Hello Kobalt
I like Ed parker's Infinite Insights into Kenpo..Vol 1 thru 5
I really enjoy reading them.. Great Books..
I think you would really enjoy reading them too..
KenpoTalk |
White Belt |
Hello all,
Well Im takeing the plung head first into Kenpo. I can see me enjoying this for a very long time.
I have seen a couple lists of "Recommended Reading" but what would you say should be my first book that I pickup to read. Keeping in mind I have just started training.
thanks,
Kobs
How long does it take for a average person to get a Black Belt?
"Average people dont get Black Belts"
Hello Kobalt
I like Ed parker's Infinite Insights into Kenpo..Vol 1 thru 5
I really enjoy reading them.. Great Books..
I think you would really enjoy reading them too..
Yours TrulyKenpo0324
I agree with Kenpo0324, the infinite insights series is a great place to start.
Quality outweighs quantity every time.
KenpoTalk |
Adv. Blue Belt |
Absolutely Infinite Insights, Vol 1. is the best place to start.
Just because you do something one way, does not mean that everyone else does it that way, or that it is even the correct way.
Ditto!
And, after you read Infinite Insights, I highly recommend that you get the Encyclopedia of Kenpo. It has all of the glossaries in the Infinite Insights series put together and more!![]()
The truly educated never graduate."To understand the heart & mind of a person, look not at what they have already achieved, but what they aspire to do." -Kahlil Gibran
KenpoTalk |
Adv. Blue Belt |
I disagree, while the Encyclopedia does have a plethora of information available in it, there is some of it that is not completely compatable with Infinite Insights. It is important to remember that the Encyclopedia was compiled and published after Mr. Parker's death. Someone new to the art is going to have their plate full with the Infinite Insights for a while. Even as an instructor/advanced student, I continually refer to mine. I would recommend holding off on the Encyclopedia until at least an intermediate belt level; thus giving you a firmer base of understanding to work from.Originally Posted by Gin-Gin2
Just because you do something one way, does not mean that everyone else does it that way, or that it is even the correct way.
I am kinda going against the grain here and recommending a book not authored but influenced by Ed Parker......
Lee Wedlakes Kenpo Karate 101
My first set of books bought were the infinite insights series but knowing what I do now I would seriously recomend Mr. Wedlakes book to any begginer or anyone just starting thier kenpo journey.
This book is logical, well thought out, and gives someone a good idea of what to expect and look for in American Kenpo. I think his website is still www.lwkarate.com he has an online store and this book is about 15 bucks if I remember right.
www.hunterskarate.com
"I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one."
- From the Lone Ranger's Creed
I agree completely! The Insights books are great, but I think that the Encyclopedia is a huge help...once you have your base.Originally Posted by Gin-Gin2
I'll make a more daring leap that Hunter did...I'll not just go with a non-Parker book, I'll go with a non-Kenpo book.
I recomend that anyone taking up the martial arts, especially any form of Karate, read "Karate-Do, my way of life" by Gichin Funakoshi.
EXCELLENT. Very good for insight into where everything came from.
Your Brother
John
I agree with all of the choices above, having read them all. I believe that Mr. Wedlake's books are really quite good for the new student - easy to follow. Just my 2 cents worth.
-Garry
"A man has got to know his limitations." - Dirty Harry
Personally, I like GREEN EGGS & HAM, but that's just me
It teaches you about making decisions!!![]()
What have I learned from this???
hahahahahahahaOriginally Posted by Kenpo-Sloth
OR, hows about, by that same author....with regard to our dreams of reaching a higher rank:
"Oh the places your go, or maybe you won't"
Your Brother
John
If you got nothing to add to the conversation, would'nt it be better to say nothing???Originally Posted by Kenpo-Sloth
hey Kai, please check the response to this thread:Originally Posted by The Kai
Moderation question
apparently, most don't mind a bit of drift or off topic humor. I don't mean to tell you what to do, but maybe you could suffer some of us to use this site as a place to be humorous and blow off steam w/other Kenpoists. If we do so, skip it.
...worth thinking about.
Your Brother
John
KenpoTalk |
White Belt |
Being the started of this Thread.... I say
All work and no Play may John a dull boy!!!
=)
thanks kobs
How long does it take for a average person to get a Black Belt?
"Average people dont get Black Belts"
I am NOT dull!
![]()
ANYWAY..... Back to martial arts books:
One martial arts book that I think is GREAT, regardless of what martial art you study, is "Living the Martial Way" by Forest E. Morgan.
Click on that, it'll take you to Amazon. Read the reviews at the bottom.
BELIEVE'M.... it's goooood.
Your Brother
John
KenpoTalk |
Adv. White Belt |
I have to agree with Brother John, "Living the Martial Way" is a great book and well worth reading, regardless of which style you study.
Sean
You're probably right. Because I've been in Kenpo a little while & am not an instructor, it didn't occur to me that it might overwhelm/confuse a beginning student. I also continually refer to my Infinite Insights books--they're so handy!Originally Posted by Seig
Anyway, someone mentioned Mr. Wedlake's book Kenpo Karate 101; I have that one as well as Further Insights into Kenpo, and I enjoyed both of them very much.
I've heard of both Karate-Do & Living the Martial Way so I'll check 'em out & see which one I can get my hands on first. Thanks for the recommendations, everyone! (even "Green Eggs and Ham" which is a classic, but in another genre)![]()
The truly educated never graduate."To understand the heart & mind of a person, look not at what they have already achieved, but what they aspire to do." -Kahlil Gibran
The infinite insights ARE great! I agree with what Seig said! Digest what's in the "Insights" books first. There's lots there to chew on. Then later, once you have a better foundation and are getting used to the terms and the way of thinking that Kenpo has.... Dig into the Encyclopedia to realllllly top it off.Originally Posted by Gin-Gin2
PLUS: The Zen of Kenpo, by Ed Parker. That's a goooood book. I really like it. Some of the sayings are a bit..........Hokey. But that's okay.
Use the three books together to give yourself a GOOD depth and bredth of things to consider in Kenpo....
BUT: Never use them as a BIBLE!!!! They...like the very techniques that comprise our beloved art....are nothing more than a POINT OF REFERENCE. (sorry to shout, but I feel strongly here). If we elevated them to GOSPEL, then I think they lose much of their worth. I'll never use them to tell somene why something IS or IS NOT in Kenpo or "We don't do it that way, because it's not how it is in the Insights books"..
It's bad enough that we quote them as much as we do. HA!!
Sorry...
I'll get off my soap-box now.
Take it cheeezy..
Your Brother (who LOVES his 'points of reference')
John
KenpoTalk |
Adv. Blue Belt |
I know this too has been said a few bajillion times, the books, while invaluable tools are no substitute for a knowledgeable teacher. There are a few mistakes in the books, and they are intentional to the best of my meager knowledge.....
Just because you do something one way, does not mean that everyone else does it that way, or that it is even the correct way.
Originally Posted by Seig
GOOD call Seig!
(I'd heard they were intentional too.)
yer bro.
John
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