FMAT: Ed Parker, Friend to the FMA

[Clark Kent]

Ed Parker, Friend to the FMA
By timagua - 03-18-2011 01:25 AM
Originally Posted at: FMATalk
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March 19th marks the late Ed Parker’s birthday. The martial arts pioneer would have been 80 years old this year. Although known mostly as a kenpo karate teacher, Senior Grandmaster Parker achieved many significant feats during his career:

• He taught many Hollywood celebrities who helped contribute to the widespread popularity of the martial arts, including the King himself, Elvis Presley.

• He initiated the Long Beach Internationals, a competitive event that produced legendary American karate champions Chuck Norris, Joe Lewis and Mike Stone.

• He introduced Bruce Lee to the western world at his inaugural 1964 Internationals.

• A native of Oahu, he was acquainted with many Filipino martial artists and featured Ben Largusa at the same 1964 Internationals.

• He sparked an interest in eskrima in none other than Dan Inosanto (a fact noted on page 9 of Guro Dan’s book, The Filipino Martial Arts).

• He produced an unprecedented volume of written and video taped material on his techniques and philosophy.

Described variously as pioneering, visionary, creative, and insightful, Ed Parker made a giant splash in the martial arts world in which we live. Here’s to his memory!


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