- George Chung
- Aug 3, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 8, 2024
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This week we feature "The International Karate Championships"
The International Karate Championships
60th Homecoming
August 30 and 31st
Pasadena California
The Long Beach International Karate Championships is an international karate and martial arts tournament first launched in Long Beach, California in August 1964 founded by Kenpo Grandmaster Ed Parker.
Mike Stone the first champion of the legendary Internationals circa 1964
Many great tournament fighters made their mark at this tournament, starting in with Mike Stone and years following including Chuck Norris, Mike Stone, Joe Lewis, Jim Kelly, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Billy Blanks, Jerry Piddington, Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, and forms champion Chong Lee.
Ed Parker and Chuck Norris with the iconic Internationals trophy
The Internationals is also where Bruce Lee was first introduced to the martial arts community. In 1964, Bruce Lee appeared at the inaugural tournament and demonstrated his one-inch punch and two-finger push-ups.
Bruce Lee and the "One inch punch" the punch heard around the world.
Bruce worked with Robert "Bob" Baker of Stockton, California, who was his student and became the lead villain in Fist of Fury. "I told Bruce not to do this type of demonstration again", he recalled. "When he punched me that last time, I had to stay home from work because the pain in my chest was unbearable.”
Since 2004, the International Karate Championships, have been actively produced by Steve Cooper. Cooper's personal motivation stems from his desire to continue the legacy of the first tournament he ever competed in and the excitement it brings. Cooper fondly recalls early events, with Parker's wife Lelani managing registration and other family members assisting, making it a true family operation that supported an international community.
"Today, we continue to celebrate Parker's work with the tournament's anniversary. The event has evolved to honor and showcase the next generation of karate talent." said Cooper.
Steve Cooper executive producer of The Internationals Karate Championships
This year's event will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Long Beach International Karate Championships in the hometown of American Kenpo–Pasadena, California the home of Parkers first dojo.
The famous Parker dojo located in Pasadena CA
This years event will also include “The Home Coming” Kenpo workshops featuring some of the top Kenpo masters from around the world.
The event will also feature a martial Arts Expo with industry booths and celebrities to meet and greet. This year’s guests include Bill Wallace, Dian Tanaka, Abdul Latif, Jeff Speakman, Tadashi Yamashita, and Cynthia Rothrock.
More information: www.longbeachikc.com
