men to show deference to a senior teacher on the mat. Female practitioners would move their knot to the right side. The senior teacher would leave their knot centered.
Always loved this movie. Love when you see people like Dante Basco which a lot of folks would know as Zuko from Avatar the Last Airbender in a live action. Mako, absolute legend of course. James Hong, also legend, think he holds a record for most acting credits. I recently saw an interview of Jeff Speakman done on Scott Adkins' youtube, pretty insightful and interesting discussion on Jeff's training and such. The big bad dude was the big bad's second in 3 Ninjas. Now there's a movie I'd love to see your reaction to, 3 Ninjas xD
As a fan of Avatar the Last Airbender, I especially like the fact that this movie is the only one (that I know of) where Zuko and Uncle Iroh are together in a real life movie!
This movie came out when I was in my early 30's and deep into Isshin ryu karate which was a combination of Goju-ryu and Shorin-ryu karate but used a vertical fist to punch. I must have watched this movie over a 1000 times! Great review! Thanks.
I enjoyed listening to this sensei talk about the movie and the things he saw. I laughed a few times with him. Perfect weapon was pretty awesome when it came out.
I'm American and was born into a very dedicated karate family. I started in 1988 when I was 6 years old. I had no idea that the man who traveled to our Dojo to test me for my rank, Lou Angel, was Speakman's only Goju Sensai when he lived in the Midwest part of the country. Lou taught my father since 1966. Lou was one of Gogan Yamaguchi's students in Japan. Many of Lou's memorabilia was passed down from him to my father to me. When Jeff told Mr. ANGEL that he was moving to California, Lou told him to find Ed Parker once he got there, which he did and Kenpo was then added to his Goju roots. Right when this movie was released my father and I saw it in theaters. Suddenly we were invited to Lou Angel's dojo for a personal seminar with Jeff and had breakfast with him the following day. Very surreal moment for a 9 year old kid who loved these kinds of movies already. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed and learned from you by watching your reaction videos. Best of the Best was always a favorite of mine and Eric Roberts said they were taught Goju while preparing for the film. Makes sense because they kept saying the USA KARATE team, not Tae Kwon Do team. Anyways thank you for everything. Love your videos and I will continue to watch them all.
In the early years of USA Budo, they would use a “frame of reference” under the style to give americans an idea of what they were going to learn. Karate, Judo, Jiujutsu, Kung fu, etc … were known due to military veterans (and eventually movies), whom opened schools. However, if u were teaching Kenpo, chin na, kali, aikido,… etc, they would write, “karate” for striking, and “judo (or jiujutsu),” for grappling, under and so on.
5:55 This older guy is Mako. He was Japanese American and was well known to film buffs. He and James Hong pretty much played all the Asians for decades.
In that opening scene that is an actual form at the later years of training. Addition. I trained in this but it was called Chinese Kenpo. We had a Sifu. I trained for nearly 10 years, but then moved. The knot should be centered. We did not get rings. In fact we did not get new belts. We kept the same belt until we passed our last practical exam which ended if one was successful in the Eye of the Hurricane. Candidate in center with 8 attackers. We began weapons training after about 5 years. After 3 years we usually started with Chin Na as well. Our morning training was in Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. We trained minimum 4 days a week, then after three years we had to train 6 days a week to keep our place in the class.
So the knot placement in American kenpo is unique in that it signifies who is instructing (in the middle) and who is being taught. On male students it is on the left side while on female students it is on the right side
Part of what he is doing is a variation of the star block which is a movement where we can practice all the blocks on each side from one smooth movement. It is done with one arm and then the other.
Grandmaster Jeff Speakman is the founder & director of American Kenpo , (AKKS) an international kenpo karate organization with more than 50 schools. He had started Gōjū-ryū in 1978 & received his 1st degree Black Belt in 1984. This movie was made in the era when Hollywood would find Martial Arts experts and give them roles as actors in movies. I recommend you look up his wikipedia page for more info.
So I trained in American Kempo for a few years - among other fighting styles. More specifically Shaolin Kenpo Jiu-Jitsu. The very flowy movements come from the Shaolin influence - especially when using animal techniques which have a huge impact in Kung Fu. In his opening 'kata' he did a lot of snake and tiger movements. You can see the 'close in' movements of Wing Chun intermixed as well. I remember doing long sessions of Seung Chi Sau, meaning "double sticky hands" to master very close in fighting.
Regarding the belts: This was done to show respect toward the highest ranking black belt in the room at the time. Men turned their belt knot left, while women turned theirs to the right. This applied to black belts as well. The highest ranking black belt would keep theirs in the center. As far as I know, this is unique to American Kenpo, but I could be wrong.
One of the favorite scenes is the alley way scene when knock those 5 thug's out. It was a true personification to Kenpo principles. Ed Parker mention that he doesn't teach his students how to throw a punch, but, how to control a punch. And gym scene is also one best fight scenes as well. When Jeff unloaded on the guy with a series of fast strike's. American Kenpoist is pose to be overwhelming and fast in unisons. Lethal Weapon's was produce well and still watch it till this day.
