It is with this in mind that we come together from time to time to share that which we have been given so that it may not only be passed on but that it may evolve as well.

To this end there are more and more camps and tournaments held throughout the world of Kenpo each year. Twice a year we at United Kenpo Systems come together to share this knowledge. In October we hold our annual training Camp and in June we come together for the All Kenpo Invitational.

On June 2 of this year Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate hosted the 2001 All-Kenpo Invitational at the Culver City High School Athletic Complex for the purpose of furthering our Kenpo legacy.

It is a time when Kenpoists from all around the area come together to share, through competition, their knowledge and skill. As each Kenpoist has his, or her, own style it is a time for us to share our differences that we may come together in unity to learn from one another. Through friendly competition we open ourselves to the ideas of others by testing ourselves against our brothers and sisters, our fellow travelers on this journey of self discovery.

To this end we are happy to declare this year’s tournament a rousing success. It was the largest so far and, more than any previous tournament, the sportsmanship was held to the highest standard. In a day and age where winning seems to be the most important thing, we come together to share what we have gained and what we have learned. Naturally, everyone hopes to win any event in which they compete but, more importantly, we stand to learn from those with whom we compete.

It goes without saying that the greatest factor in the success of any tournament are those who compete. All the planning and organization are for naught if there is no one in the ring when the doors open. To this end we would like to thank those schools that took the time to come down and compete with energy, enthusiasm and, most importantly, a positive attitude. Anyone who watched the Black Belt Freestyle was treated to a study in respect that was inspiring in a way that all Martial Arts Black Belts should be. Not one temper was lost and not one point was questioned. It reminded us, truly, what the Martial Arts are, and should be, about.

It is these schools that are the cornerstone of any tournament and it is these schools that served, through attitude and enthusiasm, to make this year’s event one to remember. We thank and salute you.

Of course, just as no building is complete without its cornerstone, no structure can stand without a solid foundation. We have been blessed with the legacy of Ed Parker that drew to it those to whom we now look for guidance. This was nowhere more evident than at this year’s Kenpo Invitational.

Special thanks to Dian Tanaka, known as the First Lady of Kenpo, who currently serves as an ambassador of Kenpo traveling from school to school, from nation to nation, to help spread the word and keep the legacy going. In her capacity as ambassador she, along with Bob Liles, returned recently from abroad where they helped share their personal Kenpo insights with our brothers across the sea. She is known as one of Kenpo’s top female Kata competitors, winning more Championships, over the course of two decades, than any other woman in Kenpo history. At our tournament she forewent the pleasure of competition to help us troubleshoot the rings and keep things running smoothly. Mr. Hawkins was heard saying after the event was over, “I don’t know how we did it all these years without her.” Her expertise and time kept things running smoothly and efficiently. A BIG Kenpo salute to Ms. Tanaka.

This year we were blessed even further with Kenpo luminaries who added to the excitement and served to challenge all the competitors in ways that brought out the best in everyone. Ray Doss’s appearance was one such pleasant surprise. Mr. Doss has been a competitor, and victor, in enough tournaments to make his appearance something of a sensation. As the top ranked fighter for fifteen years both his skill and his attitude of humility were an inspiration to us all. Also, appearing in a surprise, and inspiring, performance was Paul Dye. A long time competitor in the Techniques division, Mr. Dye has led the way in making Self Defense a key element in the tournament circuit. Both men brought a level to the competition that can only truly be appreciated by those who saw their stellar performances.

As with past years we were treated to the presence of visiting dignitaries who brought with them a connection to our legacy about which most of us can only dream. Mr. Parker’s brother, Joe, was along to see how Kenpo has progressed since the passing of his brother. Mr. Parker often said that his brother Joe was one of the toughest men he had ever known, in or out of Kenpo. Also, we were extremely proud to welcome first time visitor Joe Hyams, author of Zen In the Martial Arts, as well as an upcoming tribute to the twenty-five most influential Kenpoists, entitled The Journey. Mr. Hyams has worked with both Bruce Lee and Mr. Parker and is known to have helped Mr. Parker greatly with bringing Kenpo Karate to the eye of Hollywood and the public.

In short, it was all of these ingredients that served to make this year’s tournament the grand success that it was. It is this, combined with our camp coming up in October, that leads to only one reasonable conclusion: Kenpo is alive and well and growing in ever better directions.

Finally, we must thank the contractor who supplied the blueprints and the work that led to this opportunity to see Kenpo in growth. Mr. Hawkins, we of the Kenpo community, to which you have given so much of your time, salute you and thank you.