“To enlighten and evolve through the art of Kenpo”
| Volume 11 |
January - May 2006 |
Issue 1 |
From The President...
Keeping the Spirit Alive: UKS Tournament 2006
Keeping the Spirit Alive: 13th Annual UKS All-Kenpo
Invitational Karate Championships
by William Joseph Pemberton
It often seems that the Kenpo world is fractured, divided by politics and bad blood. There are many associations and sub-divisions and ideals. There are many houses and schools. Yet, like any family, the roots, the teaching, the core still holds. It has been over fifteen years since the Senior Grand Master left us and his dream is still alive, in all of us. We may disagree on many things but the search for truth often runs down different roads. Never is this more evident in a positive way than when we all come together to share these ideas in the arena of friendly competition.
Watching the various Kenpoists from various schools and teachers or lineages we can see two things: First, we are still sons and daughters of Mr. Parker’s ideal and, second, we all have our own stamp on this ideal which is, in my understanding, Mr. Parker’s greatest gift. Unlike many other arts, Kenpo allows each student within the “system” to find their own “style”, to unlock their own secrets. It would seem that this division of ideas can only, with our minds open, take us to places far beyond our conceptions.
Watching the students of Chinese Kenpo, followed by a student of American Kenpo, a student of Graham Lelliot followed by a student of Willy Aguilar, we can see the fluidity, the adaptability of this great system. Even amongst student of the same school there is variance in style. How astounding is that in our homogenous world?
Of course, this Kenpo dream would die without the instructors whose schools keep it alive through love and honor. This year our art was well represented through the variety of schools and students who graced our arena. Many have been before, some are new. Mr. Graham Lelliot came from Fresno while Mr. James Parsons came in from Lompoc. Torey Perry brought his student in from Lakewood as did Mr. Manuel Martinez. Mr. Gurujodha Singh Khalsa brought his kids in from Bakersfield and Mr. Steve Bacca came in from Sherman Oaks. Also honoring us by coming out were Albert Cornejo, Eric Akutagawa, Jim Stewart, Armando Deloa, Tony Martin and, of course, our very good friend Willy Aguilar. And, of course, Mr. Bryan Hawkins came with his flagship school from West Los Angeles and his new school, making their first appearance from Granada Hills.
This year we added one new feature. The All American Kenpo Spirit Award went to a man whom, everyone agreed, deserved it more than we can say. Willy and Denise Aguilar, and their family, not only come out, students in tow, but roll up their sleeves and work as though it were their own tournament they were representing. While this is not a rare trait in the Kenpo world, the level to which they have given over the years, the selfless nature with which they do so is a tribute to the whole family. Mr. and Mrs. Aguilar help the event run seamlessly with their expertise in these matters and their daughter, Ashley – the Ring Master – causes any ring she runs to function with clockwork precision. From all of us, congratulations and, more, Thank You.
Another first this year was a Nunchaku demonstration by Bryan Hawkins Kenpo’s very good friend Damien Romero. His mastery of these martial arts weapons is nothing short of astounding. His willingness to share, also with great modesty, is appreciated. His presence is always a gift.
Finally, we must always remember from where we came and, to this end, we must thank those seniors and luminaries who dropped by, in some cases driving for over an hour. Showing us that Kenpo is a family whose loyalty never dies were Mr. George Waite, a long-time friend and benefactor; Mr. Chuck Sullivan; Mr. Jack Autry; Mr. Albert Cornejo; Mr. Tom Bleecker; Mr. Robert Temple; and Mr. Dennis Harris. And, of course, the son of the Senior Grand Master Himself, Mr. Edmund Parker, Jr. who brought his Kenpo Kards and artwork. These Senior Kenpoists and friends are the glue that holds us together and must always be honored for they are the link between us and that can never be severed.
Of course, any competition is only successful if they student come out to play and this year the competition was fierce and fun. One of the things that always stands out in my mind is the level of camaraderie and sportsmanship exhibited by these competitors. For a kid of five or ten to congratulate a child who just beat him in a fight is, in this world of “I, Me, Mine”, nothing short of miraculous. In one fight that I saw, one kid hit another kid too hard and was more concerned with the hurt fighter than their own point. This, above all else, shows the nature of what we do, what he have, what we have inherited. The world must be a better place for it. To me, the greatest time is watching the black belt adults slug it out with grace and friendship. Where else can you see a man get clocked in the head and then congratulate the guy who did it. Amazing. To all the students who participate and helped, thank you. It is for you, and through you that we can continue to make the world a better place.
Finally, we must thank Mr. Bryan Hawkins for his time and dedication to the art of Kenpo. His tireless devotion has given many of us a place to call home and, in this tournament, a forum for a Kenpo “dialogue” and it is only through sharing that any Spirit may live.
Thanks, one and all, for making this year another resounding success.
See you next year.