Martial Arts Biography - JEFF SPEAKMAN

JEFF SPEAKMAN
Gojo Ryu/Kenpo Karate
American Kenpo Karate Systems (AKKS)

Jeff Speakman's start as an entertainer and entrepreneur began early in life. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, he once brought down a house full of Masons by telling them a "knock-knock" joke at the ripe old age of four. In grade school it is rumored that Jeff would take the sack lunch his mother had prepared and sell or trade it to other kids for a profit. While attending John Hersey High School, Jeff achieved personal athletic success by becoming an all-American spring board diver. Jeff not only broke records in his high school's district and conference but did so without ever having a coach!

Although successful as an athlete in high school, Jeff's grades were "lacking" to say the least. Determined to go on to college, he worked to pay for his own tuition. Six years later, Jeff graduated with honors from Missouri State College earning a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in biology.

Jeff feels above all qualities, integrity and compassion are the most important to posses. Jeff Speakman, Actor Among Jeff's many passions, he is actively involved in programs to help teenagers in crisis including such organizations as The Challenge Program© and The Jeff Speakman Street Knight Foundation©.

As an internationally recognized martial arts and action film star Jeff has starred in over eight films including "The Perfect Weapon", "Street Knight", "The Expert", "Deadly Outbreak", "Escape From Atlantis", "Scorpio One", "Land of the Free", "Memorial Day" and "Running Red". Jeff confesses his start in the martial arts began by watching the television series "Kung Fu". Twenty years later with scores of awards and trophies under his belt, Jeff continues to teach and communicate to others his knowledge and interpretation of his art.

Currently Jeff holds a 7th degree black belt in Japanese Gojo-Ryu and a 6th degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate. As head and founder of the American Kenpo Karate Systems (AKKS) organization which includes over one hundred thirty schools worldwide, Jeff travels extensively around the globe teaching his Kenpo karate and spreading his message: "Lead by example, Follow by choice". Jeff also promotes the launch of his new international children's outreach program entitled "Street Knight". Tailored to meet the needs of each country and community. This program has been designed to help bring kids at risk in to the respectful and disciplined world of the martial arts.

CHRONOLOGICAL MARTIAL ARTS and FILM RÉSUMÉ

1999	Recently completed the filming of "Hot Boyz", starring opposite rap music's "Master P" and "Snoop Doggy Dog".
1999	Organized and hosted fourth annual "Jeff Speakman International Kenpo Camp" at the Stardust hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. June, 1999 Largest attendance to date with over five hundred martial artists from around the world.
1998	Organized and hosted third annual "Jeff Speakman International Kenpo Camp" at the Stardust hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. July, 1998
1998	Completed production of "Running Red", a PM Entertainment project. July, 1998
1997	Filmed "Memorial Day", a Royal Oaks Entertainment production. November, 1997
1997	Completed filming of "Land of the Free", costarring William Shatner. October, 1997
1997	Organized and hosted second annual "Jeff Speakman International Kenpo Camp". Held at the Stardust Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada there were over 500 attendees representing seven countries worldwide. June, 1997.
1997	Filmed "Scorpio One", a Royal Oaks Entertainment production. March, 1997
1996	Filmed "Escape from Atlantis" an Encore channel production in Hawaii. October, 1996.
1996	Video release of "Deadly Outbreak" September, 1996
1996	Completed filming of "Plato's Run" starring opposite Roy Scheider and Gary Busey.
1995	Inducted into the Sokeship Head of Family organization.
1995	Initiated and became head of international Kenpo organization, American Kenpo Karate Systems (AKKS).
1995	Release of "The Expert" as an HBO World Premier April, 1995.
1995	Filmed "Deadly Outbreak" in Tel Aviv, Israel.
1994	Inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
1994	Filmed "The Expert" in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
1993	Inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as "Instructor of the Year".
1993	"Street Knight" was released theatrically.
1992	Filmed "Street Knight" in Los Angeles, California, USA.
1991	The film "The Perfect Weapon" was released theatrically.
1990	Filmed "The Perfect Weapon" in Los Angeles, California.
1989	Signed a four picture deal with Paramount Studios.
1987	Became a protégé of Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker, at his request. During my training with Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker, we worked intensely to bring clarity to the vision of representing Kenpo in films.
1986	Began acting training to bring Senior Grandmaster, Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate to the world, through films.
1984	Received 1st degree black belt in Kenpo Karate. Continued to each and study in West Los Angeles.
1983	Graduated with honors from Missouri Southern State College earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a minor in Biology. Moved to Los Angeles to study Kenpo Karate from Senior Grand-master, Ed Parker on Master Lou Angel's recommendation.
1978	Was introduced to 10th degree Gojo-Ryu Karate Master Lou Angel and began martial arts training under his tutelage in Joplin, Missouri.