Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Elvis, Steve McQueen, and thousands of other martial artist around the world can credit much of their growth in martial arts to one man with an eye for innovation, Ed Parker.
Hailed as the "Father of American Kenpo," Parker was a groundbreaking martial artist whose influence extended far beyond the dojo. A visionary teacher, tournament pioneer, and innovator, he brought martial arts into the mainstream, shaping the way it is practiced and perceived today.
From training celebrities like Elvis Presley and Peter Sellers, to founding the legendary Long Beach International Karate Championships which launched icons like Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, Parker was at the forefront of martial arts’ rise to global prominence and we are all better because of him.
As we near the anniversary of his passing, we celebrate the man and the legend.
Through his creation and refinement of American Kenpo—a system rooted in adaptability, practicality, and philosophy—he laid the foundation for a lasting legacy. Ed Parker's name is synonymous with innovation, bridging traditional martial arts with modern self-defense and popular culture.
Teacher to Celebrities: Bridging Martial Arts and Hollywood
Ed Parker’s journey began in Hawaii, where he was introduced to Kenpo Karate. After moving to the mainland, he established his first dojo in Pasadena, California, in 1956. There, Parker quickly gained a reputation not just for his skill, but for his charisma and ability to adapt Kenpo for modern self-defense.
Training Elvis
Perhaps Parker’s most famous student was Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Elvis, a lifelong martial arts enthusiast, became Parker’s student in the 1960s. The two shared a deep mutual respect, and Elvis even received a black belt under Parker’s tutelage.
Beyond the dojo, Parker’s influence helped Elvis incorporate martial arts-inspired moves into his stage performances, showcasing martial arts to millions of fans worldwide.
The Birth of Martial Arts in Film
Parker’s involvement with celebrities and film personalities helped martial arts find a natural place in action cinema. By the late 1960s, martial arts scenes were becoming a staple in Hollywood, and Parker’s early work contributed to this trend.
Peter Sellers, the celebrated comedic actor, trained under Parker. Sellers, known for roles like Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther, learned martial arts for physical comedy and discipline. Through his celebrity students, Parker subtly introduced martial arts into the cultural lexicon of Hollywood, paving the way for the genre’s explosion on the silver screen.
Pioneer of Modern Tournaments: The Long Beach Internationals
In 1964, Parker organized the inaugural Long Beach International Karate Championships, a tournament that would forever change the martial arts world. Unlike traditional competitions, Parker’s event emphasized inclusivity, innovation, and spectacle.
Chuck Norris and Mike Stone also made their names at Parker’s tournaments. The exposure these events provided helped martial artists transition into acting and stunt work, blending martial arts with popular culture.
The Internationals became the launchpad for some of the most iconic figures in martial arts history. Bruce Lee’s electrifying demonstration of his “one-inch punch” at the 1964 Internationals is now the stuff of legend. It was here that Lee caught the attention of Hollywood producers, ultimately leading to his groundbreaking roles in The Green Hornet and later, his iconic films.
Mike Stone: Black Belt Hall of Fame and Champion of the First Long Beach Internationals (held in 1964)
"Mr. Ed Parker had a profound and lasting impact on me and my career and the martial arts. Mr. Parker was highly intelligent and had a keen sense of who he was. His dedication and vision of the martial art were far-reaching. He was one of the leading forces and top pioneers of that era.
Mr. Parker invited me to teach at his Kempo Headquarters in Pasadena, Calif. I lived at his home for 6 months and was honored to be a part of his Ohana (family). He allowed me to teach tournament fighting strategy and techniques in his noon and one-o'clock classes. One of the students was a young brown belt named Danny Inosanto. I saw Danny's incredible potential and passion for learning and sharing knowledge.
It is difficult to express in words and context the volume and true impact of Mr. Parker's contributions to the martial arts. We all miss his leadership, energy, and charisma."
Jeff Smith: PKA World Champion
"I first met GM Ed Parker when | was competing at his Long Beach International Karate Championships. I was a blue belt and got to see Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Joe Lewis, Allen Steen and Mike Stone. I got to meet GM Parker many times later when I became a black belt while competing at all the National Tournaments where he was always one of the Judges.
I always held him in such high esteem and respect as one of the Greatest Pioneer Legends of Karate in the World."
Revolutionizing the Tournament Scene
Parker’s tournaments were more than competitions; they were showcases of martial arts as a performance art. His events incorporated music, choreography, and mixed styles, making them exciting for both participants and spectators.
The Internationals launched the careers of many martial artists, propelling them to global superstardom from a single performance, including Benny Urquidez, Chong Lee, Jim Kelly, and Steve Sanders Muhammad.
KC Jones: President BKF
"Ed Parker was responsible for the training of two of the Kenpo instructors. Dr. Ron Chapél and Steve Sanders (now 'Muhammad') by supporting them in shaping their skills and philosophies of the martial arts. Mr. Parker provided the training necessary to empower the BKF warriors to be successful and dominant on the tournament circuit."
Legacy as a Pioneer of Martial Arts: The Art of Kenpo
Ed Parker’s greatest legacy lies in American Kenpo, a system he modernized and tailored for practical self-defense. Unlike traditional martial arts, which often emphasized rigid forms, Parker’s Kenpo was fluid, adaptable, and grounded in real-world application.
Parker's art form was celebrated beyond the Kenpo community as he was respected and adored by champions of multiple styles.
Kenpo’s Unique Philosophy
Kenpo, under Parker’s leadership, combined traditional Eastern techniques with Western concepts like boxing and street fighting. Parker emphasized principles such as economy of motion, speed, and accuracy. His teachings were codified in books like Infinite Insights into Kenpo, a multi-volume series that remains a seminal text in martial arts literature.
A Global Martial Arts Movement
Today, American Kenpo schools can be found worldwide, a testament to Parker’s influence. His students, many of whom became masters in their own right, continue to teach and spread his philosophy.
A Legacy that Endures
Ed Parker’s influence on martial arts cannot be overstated. From training Hollywood’s elite to revolutionizing tournaments and creating a martial arts system that endures to this day, Parker’s legacy is one of innovation and passion. His work bridged the gap between martial arts and popular culture, ensuring that his contributions will continue to inspire future generations.
John Sepulveda: Black Belt Hall of Fame 2024
"I had many conversations with Mr. Parker on the making and development of the self defense techniques. He wanted it understood that they were just thoughts to help us understand movement in a logical sequential nature. He perpetuated having us make them our own. From this I coined the phrase 'I will teach you a way and never say it’s the way. The way is what works in the street'."
