Well Mr. Billings, I have to agree with Rainman on the time frame of the reference "American Kenpo". As you know, the Infinite Insite series were copyrighted in 1982 with the writting of material obviously taking place before this. In volume #1 in the Preface, page v, it states " It was written to expound upon the merits of "American Kenpo".... 5 paragraphs later it goes on to say, "Once understanding the principles upon which Kenpo is based, you will learn that "American Kenpo" is an art becase of its implementaion of scientific laws."
To me, again this is clearly defining a difference, or sub system if you will, between American Kenpo, and the art of Kenpo. (refer to the last sentence above how it distinguishes between Kenpo and American Kenpo.) And this was well before Mr. Parker passed away.
My instructor does happen to be a senior and Professor Chow's importance and contributions to Kenpo have been taught, atleast in the school I was brought up in. In fact, as I recall, the technique "Lone Kimono", I am taught, has it's origins from an incident that happened to Professor Chow in a bar in Hawaii. Again, myself and the students that have trained with me have been taught of Professor Chow's contributions and others.
You mentioned Danny Inosanto. Some of the readers may not know that Danny Inosanto was a 2nd degree Parker black belt BEFORE he went on to train with Bruce Lee. (Wasn't it in "Game of Death" that Danny did the Kenpo technique "Dance of Death??) And I assume we can attribute Ed Parker with their introduction. (I am assuming on this, does anyone out there know the actual story? How about it Doc?)
This forum concerning Professor Chow has referenced the fact that Mr. Parker trained with others besides Chow, that have influenced "American Kenpo." Mr. Billings mentioned Wally Jay. I understand that Wally Jay and SGM Parker were good friends spending time together and that they frequently exchanged ideas. Some of the others that I have heard of that Mr. Parker worked out with are Ark Wong, Ming Lum, Jimmy Woo, and Danny Lee. So you see, others besides Professor Chow had influences on the origination of "American Kenpo".
For me, the importance of lineage is purley historical, especially now that Mr. Parker is gone. The history should not be forgotten and there is so very much out there that is not written down or being passed on, the history, the stories, etc. There are new black belts out there that cannot even explain what Kenpo is. What a shame to our system. But that is a topic for another discussion.
Years ago, the first time I met Gil Hibben, he told me that Kenpo was family. I have always remembered this and found it to be true, atleast where I have been exposed to it. And as in any family, there are unfortunately differences. Now I have never met Mr. Billings, but the way I was taught and the way I look at things, and the way I teach my students for ex., Mr. Billings and I share a brotherhood in Kenpo, and he would be treated with that respect should we ever meet, as with the meeting of any Kenpo black belt. And I treat all Black belts, regardless of style, with respect. It is just that with American Kenpo black belts, there is a family tie. This is my views and the way I teach. So any of you reading or responding are respected, the American Kenpo Black Belts have a family tie respect. (just my views and beliefs, if yours are different, start another forum on the subject)
I see this topic going in all directions. But I do feel strongly about the historical importance of lineage. The past shouldn't be forgotten. So I am going to start another forum under the heading of "Memories of Mr. Parker". Please veiw it and lets see where it goes.
Yours in Kenpo,
Teej
