The Road to Enlightenment

The Five Forms to Black is comprised of 5 forms that when learned and practiced will give you the base elements, knowledge and abilities of a First Degree Balck Belt. These forms will also give you the strength, health, flexibility, power and speed necessary to become and grow a dynamic Martial Artist in my association. View Sample Video Here

How it all Began...

In August of 1982 I took my first step  into the
Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate School in Pasadena California.  The head instructor at that time was Frank Trejo jr and GrandMaster Parker was still going strong. I would study there through 1991 and every day as I walked to the changing room I would see the Great Kenpo Family Tree and on that tree I would see the name of Parker’s very first Black Belt .............James Ibrao

The name, pronounced, ‘e-brow’ was cemented into my mind as I studied all the names on the Family Tree. I heard the stories directly from the mouths of the men who had trained with those who had trained with him or had fought his ‘guys’ but I never heard directly from him. Few had.
Four years later I met ‘Sifu’ Ibrao for the first time and I knew that many of the things said about him were not only incorrect, and inaccurate, but they were at best understatements.
It has taken me 20 years to chronicle the long road to the success of James Ibrao and while the Parker years were of major importance, they do not tell the whole story.  When first approached by my company to create a bona fide Martial Arts Belt System, Ibrao said ‘no’. In fact it has taken me five years to bring his teaching methods and systems to the public.
This system, 5 FORMS TO BLACK is the culmination of this work.  I have interviewed hundreds of martial artists, (including GrandMaster Ed Parker), students, instructors; and read all of the stories. (This was necessary because Sifu Ibrao refused to speak about his experiences, in fact, every title bestowed upon him has been done so by those who know of his work in the arts and understand that his Karate, Technique, Teaching and Dedication are unmatched.) If for nothing else, Sifu Ibrao will be remembered for his ability to teach Dynamic Power, Explosive Technique, Powerful Forms and of course a Complete Fighting Style that has created many champions.
Here at The Belt.com, for the first time, martial artists from around the world will have the opportunity to study directly with GrandMaster James Ibrao, to learn his methods and to achieve the coveted goal of Black Belt in a system that will stand up against any other as well as the test of time... 

  

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History of my Art...By James Ibrao  
 I was born November 3, 1937 in Hawaii in a city called Waialua. In  Waialua, every element of our lives was based around a sugar plantation which  meant that everyone worked with one another, knew one another and respected one another. For seventeen years I had the advantage of having an extended family of nearly three thousand people.  Can you imagine the opportunity that existed for growth and sharing in such a community?
I believe that this element has given me an incredibly strong base and advantage in dealing with people because I came from such a strong foundation of respect for so many people. In addition, the positive development of the person came from the positive  development of the entire group and so, common goals and traditional values were of the utmost importance.
For instance, the development of the ego came from the development of the ego of the entire community not just any one individual. Perhaps this is why I have been able to exceed and excel in the learning and much more importantly, the teaching of the martial arts to so many people. I  have always judged myself by the number of people I have been able to assist and  not on my own "personal achievements". During this time I became very active in athletics and I was able to make my mark in every sport I played. Strangely enough, out of all the sports I tried, basketball was my favorite. In fact, many of you may find this difficult to  believe, but at 5' 9" I was able to slam dunk!

Introduction into Kenpo

At seventeen I had the tremendous opportunity to go to school in Boise,  Idaho. I found the climate to be too cold for me and I decided to go  to Los  Angeles. From there, I tried my luck at Brigham Young University, but again I  found the climate was not to my liking. I returned once again to Los Angeles where my life would change forever. After being so active in sports, I found I needed a release. A friend of mine, Bob Sarno, had an acquaintance named Ed Parker who was involved in the teaching of a new martial arts called Kenpo  Karate.
On the island, martial arts instructors had to be registered to teach  and the only art I had been able to study was a little judo. You can imagine my  excitement at being exposed to the power, quickness, and innovative moves of Ed Parker who was literally a giant. It was more than just his stature, he had an aura of power and what many would call fearlessness. The very next day, I joined Mr. Ed Parker and his four students, on their journey into the experience called Kenpo Karate. I’m not sure whether it was natural ability or pure desire to learn, but I never found the "intensive workouts" to be too difficult. I was always trying to see and figure out what the next move would be. I always looked for the next logical step in the beautiful and deadly art taught by this dynamic  and charismatic individual. Within weeks, I noticed that my already athletic build was beginning to grow and change. Almost instantly, I gained weight and watched as my muscle structure began to change.
I developed power and strength in my legs, arms and back and was amazed at how my shoulders widened. Of all this, perhaps the most important change came in my level of confidence. The power I felt was tremendous. There was nothing that I couldn't do. All this came  from my complete and total immersion into this new art. I lived, ate and
slept  Kenpo Karate. The year was 1956.

  

TestimonialsewrTestimonials

“Sifu Ibrao, we have decided to make the 5 Forms To Black part of our Bachelors of Sciences Degree program. The system is incredible.” Dr. David Lawton, Blue Heron Academy-Michigan

 “Wow, I got the tapes and I can not believe the quality, the instruction is really first rate and I am already through with the first tape. I really can not believe the quality of your system. It is much more than I thought it was going to be.”  G. Michaels, Cleveland Ohio.

     “I never achieved my black belt even though I’ve studied with a number of great instructors. Serving in the military really put a damper on my dream to succeed in the arts.  That’s all a thing of the past with your system sir.  Thank you Sifu Ibrao.”
G. Adamson-Stationed in Korea

     “Dear Sifu Ibrao, I got the demo tape and I thought I would take a chance on the system.  I have been studying in a school for a while but the instruction was really lacking. I am learning so much more with your system than I ever thought I would. I can’t wait for my test!  Thanks.”  K. Green, California.

     “Dear Sir, I bought the system for my husband.  He used to study at a kenpo school but it closed down. He watches your tapes every day and works out at least five times a week. He says that the quality is unbelievable and he loves the upbeat music. Great job.”  C. Kelly, Texas.

     “Mr. Ibrao, after getting burned by some tapes from Panther I couldn’t see paying fifty bucks for a tape let alone over three hundred for a set. One of the guys from my school bought the tapes and brought them in for everyone to see. Even my instructor was blown away by the quality and the production.  My check is on the way.”  Cliff, New York.

     ‘The 5 Forms To Black is the highest quality martial arts training system we have ever previewed.  It was the quality that made us decide to carry it in our product line. It is the only martial arts series we will carry.’ Gloria Morrison, President of Acquistions  Echelon Entertainment

Order your system now by clicking here or calling 626-216-5722