It’s awesome to hear someone mention Uechi Ryu because that was the style of Karate I did from like 5-15 yrs old. Wish I kept going I stopped at green belt my Sensei was very strict about moving us up in ranks so our green & brown belts were better than most black belt from other schools in my area. We would destroy in sparring & katas at tournaments. Usually coming home with a ton of 1st & 2nd place trophies, I miss those times.
The gym fight scene is quite a time capsule. That’s James Lew playing the taekwondo fighter, and not only is he a gifted taekwondo fighter, he’s also one of Hollywood’s greatest stuntmen and fight choreographers. He faces off against Eric Roberts in Best of the Best, and he fights Van Damme in Timecop.
I have studied nontraditional martial arts since age 7. Now I have put on a white belt because martial arts mean something different to me now. I think the tradition is very important. Very practical wisdom is encoded in kata. I appreciate hearing your take on these movies! It is good to hear a traditional practitioners take on them. They helped spread martial arts in the west.
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You know what, check out the "Undisputed 3" it's the best mma movie. It has the best fighting techniques and scenes.
Here is the trailer:
ruclips.net/video/qq-yqajCo6k/видео.html
Try the Billy Jack movies from the 60s-70s
Jeff Speakman is the head of American Kenpo.
Hello sensei. I am also a blackbelt in Shotokan and I really enjoy your videos. I was going through your channel to watch more of your videos and saw on your about page that your belt grade is ni-dan. I hope it's not rude to ask, but are you testing for san-dan any time soon? I would love to know what kata are required for your organization. I believe mine are Tekki Sandan, Kanku Sho, and Gankaku.
I would like to have a discussion with you about kenpo
Jeff Speakman was the REAL deal. He was an amazing martial arts star and it’s a shame he didn’t get more roles. He deserved them. I know he still is an amazing martial artist, but he should have had more of a movie career.
He is the real deal. He's still with us, he survived his battle with cancer years ago now.
@@bradmiles1984 I’m sorry for not clarifying. I know he is with us, but it’s a shame that he was never realized as a star. He deserved it. He was good looking, he could act, he was charismatic, and he could kick ass!
While most of that is still true, he should have made a bigger impact as a martial arts star. And that is a pity.
@@brichan1851 Yeah he got screwed over by the studio. He was signed on for a several movie deal but gave him nothing but B movies after Perfect Weapon. His interview on Scott Adkins podcast he talks all about it.
@@bradmiles1984 seen it. Loved it. He is so brilliant. I can’t believe what SPEED would have been if he’d been in it. Also, wouldn’t he have been a perfect Nathan Drake?
He is still alive.
Jeff Speakman was combining elements of Forms 4,5,6 and a pinch of Goju Ryu. The reason why he looks at the ground is because he has just "swept" and opponent.
Elements of coordination set and finger set are also evident.
"swept and opponent"
My style was also Goju. My master's name was Joseph Kelljchian. He was a disciple of Peter Urban, and founded United States of America Goju Federation (U.S.A.G.F.). I'm not sure what Forms 4,5, and 6 are. However, this is how we were trained as well.
In an interview, Jeff Speakman said that middle part of his kata in the opening scene, he incorparated Goju-Ryu to acknowledge his old sensei. You should watch Scott Adkins "The Art of Action" series he did during the pandemic. Real insight from other world Martial Artists.
That’s right, that’s where he said it.
That is an absolute need
Saw that, great interview. The one with Philip Rhree was amazing as well!
Robert Nguyen hell yeah it was.
@@davidnomad9750 the part of the Philip Rhee interview that I loved was when he said, “even if you hate me, if you were in a burning car I would run to help you. Cause that’s who I am!” That really hit me deep. Scott Adkins is an amazing interviewer.
Jeff is the real deal . His form is about constantly evolving the style - they have moved more into a ground game style now due to the rise of cage fighting. He is still teaching
Kenpo 5.0, I’ve watched videos on it, and it looks really interesting.
He hasnt moved more into the ground fighting and it definitely has nothing to do with cage fighting. As a Kenpo practitioner for almost 30 years I have heard Master Speakman say he incorporated ground defense because it was an area where Kenpo was lacking and students should be able to be just as good at defending themselves on the ground should they end up there.
No, it's due to the rise of real martial arts that actually work in real fighting and giving average people real fighting skills because Kenpo is mostly McDojo nonsense that doesn't work as a system in real life resistance. They do groundwork because they know they would get their asses kicked if they used the actual Kenpo BS that they have always taught.
Jeff Speakman is still teaching his form of Karate. He added new elements to the combat on the ground and also added more holds as well.
American badass kempo..... ahahahah....xd
kenpo 5.0
Which puts him at odds against "Parker Loyalists". I Know! I currently train under Sasha Williams, a devout "Parker Loyalist". His Dojos proclaim "Parker - Williams"
@@bernieeod57which is strange because Parker was always evolving and training in other arts and incorporated parts of those arts to fill weaknesses in the art
@@ParasitikOne I wouldn't say stagnation. Just evolving in a different direction
If you noticed, the first guy he goes up against in the Korean Martial Arts gym is the same actor/martial artist that plays Sae Jin Kwon in Best of the Best 1-James Lew. Which is why you can see his Tae Kwon Do moves so clearly.
