Elvis & Kenpo

It was July 1972, when I happened to meet Elvis. I was training at Ed Parker’s Santa Monica Studio in California, when one afternoon Elvis dropped by. After Elvis observed us training, he stepped onto the mat and, by sheer chance, he chose me to be his training partner. Before I knew it, I was invited to Elvis’s Beverly Hills home and soon after was invited to become a member of the Memphis Mafia, go out on concert tours with him, and become one of his four main bodyguards.

 
 

Dave & Elvis arriving at the karate studio for a Kenpo training session.

Elvis & Dave conversing during a break in Kenpo training.

Elvis & Dave performing a Kenpo karate demonstration.

Dave looks on as Elvis performs a Kenpo karate move.

Elvis practices Kenpo with Bill Wallace.

Elvis, Dave & Bill Wallace during a moment of reflection during Kenpo training.

Dave looks on proudly as Elvis presents Bill Wallace with a Kenpo award.

Elvis awards Bill Wallace a trophy on September 16, 1974.

(L-R) Unknown, Unknown, Wayne Carmen, Elvis, Kang Rhee & Dave.

Always Elvis’s right hand man.

(Bottom Row) Wayne Carmen, Kang Rhee, Elvis, Unknown & Dave.

Kang Rhee, Elvis & Dave during a moment of reflection.