He's the founder
of one of the biggest martial arts schools in the world.
Jeff Speakman is the director of Kenpo 5.0
with hundreds of schools spread over 19 countries.
But as Te Rina Kowhai reports,
the master has come to NZ to be a student
- he's in Taranaki to learn the art of haka.
A man on a mission.
A master in martial arts, specifically in American Kenpo,
now he wants to master the war dance.
I believe this is a great way to unite the families of Kenpo 5.0
all around the world.
For me, the essence of the haka is to release all the energies,
its intrinsic power, its awe, the excitement.
For the last 10 years,
Jeff Speakman has been visiting NZ every year
and has six schools established here.
Taranaki is where he feels most connected too.
Since the 80s,
Speakman has appeared in many martial art movies,
most notably 'The Perfect Weapon.'
His mentor, senior grandmaster
and founder of American Kenpo Karate Ed Parker
sadly passed before the release of the movie.
Speakman says there are many martial arts
that have become so commercialised.
He believes Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
should be called Mixed Martial Fighting (MMF).
The haka will be showcased for the first time
at the 5.0 Fighter World Cup Championships in Las Vegas in July.
Te Rina Kowhai, Te Karere.