He ain’t the only one from Best of the Best. Virgil is Jeff Speakman’s little bro as an adult.
Mako was Hugh actor. He played in a Conan movie and along side Jackie Chan. The big guy, the killer with the flower was a wrestler known as Professor Tanaka. Both have passed away since the making of this movie. Tanaka was partners with Mr. Fuji when they wrestled for the WWF. Years ago. The kenpo sensei was I believe played by I think his name is Toshishiro Obata. He's unique. He has some old videos on RUclips doing aikijujitsu (Shioda Gozo student) with Micheal Ibarra. Hes been involved with both Japanese and Okinawa martial arts. He has his own style Shinkendo. He's also a big actor. Loves to use weapons.
@@SlickTim9905 actually the Kenpõ Sensei was an actor by the name of Seth Oki (not sure if he had any martial arts background himself) Toshishiro Obata (the martial artist you are speaking of is a good bit shorter than Mr. Speakman.
My man! James Lew does NOT get enough credit. Legit martial artist, actor, AND choreographer. Huge fan of his and just recently re-watched Red Sun Rising with Don Wilson...I haven't seen that movie in years! Loved the fact he was the main villain!!
@@xelanihc Now I have to give Best of the Best a re-watch. I had no idea!!
You're right about the older films having better fight choreography. Close up shots and fancy camera angles are typically used to hide the actor's lack of martial arts experience.
See that all the time with actors who are too old to do any kind of martial arts. One of my favorites, Liam Neeson, is a perfect example. See what I did... Perfect Example....no.
@Eeyore Flux The only scenes Segal does anymore involve him sitting at a table.
Sometimes it's an out of control editor with too many angles to play with.
I met Jeff at a martial arts competition years back. It was a few months after this movie came out. He was so chill and humble. You wouldnt know he was a movie star. We talked for about ten minutes or so. He was really nice.
Studied Kenpo 5.0 for a few years and met Mr Speakman many times. He is still humble and hands down one of the nicest guys I have ever met.
Fun fact. Kim (Mako) was the voice actor for the original uncle Iroh in Avatar: The Last Airbender before he died. Jimmy Ho (Dante Basco) voiced prince Zuko.
And Ako from Samurai Jack
Also play in conan main role the sorcerer of conan's company
@alejandroacosta1227 I bet when they met in the studio for Avatar it was quite the reunion.
Mako also was the narrator in Conan The Barbarian
Man, this brings back memories. The 90s were good times. Thank you for this sensei.
The knot is off to the side on purpose, I believe. In some Kenpo schools this is a throw back homage to the Chinese roots. The Kung Fu sash is worn with the knot on the side. So, this is a halfway mark between the two ideas to show respect to both the Japanese roots and the Chinese roots of Kenpo.
Yes the knot is on left for men right for ladys
@Jake Collins haha my students wear their knots on the left for men and right for woman
It’s morman
That is correct, but this kid thinks he knows it all Does not even know karate was spawn from Chinese kimpo which dates back to 520 bc which he laughed at and said I don't think so
I also wondered about that because in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we wear the knot dead center.
I forgot Mako was in this film! I watched it on HBO a lot when it was newer, but it's been at least 20 years. What an awesome movie, and Mako is an absolute LEGEND! Speakman was a solid actor and an awesome on-screen martial artist, who never got his honest due, I've always thought.
Also, Kempo was the first style I practiced back in 1987 or so, when I was 8. It was cool to see a movie based on my first style!
What's interesting is Mako and the big guy Tanaka , acted together years earlier in the Chuck Norris movie , An Eye for an Eye
Jeff Speakman's style is Kenpo Karate, which is Japanese, Kempo is Chinese Karate, which I also started in 1987, I did Chinese Kempo, Kung-Fu, and Jiu- Jitsu.
Master Ed Parker, who was Jeff Speakman's Sensei, was heavily involved with helping him choreograph the fight scenes in this movie. They both wanted people to see real Kenpo in action, not "Hollywood" Kenpo. They both said that there are no moves in this movie that are not actually taught or used in Kenpo dojos.
Ahahahah....xd
😂😂😂
Mcdojo shit and Ed Parker was the epitome of McDojo senseis
OMG would be crazy good to be taught by him
@@centristmiguel8581 As a Gen x martial artist I have to point out that you kind of have to excuse a lot of martial artists from my generation. There was a lot of McDojo shit, no doubt. But at the time, Americans had no real way of vetting a good school from a bad school. Hell even Black Belt Magazine back then allowed all kinds of ads for bullshit martial arts.
But that said, there's a lot of guys that started in bullshit schools and ended up decent martial artists. I think Jeff is one of them. The thing I like the most about his combat kempo or whatever he's calling it, had adopted a lot of MMA into it in the last decade. Learning from what we know actually works.
