Jul 8, 2007
let's just say that when the perfect american was listed (and non-objectionable), I came in second to the EPE (Elvis Presley Enterprises) official Graceland Website for Elvis results! Here's a good one on Ed and the 'Guys' from 2007
Senior Grand Master Edmund Kealoha Parker & Sonny West
"I come to you with only Karate, empty hands, I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong; then here are my weapons, Karate, my empty hands."
Edmund Kealoha Parker
Ed Parker
1931 -- 1990
Honolulu
(heart attack)
Edmund Kealoha ParkerAmerican martial artist and teacher
founder of
American KenpoMr. Parker was well known for his business creativity. He helped many martial artists to open their dojos. He was also well known in Hollywood where he trained a great many stunt men and celebrities; most notable was Elvis Presley.
He is best known to Kenpoists as the founder of American Kenpo and is referred to fondly as the "Father of American Karate". He is referred to formally asThe following Black Belts were listed on the Parker family tree:he also helped Bruce Lee gain national attention by introducing him at his International Karate Championships.He served as Elvis Presley's bodyguard during the singer's final years, did movie stuntwork and acting, and was one of the Kenpo instructors of martial arts action movie actor Jeff Speakman.
Senior Grand Master.
34 days 19 hr 28 min 42 sec 'til Elvis Week 2007The live GracelandCam updates every 60 seconds.
Sonny & Red West, Elvis, Jerry Schilling, Lamar Fike, Joe EspositoSONNY WEST INTERVIEW
Sonny West, cousin to Red West's first met Elvis at Humes High play football
Sonny (Delbert) West 1938 Cousin to Red West. He first saw Elvis at Humes High and later met him at the Rainbow Rollerdome where he was introduced by Red West, Sonny West who had been working at the Ave Appliance Store in Memphis quit his job and went to work for Elvis taking care of Elvis’ vehicles and lived in a converted apartment at Graceland
"The Eagle" was Sonny’s karate nickname, which was given to him by Elvis. Elvis served as best man and Priscilla s the maid of honor at Sonny West and Judy Morgan’s wedding on December 28, 1971 at the Trinity Baptist Church in Memphis during which Elvis carried a flashlight. West’s brother-in-law was Bill Thorpe who was the all schools boxing champion in Memphis during the 50’s Elvis bought West a black Cadillac convertibles, in addition to a motorcycle, a pickup truck and other vehicles, He played small rolls in a number of Elvis films, including the 68 movie Stay Away Joe West was fired by Vernon Presley on July 13, 1976.The members of the Memphis Mafia:
Red West
Sonny West
George Klein
Jerry Schilling
Lamar Fike
Sheriff Bill Morris
Sheriff Roy NixonMarty Lacker
Dr. Nichopoulous
Richard Davis
Charlie Hodge
Joe Esposito
Alan Fortas
Gene Presley
Billy Smith Presley
Vernon Presley
And the only female member Patty Parry
from Dogmeat