I would like to share this from Mr. Bob Orland's book, Martial Arts America-A Western approach to the Eastern Arts. "A few years before he passed away, I was invited to an Ed Parker seminar by one of his black belts. I was a few minutes late arriving, and the seminar had already begun. On entering the training area, I was promptly and politely asked to leave because the seminar was open only to Parker black belts. Before the gentleman who invited me could speak up, Mr. Parker said, "No, let him stay." I have never been a student of Ed Parker, but rarely have I felt more welcome at any martial art event than I did that day.
During the seminar Mr. Parker asked if anyone knew the technique where someone grabs your wrist and you bring your assailant to his knees by pinning his fingers to your wrist and rotating your hand over his wrist. No one answered , so I raised my hand. Mr. Parker was only about three feet from me, and, as quick as a flash he grabbed my wrist and said, "Good. Do it." Without a second's hesitation I clamped on to his hand and brought him convincingly to his knees. ( I was not about to insult the man by treating him as anything less than what he really was-a martial arts master.) Every black belt in the place (we were all in a line) leaned forward with a look of shock. On seeing their faces I just knew that I was dead. I could see it; death at the hands of twenty black belts. Instead, the ever gracious Ed Parker looked up and with an approving grin said, "Good job. Now, let's see..." I can't remember what he said after that; I was too busy thanking God for sparing my miserable life.
Frankly, I don't remember a single technique from that afternoon session. Nor do I recall seeing Parker's blinding speed or some fascinating movement. I am sure both were there in abundance. I simply cannot recall them. However, one thing I will never forget was his approving grin-the man actually enjoyed the contact. Ed Parker was a real martial artist and a true master of his art."
I always enjoy reading that about Mr. Parker.
EKP RIP
Big Pat
During the seminar Mr. Parker asked if anyone knew the technique where someone grabs your wrist and you bring your assailant to his knees by pinning his fingers to your wrist and rotating your hand over his wrist. No one answered , so I raised my hand. Mr. Parker was only about three feet from me, and, as quick as a flash he grabbed my wrist and said, "Good. Do it." Without a second's hesitation I clamped on to his hand and brought him convincingly to his knees. ( I was not about to insult the man by treating him as anything less than what he really was-a martial arts master.) Every black belt in the place (we were all in a line) leaned forward with a look of shock. On seeing their faces I just knew that I was dead. I could see it; death at the hands of twenty black belts. Instead, the ever gracious Ed Parker looked up and with an approving grin said, "Good job. Now, let's see..." I can't remember what he said after that; I was too busy thanking God for sparing my miserable life.
Frankly, I don't remember a single technique from that afternoon session. Nor do I recall seeing Parker's blinding speed or some fascinating movement. I am sure both were there in abundance. I simply cannot recall them. However, one thing I will never forget was his approving grin-the man actually enjoyed the contact. Ed Parker was a real martial artist and a true master of his art."
I always enjoy reading that about Mr. Parker.
EKP RIP
Big Pat
opcorn:
