On February 3, 2013, Jeff Speakman, student of kenpo karate legend Ed Parker and founder of kenpo 5.0, announced that he’s suffering from throat cancer. Specifically, he was diagnosed with a stage-4 tumor in his esophagus. “Because of the proximity to my vocal cords, surgery is not an option due to the possibility that my voice may be lost during surgery,” Speakman posted on his Facebook page. “It is for that reason that I have elected to move forward immediately with chemo and radiation therapy.” Speakman, 54, said his doctors are optimistic and his hospital, City of Hope in Duarte, California, has a 90-percent success rate treating this type of cancer. To receive updates or to express your best wishes, visit the Facebook page for Jeff Speakman’s Kenpo 5.0 — World Training Center.