Mr. Wedlake is a martial artist with over 40 years experience, teaching Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate and Yang system Tai Chi Ch'uan. Mr. Wedlake has written and published eight books on kenpo, seven are still in print.
Mr. Wedlake's books and videos are some of the best resources available for American Kenpo. The study of American Kenpo would not be complete without the taking advantage of of Mr. Wedlake's vast knowledge of the art.
Master Mohamad Tabatabai has attained a 9th degree black belt in the art of American Kenpo Karate. He began his training at Ed Parker's West Los Angeles studio in 1979, and is recognized today, as one of the top Kenpo Karate instructors in the world.
Mr. Tabatabai is the founder and president of the American Kenpo Karate Federation that has active members worldwide. He has produced 40 instructional color video tapes, which entail all material (basic fundamentals, weapon forms, kata, and techniques) from white belt to 5th degree black belt.
Ed Parker
Mr. Parker only completed two instructional videos, Sophisticated Basics 1 & 2. These are rare, but can be found occasionally on the Internet. A classic movie, in which Mr. Parker stared is Kill the Golden Goose, aka Kill the Golden Ninja.
A video that is currently available is New Gladiators, which is a documentary of Mr. Parker fighting team. This is well worth finding as it's of great historical interest.
Mr. Kelley met Grandmaster Ed Parker in 1978, Mr. Kelley developed an appreciation and respect for the art of American Kenpo. 1983, Mr. Kelley began serious training in Mr. Parker's art, opening his own Kenpo school in 1985. In 1992, Mr. Kelley became a student of Parker Kenpo instructor, Lee Wedlake, Jr. of Fort Myers, Florida. Mr. Kelley and Mr. Wedlake have collaborated in promoting the Florida Kenpo Camp three-day seminars held yearly at Kelley Karate Center. Guest instructors have included such outstanding kenpoists as Michael Robert Pick, Larry Tatum, Richard 'Huk' Planas, Frank Trejo, Tom Kelly, Gil Hibben, Lee Wedlake, and David Hebler.
Mr. Planas received his Black Belt and all subsequent rank through Ed Parker up to Seventh Degree. Mr. Planas was the Executive Vice President of the International Kenpo Karate Association for the last ten years Ed Parker lived. Throughout this time, Mr. Planas was also instrumental in the development of the original manuals
After Parker's passing other associations were formed, one of which promoted Mr. Planas to Eighth Degree in 1991. Then in 1995 several associations joined together to promote him to Ninth Degree Black.
John Sepulveda has over 40 years experience in American Kenpo and holds an 9th Degree Black Belt (Master of the Arts). Mr. Sepulveda was one of a very few who was a direct student of Senior Grandmaster Parker before his untimely passing. Mr. Sepulveda is featured prominently in Joe Hyams' book, The Journey.
Mr. Sepulveda has actively and successfully competed in many Open, National and International tournaments and has many junior and senior students who have also competed successfully at the same levels of competition. His students are known for their speed and explosive power as well as their character.
Larry Tatum began his study of Kenpo Karate in Pasadena, California in 1966, and has become one of this style's most prominent figures. Recognized for his captivating seminars and articulate explanations of his art.
Mr. Tatum enjoys a reputation as a gifted instructor and "teacher of Black Belts." His forte is helping others reach their maximum potential through Kenpo karate. In 1984, he was named "Instructor of the Year" by Inside Kung Fu magazine.
Today Larrry Tatum is a 10th Degree Black Belt and is considered one of the foremost authorities on American Kenpo Karate. His teaching has spanned over 40 years.
Sifu Fowler is a eighth degree black belt who has been teaching and evolving the Kenpo System for over 35 years. He is a second-generation Kenpoist under Sifu Huk Planus.
While developing his skills in the Kenpo system he trained with Dan Insanto and Mike Knuaff to hone in on the fluidity of the Filipino martial arts. Sifu Fowler has dedicated himself to developing a system to fit every individual. Whether you are a child or an adult, you will become more confidant and you will able to defend yourself. Sifu Fowler's system teaches you how to defend yourself while standing, on the ground and also against a weapon.