I'd prefer people study arts like that. With a basis in traditional martial arts for the core curriculum but with the addition of MMA techniques. I say this mostly for morals. Most MMA gyms are a shitty fratboy culture known for producing some of the most toxic human beings I've ever seen. Traditional (good) martial arts will teach someone how to diffuse a bad situation whereas acting like McGregor, Masvidal, or Diaz is just more likely to just get you shot in the back in 2023
One of my all time favorite martial arts movies. I wish there was a much larger library of Jeff Speakman movies.
I know a little bit about Jeff Speakman he invented that move with the fist is called the hammer with he swings like Thor you can see it in his RUclips Kenpo videos!!!!
The combo Jeff starts at 24:03 has been one of my favorites from martial arts movies. He uses his movement so effortlessly to advance forward and use the pivot of his body to continue the attack. I just love it
Absolutely agree!
omae wa mou shindeiru
Jeff speakman legend great martial artist
Jeff was originally a collegiate swimmer or diver (forgot which) which is likely the reason why his lats were that developed. Jeff's first instructor was Tenshi Goju-ryu founder Lou Angel. After he relocated to Los Angeles he began training in American kenpo from white to third degree black belt under Larry Tatum. There's actual video of Jeff at a testing at the school Larry ran for Ed Parker. The kata at the beginning isn't a regular kata per se. It's a mix of several other kenpo forms and some goju inspired movements.
In traditional western school they still make you take off your jewelry, for safety reasons obviously. Schools that allow jewelry to be worn or more of the newer generation of schools. As for the 2,000 year old claim, that's something Ed Parker always claimed about kenpo's lineage. He tried to link it back to Bodhidharma to give it some tie to Chinese martial arts. Also in American kenpo only black belts can wear the knot of their belt in the middle. Non black belts must wear it either to the left or right depending on their gender. If you read Parker's Infinite Insights into Kenpo book series he goes into kenpo's "history" and other things.
As for the whole "kenpo karate" name thing, kenpo in America has always been rather interesting. James Mitose who brought kenpo to the U.S. from Japan called what he was teaching Shorinji kenpo to kenpo jujitsu to finally Kosho Shorei-ryu kenpo. His most famous student William Chow called what he has teaching kenpo karate, which was continued by his student Parker and son on.
On a site note. The actress 12:52 is Mariska Hargitay who is the star of Law & Order: SVU. The first guy that Jeff fought in the gym was James Lew who was in Best of the Best as one of the Korean fighters.
Jeff Speakman (born November 8, 1958) is an American actor and a martial artist in the art of American Kenpo and Japanese Gōjū-ryū, earning black belts in each. Between 2008 and 2018, he was President of the International Kempo Federation.
Style: American Kenpo, Karate(Gojū-ryū)
Rank: 9th degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate
9th degree black belt in Tenshi Goju Kai.
Years Active: 1988-present
Occupation: Actor
Martial Artist
Woow
He's perhaps one of the most trained martial arts actors around. Love to see him make a comeback even if it's as a mentor character.
I forgot James Lew, one of the Korean fighters showcased in Best of the Best was in this movie. Great action scenes.
Dude! New idea for him to re-emerge as a Hollywood star: he should play Solid Snake in a Metal Gear Solid movie. He’s age appropriate and is still a total badass!
He explains in an interview that the opening kata is a form they learn at, (I believe) at the black belt level.
Also, you should check out Sidekicks with Chuck Norris. All sorts of random styles under the umbrella of “karate”
Agreed to "Sidekicks". Can't go wrong with Chuck Norris 😂
Its a mix of long form 4 , finger set and coordination set
@@NeonGhostin
Barry Warry hung himself because that movie was so bad.
All students in the class were required to have their belt knot to the side, only the one person teaching the class wears their knot centered. Just a bit of tradition.
Yes, he is a martial artist first and then went into acting~
Fun fact, Jeff speakman was supposed to be the leading actor in the movie speed. but it fell through.
@@nathanmerritt1581 Oh yeah, I think I heard that before
He started goju in college in st Louis missouri before moving to California n meeting ed Parker head of American kenpo
1. Mako was a beloved Japanese-American actor with a long career in movies and TV.
2. Jeff Speakman is a former student of American Kenpo founder Ed Parker; he's considered to be the "keeper of the flame" of Parker's style.
3. The huge dude is Professor Toru Tanaka, a former professional wrestler from Hawaii. I believe that Toru Tanaka is a stage name. Whenever American filmmakers need a huge Asian guy to play an invincible monster Mr. Tanaka was the go-to guy.
And Professor Tanaka, also had a martial arts background in the arts of sumo and a black belt in Danzan Ryū Jūjutsu, another eclectic martial art founded in Hawaii in the 1930s.
So glad you're taking our suggestions Yusuke! Your analysis of this half of the movie was very informative and entertaining. I might dare to say this was your best reaction video so far! I agree that Hollywood has lost it's way when it comes to showcasing martial arts in film. I think that's a part of what makes Cobra Kai such a phenomenon.
