Trejo Kenpo style and Kenpo forms

[punisher73]

While all the above is true, are the changes of technique requirements and being commercially modeled enough for blackbelts to break away from their master? Don't think it was that simple. Was their loyalty to Parker so weak? Maybe that was the root problem - Personalities and internal organizational power politics (and maybe fees to Parker to use his name). A lot went on behind the scenes, though some stayed and achieved high rank with him.

More than my knowledge/experience to speculate on other reasons.

Some "left" the commercial system and had Ed Parker's blessing when they did so and still maintained ties with him. For example, Chuck Sullivan was one of the first students and didn't like the direction of the "commercial system" compared to what he learned before and reworked it into a smaller system.

Some left at various stages, just like any other martial art. At the time, contrary to the Bruce Lee hype, most people in California where Ed Parker taught cross trained in other styles and instructors and it wasn't a big deal to go from instructor to instructor. For example, Dan Inosanto was an Ed Parker black belt and left to go study with Bruce Lee. James Ibrao was an Ed Parker black belt who left to go study with James Woo and learn more kung fu directly with him.

 

[isshinryuronin]

Ed Parker certainly made an impact in the MA world in the 1960's and beyond. Innovation, drama and excitement all revolved around him.

More than my knowledge/experience to speculate on other reasons.

Understandable and wise.

Some "left" the commercial system and had Ed Parker's blessing when they did so and still maintained ties with him. For example, Chuck Sullivan was one of the first students and didn't like the direction of the "commercial system" compared to what he learned before and reworked it into a smaller system.

Sullivan was a longtime student/sometime-partner of Parker achieving high rank and was an instrumental in developing the EPKK system with him. I believe they parted on good terms. I agree with his view that the system "over-evolved" with too many techniques to memorize.

Some left at various stages, just like any other martial art. At the time, contrary to the Bruce Lee hype, most people in California where Ed Parker taught cross trained in other styles and instructors and it wasn't a big deal to go from instructor to instructor. For example, Dan Inosanto was an Ed Parker black belt and left to go study with Bruce Lee.

These system surfers never intended to be kenpo experts, staying only a short while to get the gist of the system. This is different from those who had longer term organizational ties with him.

James Ibrao was an Ed Parker black belt who left to go study with James Woo and learn more kung fu directly with him.

He was another early and longtime student whom Parker had respect for.

For others who broke away, when the relationship is mostly commercial, loyalty can be based more on money than personal attachment.