Biography - Parker/ Planas Lineage

Mr. Planas began his Kenpo training in Fresno, California in the late sixties under Steve Labounty and Tom Kelly. He moved to Texas to help Tom Kelly open a school in El Paso in 1969 and then moved to Pasadena, California to go to work for Ed Parker as a Brown Belt.

He received his Black Belt and all subsequent rank through Ed Parker up to Seventh Degree; the highest non-honorary, non-political rank given by Parker in 1985. He became the Manager of the Pasadena school for several years, as well as the Executive Vice President of the International Kenpo Karate Association for the last ten years Ed Parker lived. Throughout this time, Mr. Planas was also instrumental in the development of the original manuals

After Parker's passing other associations were formed, one of which promoted Mr. Planas to Eighth Degree in 1991. Then in 1995 several associations joined together to promote him to Ninth Degree Black.

Though his expertise is mainly in Kenpo he has studied many other arts, including; Judo, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Shotokan, and Silat.

Today, Mr. Planas draws a crowd, teaching seminars all throughout the United States, including; Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticutt, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington, and others. There is also a great demand for his expertise internationally, which has taken Mr. Planas to Argentina, Canada, Cayman Isles, Chile, England, Denmark, Greece, Guatemala, Ireland, Italy, Jersey Channel Islands, Patagonia, Spain, and Sweden.

In addition to being well traveled, Mr. Planas also has an extensive on-going collection of whips, knives, guns, guitars, mandolins and ukuleles. And of course, he is always keeping his eye out to add to his collection.

Known as the "Instructor`s Instructor," Mr. Planas teaches the "whys" of Kenpo, not just the "hows" based on the rules and principals of motion. Not only do school owners have him come to their schools, many often travel to train with him in New Orleans for everything from private lessons to extended training. Seminar material is easily tailored to your wants or needs since Mr. Planas can teach a variety of subjects. Seminar Packages include private training for the sponsoring instructor. For more information on hosting a seminar, please contact Mr. Planas by clicking here.

Other Accomplishments To Note:

- Featured in Ed Parker's Infinite Insights Into Kenpo, Volume One.

- Assisted Ed Parker in 1975 with his book, Ed Parker's Guide to the Nunchaku.

- Featured in Black Belt Magazine: January, 1992 entitled, "Who is the Rightful Heir to Ed Parker's Kenpo?"

- Featured in Black Belt Magazine article: September, 1997 entitled, "Nine Golden Rules of Kenpo."

- Featured in The Journey, The Oral Histories of 24 of the Most Proficient American Kenposits of Today.

Biography