Perfect weapon was one of the martial arts movie gems
I was training directly with Kenpo Grandmaster Ed Parker when he and Jeff made the film. Don't be overly concerned with some of the little details of form, as it's always different when doing stuntwork. I did a seminar with Jeff Speakman and Uke'd for him in W Palm Bch Florida right after the movie opened. He's a real badass martial artist and a good guy.
You will find limb destruction in many Chinese arts. "American Kempo Karate" has absorbed a great deal of the techniques and concepts from Chinese M.A. You attack the weapon. Arm, leg, head, knee, elbow, ....Whatever enters your space gets destroyed. Requires speed, timing and precision. Intercept the attack. Every block/deflection is intended to cause damage. Attack, stick to the opponent and beat them until the body breaks. Attack deliver combinations, at the damage point or any openings. Kung fu is a lot more straight forward in mind set than folks think . But the techniques can be complicated The physical skills and reaction time needed for intercepts much less destructions was beyond me. Catching a kick or a telagraphed o punch okay... but takes like years and experience to get further than that. Bone and skin conditioning is the only defense against limb hunting in a stand up fight. Even then it's still eage taken. My Sifu taught me that in "Chinese Kung fu/MA, speed kills". When no edge or equality in power and precision can be had. It come down to "Survival of the fastest!"
* edited for spelling mistakes.
He just got his 10th degree black belt this year in 2023.
He developed Kenpo 5.0 v2 that brings in Ju-Jitisu, Judo into the mix. American Kenpo is not all stand up striking like in the 90s. He continues to improve the art as Ed Parker did. As the Gracies did and as Eddie Bravo does.
I have trained in Shotokan karate under Ohshima Sense and his students. My mother met my father from him teaching her Shotokan karate. I love your channel very much!!! I hope that some time soon you cover the absolutely classic film Enter the Dragon! Did you know that Jim Kelly (one of the three leads of the movie) trained in Shotokan karate? I’m sorry for writing so much and hope that you are having a wonderful time doing these videos! They are really cool and fun! Thank you
Yes sir! American Kenpo has knot on left hip for males. Right hip female.. only Black belt can have center. Thank you for your review of one of my favorite movies that influenced me to study American Kenpo!
Please review the film Black Belt aka Kuro Obi (2007).
Apparently the actors are also Shotokan black belts so it would be interesting to hear your in depth analysis of their technique.
Hell yeah, another person saying this :D Kuro Obi had such solid karate in it from what I remember, I haven't seen it since back in the day when I could still do karate, but I loved it, I'm sure it'd make for good content :)
Only one actor is shotokan the other is goju
I second! Kuro Obi is amazing.
UP!!!! PLEASE REVIEW KURO OBI!!!!
There is not much to "analyze". While the narrator here has some expertise, the actors in Kuro Obi, are way way way out of his league. (Not to be meant negative to the narrator), the main actor actually started his own youtube channel: Kuro Obi World.
I think this is one of the best martial arts movies ever made. The plot follows a familiar formula. The fight scenes feature textbook kenpo techniques with great choreography. Great camera work. The acting is decent. Jeff Speakman is a real martial artist. All around great action with a healthy dose of cheese. Too bad people don't make movies like this anymore.
Yes, there are some "American Kenpo Karate"-schools which have a tradition of "knot of the belt on side" for students, "knot of the belt on center" for instructors.
Maybe Mr. Dan from "Art of one Dojo" can tell you more about it.
Funakoshi actually always had it sideways, like most kungfu styles do.
So his explanation is off.
Possibly there is a connection or "nod" to the "sash" of "Kung Fu"-styles.
But it is unlikely connected to Funakoshi Gichin, since he was not that important for Hawaiian/American Karate.
i would hope you could meet up Jeff Speakman in person. Jeff Speakman is also Mr. Dan's Seminar Instructor
I heard Kenpo has this belief where energy flows better on one side for males, and the other for females. they only put the belt in the middle at black belt to show that the kenpoist is balanced.
Been teaching Kenpo for over 30 years and never heard that.
@@pinkarate1 eh, probably some branch said it. I forgot which./
Actually it was that women were the stronger of the two sexes(the pain they endure during childbirth), so they move their knot to the strong side. Men to the weak side. Trained off and on for 20ish years in American Kenpo
jeff speakman in the opening kata sequence actually integrated three katas in one. the first two american kenpo forms and then he added a bit of his goju training to see if his goju ryu sensei would notice it in the movie.
Mako is a great actor! He was in an episode of the Green Hornet and actually fought Kato (Bruce Lee). I’m sure that will recognize him if you look him up! Thank you!!!
as a 6th degree in kempo this was kata we use he did mixed some basic karate in there but for the most part he was on point except for looking down
He had his own karate school. I’ve seen it on RUclips. I personally love his Kenpo style of teachings. Personally my favorite!
Thanks for reviewing this bud! Keep doing your thing!
Jeff Speakman is good. Most action martial arts films of the 80's and 90's had real martial artists who grew up watching Bruce Lee films in the 70's. Hollywood during that era was investing in action films and independent filmmakers were doing pure martial arts films. Today most of the action stars of that time have become fight choreographers or grand masters in the martial arts. Today it's super heroes films which are popular with Hollywood stars with no martial arts background. Those who are bit good are those who have dancing background. Most action martial arts films of recent time goes straight to DVD. They rarely go to cinema halls.
