At the recommendation of a traditional systems’ 9th degree, Mr Richie Bernard, I contacted some of the better known, high-ranking Parker Kenpo people I hold respect for and asked their blessings. Below is a copy of the original text and their replies. LW
Gentlemen,
I am contacting you as my seniors and peers in asking for your blessing in my assuming the rank of ninth degree. It has been 40 years in the arts for me, with 31 years as a black belt, and eight years time-in-grade as an eighth.
It is my intention to secure the approval of people such as you before adding the designation to my resume or wearing an additional stripe on my belt. Your opinion is important to me. If you would return your thoughts to me by whatever media you feel appropriate, in the form of a short letter, I would appreciate it.
Respects,
Lee Wedlake
21 August 2006
Lee. I would consider it an honor to add my endorsement and name to a
certificate for your 9th. You are and have been a tremendous asset to
the martial arts in general and Kenpo in particular. This is a promotion
that is long overdue.
Be well my friend,
Dave Hebler
Mr. Hebler is a 10th degree, head of the Original American Kenpo Karate Association, and was one of Ed Parker's first black belts.
Done. What else do you need?
Respectfully,
Ron Chapél, Ph.D.
MartialScienceUniversity
213.506.1027 – 213.506.7295
Mr. Chapel is a 10th degree and studied with Ed Parker.
Hello Lee,
You absolutely have my blessing and highest regard. I am honored that you have included me in those you have asked. Let me know when the official date will be so I may post it on my website.
Well Deserved and Earned.
Congratulations!
John Sepulveda
Mr. Sepulveda is a 9th degree and head of American Kenpo Training Systems. He studied with Ed Parker.
It would be my deepest honor and privledge to acknowledge Lee Wedlake as a 9th degree black belt.
Respectfully
Doreen M Cogliandro
8th Degree Black Belt
Associate Master
Dear Lee,
You have always been the best mentor any brother, friend and student could
ever wish for.
You were mentoring me from the first day we met.
You lead by example as did our Master Ed Parker.
I believe that he would feel the same way as I that you truly do deserve
this rank and the recognition that goes with it.
There are others who wear even higher rank but in my opinion you truly are
head and shoulders above the rest.
I am proud to have you as my Kenpo Elder Brother, My Teacher and my Close
Friend and that will never change.
You are da man!!!!!
Highest Regards and deepest respect,
Your Brother, Student and Friend,
Gary Ellis
7th Degree Black Belt Progressive Kenpo
Mr. Ellis was one of the first black belts promoted in Europe by Ed Parker.
Hi Lee, I can’t believe the timing of this e-mail, over the weekend it has been on my mind to contact Steve White and Gary Ellis about making this happen, my thoughts were to invite them to the Wonder Valley camp and together with Edmund ask you to accept promotion to ninth.
I don’t know if you remember the conversation we had when you were last in Fresno (what am I saying, you remember everything) I told you that in my opinion you are one of very few martial artist’s whom I consider to be a true Master of the arts, your teaching skills, your understanding of history and your ability to perform at the highest level place you apart from most.
Like myself you have been many years between ranks and I think we needed to set the example that rank should not be expected every three or four years, but I can tell you that there will be a lot of high ranking black belts feeling more comfortable when you put on your ninth.
I want to congratulate you in advance and am proud to have you as a friend and teacher.
best regards and respect, Graham
Professor Graham Lelliott
Mr. Lelliott was in the same group of black belts with Gary Ellis under Rainer Schulte.
Good Morning Lee,
I received your E-mail of 8/21/2006 and feel honored to be included in
your list.
I support you 100%.
I have taken the liberty to contact Dave Hebler, Mike Pick and Edmund
Parker and have received from all of them more than positive replies.
All, including myself, think that you are way overdue to receive your 9th.
If it is agreeable with you, we (Hebler, Parker, Pick and Schulte) would
like to promote you along with a Certificate from Edmund at Sean's Camp
in Feb. 2007.
Hopefully you like this idea!!!!
TCB....Rainer
Mr. Schulte is known as the "Father of European Kenpo".
