James Ibrao

James Ibrao is a Kenpo and Kung Fu master who was born in November 3, 1937 in Hawaii in a city called Waialua.

Martial Arts History:

James Ibrao's first introduction to the martial arts was in Judo. In 1956, he met Ed Parker. During this time he ate, lived and breathed kenpo. By 1957, he became, what many considered, Mr. Parker’s first black belt (see below).

In 1960, Ibrao and Parker met James Wing Woo. Ed Parker invited him to his school to document his techniques (Woo was the catalyst of the first "split" in Parker’s black belts). From 1962 to 1964 James Ibrao went on tour with the Harlem Globetrotters.

In 1964, James Ibrao began his studies with Kung Fu Master James Wing Woo. After 30 years of study with Mr. Woo and a great deal of travel to the orient, he has become a Master in Tai Chi Chuan and Kung Fu, earning the title of Si Tai Gung. He is now known for his "Five Forms to Black Belt" home study course.

Controversy:

There has been some controversy over who really was Ed Parker's first black belt. Many now say that Charles Beeder was his first. It is understood that he was his first student. But as to being his first black belt, this is not completely known.

According to Ted Sumner "(a Tracy Kenpo senior)", he states that he had spoken to Charles Beeder Jr. "(Charles Beeder's son)". According to Mr. Sumner, he had stated that Charles Beeder Jr. reported that his father received his 1st black from Ed Parker in 1963.

Of course, this may or may not clear up this controversy. It has been mentioned by a few that Ed Parker had told them personally that Beeder was his first black belt.