On reason many of the newer students of Kenpo are in it to begin with would be due to Mr. Jeff Speakman's movie, The Perfect Weapon. This movie showed us the speed and deadliness of Kenpo and even succeeded against multiple attackers and taking out instructors at a Korean Martial Arts School. Many were hooked when they saw this movie and reached for the nearest phone book.

Mr. Speakman's start as an entertainer and entrepreneur began early in life. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and once brought down a house full of Masons by telling them a "knock-knock" joke at the ripe old age of four. In grade school it is rumored that Jeff would take the sack lunch his mother had prepared and sell or trade it to other kids for a profit.

While attending John Hersey High School, Jeff achieved personal athletic success by becoming an all-American spring board diver. Jeff not only broke records in his high school's district and conference but did so without ever having a coach!

Although successful as an athlete in high school, Jeff's grades were "lacking" to say the least. Determined to go on to college, he worked to pay for his own tuition. Six years later, Jeff graduated with honors from Missouri State College earning a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in biology. While in school, in 1978, Mr. Speakman began to study Goju-Ryu Karate under 10th Degree master, Lou Angel in Joplin, MO. Upon his graduation from Missouri State College, and subsequent move to West Los Angeles, Mr. Speakman was advised to seek out Senior Grandmaster Edmund K. Parker. He began to study with Mr. Parker in 1983 and was actually awarded his 1st Degree Black Belt from Mr. Parker in 1984. He worked intensely with Mr. Parker, essentially becoming a protege to represent Kenpo in the films. In 1989, Mr. Speakman signed a 4 picture deal with Universal Studios; the first movie of that deal was The Perfect Weapon.

Jeff feels above all qualities, integrity and compassion are the most important to posses. Among Jeff's many passions, he is actively involved in programs to help teenagers in crisis including such organizations as The Challenge Program) and The Jeff Speakman Street Knight Foundation).

As an internationally recognized martial arts and action film star Mr. Speakman has starred in over eight films including The Perfect Weapon, Street Knight, The Expert, Deadly Outbreak, Escape From Atlantis, Scorpio One, Land of the Free, Memorial Day, and Running Red. Twenty years later with scores of awards and trophies under his belt, Jeff continues to teach and communicate to others his knowledge and interpretation of his art.

Currently Mr. Speakman holds a 7th Deg Black Belt in Japanese Gojo-Ryu and a 6th Deg Black Belt in American Kenpo. As head and founder of the American Kenpo Karate Systems (AKKS) organization which includes over one hundred thirty schools worldwide, Mr. Speakman travels extensively around the globe teaching Kenpo and spreading his message: "Lead by example, Follow by choice". He also promotes the launch of his new international children's outreach program entitled "Street Knight". Tailored to meet the needs of each country and community. This program has been designed to help bring kids at risk in to the respectful and disciplined world of the martial arts.