The Perfect Weapon, an interview with martial artist and Hollywood action star Jeff Speakman
Manage episode 393119997 series 2890598
Martial Artist and Hollywood action star Jeff Speakman joins Brad to share his journey from the cold winters of Chicago as a springboard diver and gymnast, working with legendary martial artists Lou Angel and Ed Parker, adapting Kenpo to grappling, what it was like to work with the legendary Ed Parker on the set of The Perfect Weapon, surviving stage 4 throat cancer, and much much more...
Jeff shares his beliefs on America's decline, and preparing the next generation of martial artists.
If you are a martial artist, this is an exciting interview with a martial arts legend, who didn't let Hollywood seduce him, carrying on the legacy of Ed Parker. Brad also shares his journey in Kempo Jujitsu.
This is a fun episode.
About Jeff Speakman:
Jeff Speakman is best known from his martial arts films The Perfect Weapon, Street Knight, The Expert and Land of The Free.
Jeff started his athletic career very early in life. Training and competing as a gymnast during the school year and as a springboard diver in the summer consumed much of his young life.
He has earned black belts in American kenpo karate and Japanese Goju-Ryu.
As one of the last students of the Grand Master of Kenpo, Ed Parker, Jeff Speakman has carved out his own niche with the art, adapting Kenpo to modern fighting styles by adding grappling to the mix.
As he stated "taking Kenpo to the ground was no easy task...but we did it." He calls this next level Kenpo 5.0.
Jeff has been inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame, the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Masters Hall of Fame with over 50 Kenpo 5.0 dojos (training centers), in over 20 countries.
Jeff and his wife Kim reside in Las Vegas.
Host: Brad Szollose
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