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Here’s An Upper Body Stretching Workout In Just 3 Minutes!
Yesterday I introduced a really cool lower body stretching routine that takes only about 3 minutes.
Well, I didn’t want to wait too long to share with you today’s “Upper Body Stretching Workout”.
The benefits and implementation I described yesterday apply here just the same.
Our stretching today focuses on our arms, triceps, shoulders, chest, back and neck.
Even if we are missing our regular workout at the dojo, gym or whatever because of time constraints due to work, travel etc. we can always get these stretch routines in, right?! Even in front of the computer or TV, in a hotel room or even on the beach.
Without further ado: “Upper Body Stretching Workout”.
Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker Sr., The Father Of American Kenpo Karate
Ed Parker Sr. certainly influenced quite a number of martial artists and his influence continues long after he passed on in 1990. Sadly, he died of a heart attack at the early age of 59.
Grandmaster Parker grew up in Hawaii and started with Judo and Western Boxing at a very young age.
In his late teens, Frank Chow introduced him to Kenpo Master William Chow by whom he was promoted to black belt in 1953.
After moving back to the U.S. (Hawaii did not officially become a state until 1959) he opened up his dojo/karate school in Pasadena, right outside of Los Angeles, California, in 1956.
Grandmaster Parker’s studies and practice of karate were influenced by Japanese and Okinawan elements which guided him in the creation of his very practical and effective martial art and fighting system simply known as American Kenpo.
His teachings had a profound effect on numerous students who went on to become martial arts greats in their own right such as Larry Tatum, Vic Leroux and Dan Inosanto.
Interestingly enough, during the Long Beach International Karate Championships in 1964 organized by Ed Parker Sr., a young and until then unknown martial artist was given exposure to a broad audience and from which he stormed the martial arts scene in a manner never displayed before. His name?
Bruce Lee.
It was also during these days in Long Beach that Bruce Lee and Dan Inosanto met for the first time to become friends and martial arts allies that would change martial arts and the entertainment industry forever.
But back to Grandmaster Parker.
Besides teaching, writing books and promoting Kenpo Karate, helping other martial artists open their own dojos, Ed Parker Sr. was also active in the movie industry as a instructor, stuntman and actor in movies such as “Kill The Golden Goose” and one of my favorites “Revenge Of The Pink Panther”.
Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker Sr., The Father Of American Kenpo Karate.
A Tribute To The Godfather Of Grappling, “Judo” Gene Lebell
It’s about time for a tribute to The Godfather Of Grappling, “Judo” Gene Lebell!
In case of an emergency, people normally call ‘911′. Right?!
Well, when seasoned martial arts and wrestling greats such as Bruce Lee, Ed Parker,
Chuck Norris, Bob Wall, Ken Shamrock, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, The Rock, Gokor
“Armenian Assassin” Chivichyan and many many more needed grappling advice and
training, guess who they called?
You guessed right, “Judo” Gene Lebell.
In 1954, as a twenty-two year old judoka, Master Gene accomplished something
at the National Judo Championships in Japan nobody had done before:
He won the Heavyweight Title as the first non-Japanese weighing only 165 lbs.!
Master Gene repeated this extraordinary acomplishment the next year.
All while competing in a pink judo gi. So what’s with funky colored gi?
I’m glad you asked.
When Master Gene was in Japan the first time, the laundry service cleaning his gi
messed up big time by somehow throwing in red clothing and so turning his white gi
into the now infamous pink.
Master Gene had no choice but to compete in pink. The Japanese were outraged,
because they considered it disrespectful. Traditions can be very strong.
Master Gene prevailed and the pink gi has been his trademark ever since.
So, when looking around a dojo you knew that dangerous guy was always the one wearing pink.
For years he continued to successfully compete in the Judo and Pro-Wrestling.
His proven skills have helped him in stunt-work in literally hundreds of movies
along side with celebrities such as Elvis Presley, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.
Master Gene continues to share his vast knowledge in Los Angeles and at seminars
around the country such as the Paradise Warrior Retreat with other martial arts legends.
Master Gene is certainly not your typical 77-year old.
He’s as sharp as a tack and as witty as they come. And he owns the mat.
And what’s absolutely amazing: His sleeper choke keeps on putting people to sleep within seconds.
Nobody does it better!
Or as the famous saying goes, “When in doubt, choke him out.”
Let me know if any of you have met “Judo” Gene Lebell in person.
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