Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at the House of Champions in Van Nuys, California. Free Taylor, protégé of Rich Hale in the art of American Kenpo promotes his first two students to the rank of black belt . . . in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Yes, although Free Taylor is indeed a 3rd degree black belt in American Kenpo under Rich Hale, he's also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu directly under Jean Jacques Machado . . . and has studied extensively under the martial arts great Cecil Peoples as well.
That evening, Cecil and I both had many stories to tell about Free and his training. Cecil enjoyed telling the story of Free coming into his studio and saying he was a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Cecil was just shaking his head and saying, "Ya, this pretty little white boy is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu . . . sure he is." Then he tells of how later in the evening Free had earned his place on the mat and of the great friendship they have shared ever since. I, of course, got to tell the story of how I knocked Free out during his black belt test and of how he woke up smiling.
When it comes to wearing the 10th degree black belt of American Kenpo Mr. Pick is one of the few who have truly earned the right to do so and stands at the pinnacle of his fifty-plus years in the art.
And when it comes to applying the principles of Kenpo, there is none better than Mr. Pick. His power and precision is legendary among anyone who has had the opportunity to share the mat with him.
If you've never had this opportunity - don't miss the next opportunity to do so. It will be a life changing experience that will likely change your Kenpo forever. To witness Mr. Pick in person is to see the very embodiment of American Kenpo.
OhanaKenpo.com OHANA KENPO KARATE ASSOCIATION August 25, 2011
Quoting Ed Parker
The intelligent man is one who has successfully fulfilled many accomplishments, and is yet willing to learn more.
The Zen of Kenpo
Death Touch?
Kenpo Black Belt Combat Zone
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Without a doubt, the Combat Zone was one of the great Kenpo gatherings of all time. With instruction from some of the greatest names in the martial arts and a photo opportunity to die for. When the schedule is set for next year, start making plans because it's only going to be bigger and better.
Cecil Peoples, Shane Blaser, Free Taylor, Vatche, Rich Hale
It's time to start thinking about booking a seminar for 2012.
Note: The Black Belt Time-in-Grade survey, that so many of you have responded to, is still in the works. A month later and I'm still receiving submissions on a regular basis. I'm looking forward to sharing the results with you soon.