24:29 Keep in mind, this IS a film. Sometimes doing the technique the "right" way doesn't show up on camera so you have to cheat a little.
The Karate style in Karate Kid was from Shito Ryu though. They even had Sensei Fumio Demura as the stunt double for Pat Morita's Mister Miyagi. You can check it out.
Jeff Speakman was a 5th dan at the time of this movie I believe. He was a student of Ed Parker. Jeff Speakman now holds a 9th Dan.
From what I heard "Kenpo" is Japanese for "Kung fu", Japanese Kenpo supposedly has its origins in Kung fu. Then again "Shorin" in "Shorin Ryu" from what I heard, it is from "Shaolin", so they say that it is "Shaolin style" karate.
In viewing a recent interview with Jeff Speakman, the kata he performs in the I GOT THE POWER montage is a Kenpo black belt kata. In the last movements her performs, are Go Jiru movements. Mr. Speakman stated it was a nod of respect to his original Sensei Lou Angel
I honestly think Speakman is free styling the kata at the beginning. I also thing he was directed to try and somewhat synch the movements with the music. I also think maybe the character might do this both for practice and for a cardio workout, which may be a reason he doesn't seem to stop moving one time during the kata. lol
A GREAT '90s song from Snap, BTW! lol
It’s actually a combination of kenpo forms 4,5,6 and some Goju Ryu
He worked with Grandmaster Ed Parker on that composite form
In the late 70's and into the 80's, Kenpo practitioners began cross-training in Filipino arts like Arnis and Escrima without sacrificing one for the other, because they saw that the two styles are very compatible. That was pretty much the organized beginning of the real mixed martial arts, outside of solo practitioners and as opposed to what passes for mixed martial arts today.
I would like to see some video bite version's of Wesley Snipes doing his martial art's in many of his films. Not just Blade. He also is a real martial artist. Who puts a lot of his art in his films.
He has not made a specific martial arts film, though I wish he had.
One of the weapons of his style is the double sticks.
Once again it was great watching this video full of insights and informations, I deeply love what you are doing, and it is also interesting to see a thoughtful take by new generations (aknowledging the fact that yes, absolutely, 70/80/90s martial arts movies are on a completely different planet compared to nowadays, they are not even on the same universe). I grew up with all these flicks and at 35 I still feel the need, mandatory, to go back to them at least once a year. If you don't mind, I highly reccomend you the following flicks to add to the to watch list:
- Showdown in Little Tokyo
- Best of the Best 2
- American Ninja, at least n.1 and 3 (for martial arts analysis, for entertainment, 1 to 4 mandatory)
- Kickboxer, 1 to 4
- Way of the dragon
- Enter the Dragon
- No retreat no surrender
- Mortal Kombat 1995
These are the best (along with Best of the Best and, the ultimate masterpiece, Bloodsport) you watch these and your martial arts cinematic "education", so to speak, from that era, the best era, is accomplished. Of course there are tons of them, from HK stars like Jackie Chan and Jet Li, to Don The Dragon Wilson, but these are the musts.
Hope this list could be of some help.
Keep up the good work, love your content.
That is a great list! I've been training since the mid 80's and miss those types of movies! 👍👍👍💮
At 9:30 he the child version of him is practicing Star Block. That is a warm up kata we use to teach the fundamental Kenpo blocks and to get the upper body moving. When using this in warm ups, I always reinforce with my students what each individual block is for and how it can be used as part of a block & counter. While it is performed in Horse Stance (Shiko Dachi), the individual blocks themselves can be used in any stance. I generally only use this with our Advanced Children students and our Teen Adult students.
Hi Sensei, when you have the chance, I would like to know your thoughts about the movie “The Last Samurai”. Hiroyuki Sanada is one of my favorite actors. Ive read that he studied Shorinji Kempo and later took up Kyokushin kaikan karate. I really enjoy watching your videos, keep up the good work! 👏🏽🇯🇵🙌🏽
That movement you were referring to in the beginning seems like mawashi uke. I train Shotokan & Kyokushin, teach too.
I was enrolled and learning Kenpo when I was 11, turning 12. Should've started earlier.
Really regretting not sticking with. I was too scatter brained as a kid. Couldn't stay focused on anything.
My Sensei had a lot of confidence in me. I showed good focus, but was too tense all the time. And could not maintain my focus.
I had the same problem, except I was 19. I still have all the instruction papers from that period of time too, so I may start going through it again and practicing the katas and pinans.
Also, the guy fighting Jeff in the gym is James Lew. Well, one of them. The axe kick to the face is the same move he used on Alex Grady in Best of the Best. That's right. James Lew was the guy opposite Eric Roberts in Best of the Best. ;-)
Sensei, please take a look at the interview with Jeff Speakman here on RUclips. It’s The Art of Action Episode 17.
You could get some insight for his style of Kenpo in The Perfect Weapon straight from his own mouth. Excellent interview.
