American Kenpo 5th degree Dennis Conatser is the subject for Kenpoworld.com's third interview. I always look forward to Brian Duffy's Texas Spirit Camp every year since Mr. Conatser is pretty much a standing fixture there.

Just so everyone knows how I do the interviews, everyone is asked pretty much the same questions. I take the answers, unedited, and post them here.

If you would like to repost the interview somewhere, feel free to do so as long as you cite www.kenpoworld.com as the source, and you aren't charging money for it. (This website is no longer active. -- JM)

1. What style of Kenpo do you practice?

Ed Parker's American Kenpo

2. Who were your major influences in the martial arts?

My instructors of course! LOL I was very fortunate to have excellent instruction from day one. Lonny Coots was my first instructor that took me from White to 1st Black in 4 1/2 years. Then I studied for a short time with Gary Swan, then Steve LaBounty and finally had the opportunity to study with the founder of our System SGM Edmund K. Parker. But along the way there were several others that were greatly helpful as well such as Tom Kelly, Tom Riskas, Tony Martinez (from Flagstaff Arizona), just to name a few.

3. What books would you recommend for the Kenpo enthusiast?

All of Ed Parker's books are a must for reference as well as ANY others on American Kenpo such as Skip Hancock's books and Lee Wedlake's. Gather as much information in written form that you can. Reference material is always helpful.

4. What is your current rank and what steps do you go through to attain that rank?

I was last promoted by Ed Parker to 5th Degree in 1987, I reverted back to my previous instructor Mr. Steve LaBounty since the passing of Mr. Parker. I really haven't put much thought into rank, today that is one area that in my opinion is out of control. When it becomes a necessity, and appreciate, Mr. LaBounty will advance me I'm sure, I just need to concentrate on my priorities at this time. Rank doesn't hamper, stop, nor prevent me back from advancing my knowledge or skills in Kenpo.

5. Why did you begin studying the martial arts? Why Kenpo in particular?

I began in August of 1971. I saw a Karate Studio and walked in and signed up. It just happened to be Kenpo with an excellent instructor. What a stroke of luck for me!!

6. What has made you decide to stick with Kenpo?

Like I said I have had excellent instruction from day one. There was no need to go anywhere else. My first instructor made me read every martial arts book (on many different systems) that I could, (really!, he would give homework assignments) and we attended many different seminars of different arts and I knew after a short time that I was in the best martial art on the planet!

7. Other than Kenpo, are you studying any other martial arts?

My base System is Ed Parker's American Kenpo, but I love to investigate everything out there, I think it is great to explore other arts (but only after you have a strong base in a good system to start) and keep an open mind. There is a lot of material on a variety of topics to explore. I have sampled, Aikido, TaeKwonDo, MuDaKwan, Arnis, Shorei Ryu, and several Chinese Kung or Gung Fu Systems such as Hung Gar, Choi Li Fut, Sil Lum, and others. I loved the Chinese systems for their weapons sets and movements.

8. What martial arts organizations you belong to and what positions do you hold in those organizations?

I am the founder of the International Kenpo Karate Organization.

9. What is your curriculum like?

I teach the complete Ed Parker's American Kenpo curriculum, utilizing the 16 Technique System. All the Basics, Forms, Sets, Pledges, Sayings, & 154 Base self-defense techniques, extensions, and variable expansions.

10. How would you describe the ideal student?

A person ready to learn, train hard, keep an open mind, follow directions, listen to their instructor, be inquisitive, innovative and ready for the ride of their life.

11. How would you describe the ideal instructor?

Knowledgeable and continually striving for more from their Art, great communicative skills, great people skills, background in human anatomy and physiology, leadership skills, professional teaching background (college classes), a passion and love for Kenpo that he/she is willing to share with all who deserve it.

12. What do you expect from a Black Belt?

All contained in question 11.

13. How would you suggest maintaining quality of instruction at satellite schools?

With all the technology we have today....... telephone, computer, video tapes, live net cams, digital cameras and avi or mpeg files, Instant messengers and net meeting connections. There are many resources to utilize and capitalize on.

14. What are you doing to keep up your Kenpo skills and increase your knowledge?

I actively teach about a dozen personal students and teach seminars and workshops whenever I can. I love to share the Art, teach, and learn. One of my favorite things is to single out a Senior (any and all of them) and "Spar" (mentally not just physically) with them, so as to pick their brains as much as I can. This gives me first hand information that I evaluate and compare with. The outcome is usually validation of what I know or that I learn or get introduced to a new avenue to explore and study. A win ~ win either way.

15. What areas of Kenpo do you think that students should focus on?

Basics, Basics, Basics............ can't emphasize that enough. They need to acquire all the "Kenpo Tools" that are available and learn how to use them effectively.

16. How do you feel about adding new material to the art?

I vote with "Huk" Planas on this one. I don't think there is any "NEW" material, just new ways to demonstrate, focus or highlight, or explain it. There is an awful lot of rearrangement, increased vocabulary, and many new descriptions on various areas but I haven't seen any really "new" material.

17. How do think Kenpo practitioners today compare with those of 20 years ago?

Well, we have their experiences to draw from now, don't we! I like to take all the past, add that to today and invest it into tomorrow. If you do that, you have an awesome future. What you do with all that experience is what you will become. If you train hard the physical aspects and study the cerebral aspects blend them wisely and constantly keep the attitude of a student you will never be bored. Always remain green and growing...... when you know it all then your are ripe and thus.................. rotten. Passing down to future generations a stronger and expanded art is important. Make the Art stronger in the future not weaker. To coin a current phrase............... Don't be the weakest link!!

18. What do you think students will be like 20 years from now?

If I had a Crystal Ball I'd tell you! I would hope that they are twice as proficient by keeping the flame glowing with new and innovative material and discoveries.

19. What do you think is the biggest misconception about Kenpo?

That we are just a "Hands Only" Art. Kenpo (if taught to it's complete capability) can be anything a student makes it. I have had some students that are as good a kickers as any I have seen in any system. I have personally beaten boxers and never taken a boxing lesson. I have had students that have performed "Kung Fu" sets and heard comments from various people who thought the students studied with a Chinese Instructor. We are the most versatile system on the earth. (biased, yes I am, but with good reason). Kenpo excels in all areas, if we but focus on those areas and condition the students with proper drills.

20. What advice do you have for the aspiring student?

Kick, Punch, Rip, Tear, and never give up. Seek and you shall find. There ain't no easy way. No Pain ............. No gain. Do your research, find a good instructor and go for it.

Always remember you need two things.............. ROOTS and WINGS.

21. Is there anything else you would like to add?

I thank you "Jon Wayne" Taylor for all your effort that you are putting forth in the Name of "Kenpo", keep up the good work and keep your personal Kenpo alive and active. Thank you for the opportunity to be a small part of your site.