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 (This website is no longer active.- JM)

If you are interested in hearing from someone in particular click on Submit News to the left and let me know about it.

And now, on witht the show..

1. What style of Kenpo do you practice?

Predominately Tracy Kenpo System.

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

Personally my first positive contact with Kenpo came through an interview with Tom Connors. He told me Kenpo Karate is geared to the individual. This happened in 1966. Most dojos at that time didn't really welcome people off the street. My first instructor was Al Tracy, through his lessons I learned about Kenpo Karate and his instructor Ed Parker. I wanted to be as good as Al Tracy and Ed Parker. Shortly thereafter I trained to be like Steve LaBounty and Ralph Castellanos.

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

SGM Parker's Infinite Insights. Living the Martial Way. The Art of War, the Tao De Ching and Training the Mind by the Dalai Lama.

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

My current rank 6th Dan. I was never preoccupied with the degrees of Black Belt. I have taught many people to better themselves and help their fellow man/woman. I initially learned all techniques toward my rank, however Al has modified quite a few techniques over the years. Now of course he is a resource for Traditional Kenpo techniques. Back around 1971-72 I started teaching my own variation of Kenpo. Al was supportive...he endorsed my power oriented application and code of honor. I never have asked for promotion. My attitude, you earn it you get it.

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

I started studying the martial arts because I was totally fascinated by it. Kenpo Karate presented me the opportunity to improve myself and become a better citizen.

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

I have stayed with Kenpo because I believe it offers a unique personalized way to improve oneself to be a part of the system rather than follow blindly a more traditional system.

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

Yes, I have also been advocate of Joe Lewis Fighting Systems. I hold a 3rd Level (Black Belt) I teach and train Joe's concepts to my students. Also I am learning Jun Bao System from Sifu James Ibrao.

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

I am a member of Tracys International System of Kenpo, member of Joe Lewis Fighting System (American Karate System), member of Jun Bao System.

9. What is your curriculum like?

advocate solid self defense techniques. 30 techniques per belt level until Brown Belt. Solid fighting concepts and street application attitude. Weapons include staff, spear, broad sword, bokken basics. Short and Long 1-4. Mass Attack, Tiger & Crane, Panther(Book Set). It takes approx. 2 years to 3rd Brown another 2-3years to Shodan. I have never promoted a person under 18 to Black Belt youth or otherwise.

10. How would you describe the ideal student?

An ideal student, is a person who has a sincere desire to learn who will be at the club/studio eager to start training. A person willing to to put in the time.

11. How would you describe the ideal instructor?

An ideal instructor is patient and there for their students always.

12. What do you expect from a Black Belt?

I expect a Black Belt to give back what he/she has learned to the system. Be compassionate and thoughtful.

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

n/a

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

Teaching and workingout with other martial artists. Also I am involved with Sifu Ibrao's System. Bak Mei Kung Fu through a local Kung Fu man.

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

I firmly believe a self defense focus is the foundation for development. Of course this includes basics and more basics. Reaction time drills are very good. Then spar and more sparring. Then street applications, then back to basics.

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

Adding material to the art is a matter of choice...

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

Kenpo practitioners from 20 years ago were tougher fighters and self defense was more basic in its approach. Today the overall conditioning is better but it's more sports and showbiz oriented, things change.

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

I think students in the future will be overall better conditioned and more knowledgeable.

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

The greatest misconception of Kenpo is, it is too complicated and it has to few kicks! Ha Ha!

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

New students will learn more about Kenpo and its history if they listen closely to their elders or seniors. Never forget the basics...

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

It has been my pleasure to be a small part of the Kenpo Community. My goal from day ONE has always been to spread the word of Kenpo to the community. I want to thank people like JWT who have help all of us get to know each other and support the Kenpo movement.

Thank you very much Mr. Simmons.