I loved that movie back in the day.Jeff Speakman was one of my favorite martial artists/actors.
15:10 "Ohhh... He punched the kick!"
This made me laugh, lol
American kempo made me laugh...xd
Back in the day. They took martial artists or at least some experienced people and made them actors. But now a days they take actors and teach them martial arts. Some actors take their training seriously and others do the minimum. That's where the "Cheesy 80s acting" comes from.
One of my favorite movies growing up.
I LOVE this movie. The punching and kicking sound effects are top notch. Makes everything seem so much more powerful and impactful!
I was both a student and instructor in Black Rose Kenpo (a combination of American and Chinese Kenpo) in the late 80s into the early 90s. In the kata where he was a kid in his bedroom in his pajamas was called Star Block in BRK - I believe it's called Blocking Set in American Kenpo. In BRK, you did the descending blocks on the right side, then the left (like he was doing), but next came a combination of both sides/hands together, then we did one side descending and other side ascending simultaneously. Then you switched sides and started with the left side first. In BRK, there were no spinning kicks in techniques (there was some in kata). The reason being is that you can lose your stability whenever you are airborne or on one foot only. The only head kicks we learned was when the person's head was on the ground. No kicks above the waist. The circular pattern on the wall (at 8:20) that looks similar to a flower in the dojo was a patch we wore on our gi. It symbolizes all of the moves in Kenpo. What I liked the most about Kenpo was that it was defense only system as well as a scientific system. Where many other systems teach moves in a straight forward approach where it's force to force, in BRK, our moves were off angle by 45 degrees to shift our power line to where ours is now lined up to them while theirs is still facing away. I also enjoyed that all of our classes were 1/2 hour private one on one lessons. We had group classes as well, but the main training was one on one.
Speakman is so underrated and The Perfect Weapon is a great movie
The obi knot is off center because it is worn like a sash knot in Chinese martial arts. Kenpo has Japanese and Chinese roots. Fun fact: The actor playing Adam also played Virgil in Best of the Best.
That is Virgil
The knot is worn on the side during instruction by the student while the instructor wears the knot in the center. Outside of instruction such as in a tournament situation the knot would be worn in the center.
The guy Jeff fought in the dojo James Lew was in best of the best also
16:16 - Yeah, Speakman’s basically been in the martial arts his whole life. He’s currently a 10th degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate and a 9th degree black belt in Tenshi Goju Kai.
The kid doing the block with his hand chambered before and between movements is doing the star block which consists of, downward, upward, inward, and extended outward blocks
The beginning form with all the hand and finger movements is called finger set. There is significance for each movement.
Yes some of the opening movements, is a kata Ed Parker kempo. The part where you ask if he's making up something as he faces forward. Are strikes to the face. Eyes and he's using a modified horse stance
I"m glad to see someone pointed that out. Based on what Sifu Paul Britton (Louisiana) told me, it was an eye rake, basically the same thing you're saying. It just looked...odd...because of how slow he did them, don't you think?
The belt knot is moved to the left for men to show deference to a senior teacher on the mat. Female practitioners would move their knot to the right side. The senior teacher would leave their knot centered.
Always loved this movie. Love when you see people like Dante Basco which a lot of folks would know as Zuko from Avatar the Last Airbender in a live action. Mako, absolute legend of course. James Hong, also legend, think he holds a record for most acting credits. I recently saw an interview of Jeff Speakman done on Scott Adkins' youtube, pretty insightful and interesting discussion on Jeff's training and such. The big bad dude was the big bad's second in 3 Ninjas. Now there's a movie I'd love to see your reaction to, 3 Ninjas xD
As a fan of Avatar the Last Airbender, I especially like the fact that this movie is the only one (that I know of) where Zuko and Uncle Iroh are together in a real life movie!
- The big dude is Charles J. Kalani Jr. A pro-wrestler that wrestled under the name Professor Tanaka. He died a years ago.
This movie came out when I was in my early 30's and deep into Isshin ryu karate which was a combination of Goju-ryu and Shorin-ryu karate but used a vertical fist to punch. I must have watched this movie over a 1000 times! Great review! Thanks.
Thanks for hearing us. A real Grandmaster, his two handed fighting style is awe inspiring !!
I enjoyed listening to this sensei talk about the movie and the things he saw. I laughed a few times with him. Perfect weapon was pretty awesome when it came out.
I'm American and was born into a very dedicated karate family. I started in 1988 when I was 6 years old. I had no idea that the man who traveled to our Dojo to test me for my rank, Lou Angel, was Speakman's only Goju Sensai when he lived in the Midwest part of the country. Lou taught my father since 1966. Lou was one of Gogan Yamaguchi's students in Japan. Many of Lou's memorabilia was passed down from him to my father to me.
When Jeff told Mr. ANGEL that he was moving to California, Lou told him to find Ed Parker once he got there, which he did and Kenpo was then added to his Goju roots.
Right when this movie was released my father and I saw it in theaters. Suddenly we were invited to Lou Angel's dojo for a personal seminar with Jeff and had breakfast with him the following day. Very surreal moment for a 9 year old kid who loved these kinds of movies already.
