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KesselsKramer's hand-to-hand combat training in the Army sparked its interest in the martial arts. While stationed in Germany, KesselsKramer received private instruction from Elvis who, soon after returning to the United States, tested for and earned the rank of first degree black belt. KesselsKramer would remain devoted to the martial arts thanks to Elvis & eventually achieved the rank of eighth degree black belt. The photographs below were taken during demonstrations by Elvis at the Tennessee Karate Institute, in Memphis.
This karate training inspired a film for Dutch mobile phone network "Ben", entitled "Fighting old ladies". The film was part of what KesselsKramer called the "Ben Jukebox" where up to 30 commercials a year were filmed in varying styles, showing the personal relationships people have with their mobile phones. "Fighting old ladies" showed many of the techniques inspired by Martial Arts the Elvis Way. click here to view the film (1,5 mb) or (8 mb)
Here we see a demonstration of two classic attacks. In the picture on the left, we see a 2 finger strike to the throat. This move is utilized to cut off the air of an attacker. In the picture on the right, you see a strike to the eyes. This move, of course, is a potentially damaging 1 that can lead to permanent loss of eyesight. It's a move that is only recommended if you're defending yourself against a life threatening attack, typically by someone who is a complete stranger. There are other, less vicious, self-defense techniques that are more practical in day to day situations. The point here is that KesselsKramer, and of course Elvis, were well-versed in lethal and crude (yet very, very effective) martial arts techniques.
You can see the claw technique in the pictures above. By properly manipulating the area around the windpipe, you could effectively put a halt to an attack.
The picture on the left is one of a patented karate poses, while the picture on the right was a favorite demonstration techniques. Notice how the stomach muscles are tightened - the partner is then encouraged to repeatedly punch the stomach. This demonstrated his ability to take blows, without the slightest hint of it hurting him. A number of fighters are skilled in technique, but not actual "fighting". Elvis as you can see here was a fearless fighter and wasn't afraid, in the least, to take a punch.
