American Kenpo is one of the most sophisticated and complex fighting systems available today,
with a history tracing back through Feudal Japan and ancient China. Kenpo Karate is part
self-defense ... part sport ... part exercise ... and part ritual. Kenpo takes the movements and
techniques that have survived for centuries in the martial arts and adapted a powerful and unique
way to learn, master and employ those abilities in todays streets. Kenpo Karate is also one of the
leading systems in the open tournament circuit. It is all of these things and more that have made
American Kenpo one of the most popular systems today.
Kenpo Karate translates into "Law of the Fist and the Empty Hand". Even though
these words are Japanese in character, Kenpo has direct ties to both Japan and
China. Kenpo therefore, has the advantage of employing both the linear fighting
methods popular in the Japanese systems as well as the circular and softer methods
favoured by the Chinese systems. It melds these two schools of thought into one,
allowing you to explore all facets of the martial arts. Through the study and
understanding of all the types of motion available there is no limit to the possibilities
that open up for you.
Kenpo teaches self-defense through the use of basics, self-defense techniques,
forms and sparring techniques. "Basics" represent the vocabulary of the martial arts.
They consist of all the punches, kicks, stances, throws and so on that make up the
individual movements. The self-defense techniques are prearranged combinations
designed to give the Kenpoist a plethora of defensive ideas. These techniques break
down and teach the concepts of how to use the "basics" in effective combinations.
The Kenpo self-defense technique is longer and more complex than is usually found
in other systems. This is the secret to the legendary speed and seemingly endless onslaught of
strikes used by the Kenpoist. Forms are an important part of kenpo as well. Forms are very
common in the martial arts and are the backbone of the Kung Fu and Okinawan Karate Systems.
Forms are required at every level of training, and will help you to develop greater agility and range
of motion. They will also help you learn how to combine your self-defense techniques together,
effortlessly flowing from one into the other as you go from one direction to the next or one attacker
to the next. If Kenpo is a language of motion ... the basics are your words ... self-defense
techniques your sentences ... and the forms your paragraphs ... then before you know it you will be
able to "talk" your way out of any situation.
American Kenpo Karate is one of the leading systems in the modern tournament circuit. The
sporting aspect of the martial arts is a secondary pursuit for most Kenpoist. The heart and soul of
kenpo is its street self-defense. However, there are valuable lessons to be learned in the
tournament atmosphere, and Kenpoist are very successful in all aspects of the game. Kenpo forms
traditionally do very well in the open tournaments. With their complexity of motion and combination
of hard and soft styles, Kenpo forms are a joy to watch and perform. The sparring ring, however, is
where most Kenpoist find their calling. In the sparring ring you are able to test yourself and your
abilities. Sparring is meant to be fun and enjoyable, and is a safe means to practice some of the
basic concepts of Kenpo.