Dear Lee,
I wish to extend to you my congratulations on your promotion to 9th
degree black belt. It was well deserved and overdue,
you have been a great ambassador for the Kenpo system throughout the
world. I have always admired your code of ethics and the standards
you inspire in your students. I think I first met you in the early
eighties when you traveled with Mr. Parker to Jersey.
The work you did with me on forms was very helpful and it gave me a
solid base.
Respectfully yours,
Edward Downey.
Ed Downey is one of the best known Kenpo teachers in Ireland.
Dear Lee,
I am honored and humbled to think that you would find a value in my
opinion over this topic. I have no doubt that my father would endorse
this moment as do I. You have my full support and what ever else you
need from me you will have it.
All my respects,
Edmund Parker Jr.
On another note: I recently heard of your upcoming assumption of 9th.
Congratulations, it's good to see that men such as yourself are keeping the
art of "Ed Parker's" Kenpo alive and well. I don't mind saying that there
are too many stripes adorning the belts of the unworthy, but you are one man
who has earned his position in the art and therefore the respect of his
peers. It's truly an honor to have you leading the way.
Take care my friend.
Yours in Kenpo,
Rich Hale
www.PacificKenpo.com
Of all the Kenpo people I have known and have had the privilege to work with
I must say that Lee Wedlake, Jr. holds my utmost respect. His dedication
and contributions have set the bar for our great art. He is a cut above the
rest and I know that Ed Parker himself would endorse his promotion to 9th.
He is a friend... But more than that he is A Master of The Art.
David E. Stanley
4th Black - American Kenpo Karate
Hi Lee
It was about time. You are one of the few, who has not only the Kenpo skills but also the human skills to be a 9th. You have always been a class act and you have my utmost respect and support!
Your friend
Claus K. Pedersen
KenpoDenmark
Sirs,
First, I am honored to be asked to support this petition. With what Mr. Wedlake has given to the Kenpo Community in the past and continues to give to this day, I am suprised to see that he does not hold the rank of 9th Degree Black Belt already. His skill and knowledge are sought out across the world. He is one of the most published Kenpo authors today. Of course I support this petition to promote Mr. Lee Wedlake to 9th Degree Black Belt (Master Instructor) of Kenpo Karate.
R. Michael Beal
Mr. Schulte,
As an old timer now in the martial arts, I have magazine articles written by Mr. Wedlake from the early ’80’s that helped introduce me to the science and depth of kenpo. So when Mr. Wedlake moved to Florida I made it my mission to meet him and train with him when ever possible during camp time, his famous step exam, or just a weekend to tweak techniques. Those lessons formed the basis of my understanding of true Ed Parker American Kenpo and greatly influenced my Tallahassee instructor’s decision (Jack Morris) to wholeheartedly adopt the American Kenpo we saw practiced by Mr.Wedlake and thereby establish American Kenpo in Tallahassee with Jack Morris’ school.
In 1992 as a brown belt and living in Orlando at the time, I had the honor of training with Mr. Wedlake for several sessions and visiting him along with other students from the Orlando School. We methodically reviewed the system, correcting errors and gained knowledge that I will always treasure.
Now, as a 3rd degree Black Belt helping train Brown Belts here in Tallahassee, I give credit to Mr. Wedlake for the technique skills I have acquired and when possible, I’ll mention my days with him by saying something such as "…yes you could do it that way, let me show you how I was taught the technique by Mr. Wedlake.." It was through his instruction and extreme patience with me that I am the kenpo practioner that I am today.
I am proud to endorse his advancement to 9th degree in Kenpo.
Steve Shaffer
American Kenpo Karate
Sir,
After I came home, I read with great interest your decision to accept the position of Ninth Degree Black in American Kenpo Karate.
It is difficult sometimes for a modest person such as yourself to accept honors that are due to you.
However, your peers have judged that you are indeed worthy . For those of us who are but novices you are a shining example of to what we should aspire . Not only as a Kenpo master but as a human being.
Congratulations, and good luck for the future.
He who does not try,fails.
Richard G. Stone