Michael Loughrie12343
White Belt
Bryan Hawkins is NOT a 10th Degree Black Belt. He is my teacher and he is an 8th Degree Black Belt. He was promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt in 2010 or 2011.
I appreciate the information. Is there something wrong with bringing back an old thread?
KenpoMaster805
2nd Black Belt
MY Sifu Jesus Flores Was a 10 degree in American Kenpo karate
Not at all, but rest assured, people will call you on it, anyway.
So many 10th degree black belts. Does it mean anything? I know there are many self proclaimed grandmasters in Wing Chun. In other words grandmasters no longer have meaning. Ed Parker I agree was founder and the one that put it all together. So what degree have they given him? 20th?
Xue Sheng
All weight is underside
Grandmaster never had any real meaning on mainland China. That is a title made up by and used for the west
isshinryuronin
Senior Master
Wow, this thread was popular over 20 years ago. Seeing this new post spurred me to go back and review the old ones.
When I was involved with Mr. Parker in about 1973 the most senior guy in rank, I think, was Dave Hebler. I remember him being 7th degree, but I may be wrong. Huck Planas was at a lower rank but held in high esteem by the other kenpo big boys.
IMO, the over-abundance of 10 degrees (a malady infecting a number of styles) is sad on several levels. In my early years, each style had just one 10th degree. That made sense to me.
The 60's/70's were a wild time (in growth and personalities) in karate and Ed Parker was a tough guy who attracted other tough guys. There was a lot of testosterone and ego from the top, down. Even though Parker had a strong organization and a handful of loyal students, many broke off from him to do their own thing.
When I was involved with Mr. Parker in about 1973 the most senior guy in rank, I think, was Dave Hebler. I remember him being 7th degree, but I may be wrong. Huck Planas was at a lower rank but held in high esteem by the other kenpo big boys.
IMO, the over-abundance of 10 degrees (a malady infecting a number of styles) is sad on several levels. In my early years, each style had just one 10th degree. That made sense to me.
This was an old quote and brought back a memory. It was kenpo tradition to receive a punch, or if more advanced, a kick to the abs from the school's head instructor upon being promoted. Parker explained to me that a woman goes thru pain when she gives birth, giving it more meaning. Likewise, when promoted, one is giving birth to a new MA rank. The kick given to black belts was substantial and meant to hurt.
