There are numerous martial arts disciplines that individuals can participate in to learn discipline, self-defense, self-exploration, increase physical fitness and stamina, and lower stress levels. Common forms are Karate, Tae-kwon-do, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Kenpo, however, is a martial art form that isn’t widely known outside of the martial arts community.

The History of Kenpo

Kenpo originated with the Shaolin monks in China and from there  the martial art form flourished in neighboring Japan. Nowadays you can find Kenpo communities in China, Japan, and America.    There is some dispute as to what individual actually introduced Kenpo to individuals living in the U.S.

It is widely believed that, Kiyoka Komatsu began training a small group of individuals in the martial art style in the 1920’s, which at that time was termed Kenpo-Jiu-Jitsu. Kenpo slowly began to spread across the states and in 1940 the style was renamed Kenpo Karate.  Eastern Kenpo teachers focus as much on obtaining a spiritual goal as a physical one. Ed Parker who trained under one of the individuals that received their training from Komatsu, is known as the father of American Kenpo, which differs a bit in style from traditional Kenpo in that it is more sports oriented and less ground in eastern spirituality. The American Kenpo Senior Council is an organization dedicated to perpetuating this martial art within the U.S. as well as increasing the amount of Kenpo masters within the U.S. Borders via training opportunities.

Kenpo Techniques

There are actually a melody of techniques that are involved in Kenpo. One of the most distinguishing aspects of the technique is the placement of emphasis on using the hands, feet, elbows, and knees to take down an opponent with a rapid series of blows. Individuals that are trained in this form can go through the ranks of belts that begin with white and going continue through 10th level black belt. American Kenpo or Kenpo Karate is an interesting martial art form with a rich historical past.