I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed and learned from you by watching your reaction videos. Best of the Best was always a favorite of mine and Eric Roberts said they were taught Goju while preparing for the film. Makes sense because they kept saying the USA KARATE team, not Tae Kwon Do team.
Anyways thank you for everything.
Love your videos and I will continue to watch them all.
In the early years of USA Budo, they would use a “frame of reference” under the style to give americans an idea of what they were going to learn. Karate, Judo, Jiujutsu, Kung fu, etc … were known due to military veterans (and eventually movies), whom opened schools. However, if u were teaching Kenpo, chin na, kali, aikido,… etc, they would write, “karate” for striking, and “judo (or jiujutsu),” for grappling, under and so on.
5:55 This older guy is Mako. He was Japanese American and was well known to film buffs. He and James Hong pretty much played all the Asians for decades.
In that opening scene that is an actual form at the later years of training.
Addition. I trained in this but it was called Chinese Kenpo. We had a Sifu. I trained for nearly 10 years, but then moved.
The knot should be centered.
We did not get rings. In fact we did not get new belts. We kept the same belt until we passed our last practical exam which ended if one was successful in the Eye of the Hurricane. Candidate in center with 8 attackers.
We began weapons training after about 5 years. After 3 years we usually started with Chin Na as well.
Our morning training was in Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. We trained minimum 4 days a week, then after three years we had to train 6 days a week to keep our place in the class.
So the knot placement in American kenpo is unique in that it signifies who is instructing (in the middle) and who is being taught. On male students it is on the left side while on female students it is on the right side
I love Speakman. He one of very few legit martial artist that have acted. He even created his own form of kenpo once he saw the effectiveness of bjj
Part of what he is doing is a variation of the star block which is a movement where we can practice all the blocks on each side from one smooth movement. It is done with one arm and then the other.
Grandmaster Jeff Speakman is the founder & director of American Kenpo , (AKKS) an international kenpo karate organization with more than 50 schools. He had started Gōjū-ryū in 1978 & received his 1st degree Black Belt in 1984. This movie was made in the era when Hollywood would find Martial Arts experts and give them roles as actors in movies. I recommend you look up his wikipedia page for more info.
Speakman still teaches in Los Angeles. He isn't a fake.
The form in the opening sequence is called Long Form 4. It's a real form. He does it very well!
Me. Sensei, you won’t regret the next part of that movie, very enlightening to watch!
When I was I kid I loved this movie and practiced kenpo for a couple years!
Btw...our belt was on the side like that when I took kenpo
So I trained in American Kempo for a few years - among other fighting styles. More specifically Shaolin Kenpo Jiu-Jitsu. The very flowy movements come from the Shaolin influence - especially when using animal techniques which have a huge impact in Kung Fu. In his opening 'kata' he did a lot of snake and tiger movements. You can see the 'close in' movements of Wing Chun intermixed as well. I remember doing long sessions of Seung Chi Sau, meaning "double sticky hands" to master very close in fighting.
Great... now I have to stop what I'm doing and watch a perfect weapon today. .... and I can't wait.
Regarding the belts: This was done to show respect toward the highest ranking black belt in the room at the time. Men turned their belt knot left, while women turned theirs to the right. This applied to black belts as well. The highest ranking black belt would keep theirs in the center.
As far as I know, this is unique to American Kenpo, but I could be wrong.
One of the favorite scenes is the alley way scene when knock those 5 thug's out. It was a true personification to Kenpo principles. Ed Parker mention that he doesn't teach his students how to throw a punch, but, how to control a punch. And gym scene is also one best fight scenes as well. When Jeff unloaded on the guy with a series of fast strike's. American Kenpoist is pose to be overwhelming and fast in unisons. Lethal Weapon's was produce well and still watch it till this day.
Jeff explains this in interviews. it's a hybrid form using Kempo forms 4 and 6 and the GoJu Kata Tensho.
My first black belt, and Jeff Speakman and this movie were the reason why;
The first guy he fights in the kickboxing gym is James Lew who is also the fourth fighter Korea Side that fights Eric Roberts in Best of the Best
It’s awesome to hear someone mention Uechi Ryu because that was the style of Karate I did from like 5-15 yrs old. Wish I kept going I stopped at green belt my Sensei was very strict about moving us up in ranks so our green & brown belts were better than most black belt from other schools in my area. We would destroy in sparring & katas at tournaments. Usually coming home with a ton of 1st & 2nd place trophies, I miss those times.
The gym fight scene is quite a time capsule. That’s James Lew playing the taekwondo fighter, and not only is he a gifted taekwondo fighter, he’s also one of Hollywood’s greatest stuntmen and fight choreographers. He faces off against Eric Roberts in Best of the Best, and he fights Van Damme in Timecop.
I have studied nontraditional martial arts since age 7. Now I have put on a white belt because martial arts mean something different to me now. I think the tradition is very important. Very practical wisdom is encoded in kata. I appreciate hearing your take on these movies! It is good to hear a traditional practitioners take on them. They helped spread martial arts in the west.