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American Kenpo

American Kenpo
Image via Wikipedia

American Kenpo (aka Kenpo Karate) has been around since the late 1940s. It is a martial arts technique that employs quick, moves delivered very rapidly. It consists of more than 700 separate and distinct self-defense techniques, blocks and 72 kicks. The intention is to overwhelm the opponent.
Edmund K. Parker

William Chow taught Edmund Parker the art of Kenpo. Edmund Parker made refinements to the methods, theories and concepts of Kenpo and is now considered the creator of American Kenpo.

He passed away in 1990 and left no successor.

American Kenpo, as Parker developed it, became a blend and crossover of other martial arts philosophies:

• Chinese Arts such as Hung Gar and Choy Li Fut influenced what became American Kenpo.
• In a book published in 1960, Parker’s Kenpo incorporated the use of smooth linear and circular movements heavily influenced by the Japanese practice of martial arts.
• In American Kenpo, Parker began eliminating all Asian language elements and some of the Asian traditions. Instead, he used American English. His techniques transitioned from Chinese and Japanese to his own favored forms and methods.

Famous American Kenpo Practitioners

In addition to Elvis Presley, probably Ed Parker’s most famous student, Edmund Parker trained such well known personalities as Robert Wagner, George Hamilton, Warren Beatty, Robert Culp and Blake Edwards.

Parker also wrote several books including “The Zen of Kenpo” and the “Encyclopedia of Kenpo”. He acted as a martial arts advisor on many movies and television programs and published a rule booklet for karate competitions.

Today, there are Ed Parker schools and affiliates all throughout the United States and internationally in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Africa and may other countries.

The Belt System

Diferent martial arts use different designations. The American Kenpo uses a belt system consisting of:

• White, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green
• First, Second and Third Brown
• First through Tenth Black

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Kids and Kenpo

The Karate Kid
Image by Brian Auer via Flickr

There’s a phenomenon out there in kid land, similar to the cowboy and Indian scenario. Children all want to be the hero compelled by their inner strength to save others from the mayhem created by the evil villains. They’ve evolved however, from cowboys and Indians to Power Rangers and The Justice League. From the Ultimate Alliance to the Karate Kid, all children; boys and girls will love participating in Kenpo Karate and living out their fantasy in real life.

Most sports offer children a chance to be physically fit, but Kenpo offers so much more. Kenpo is not just about self-defense. It’s true that your son or daughter may be able to defend themselves against bullies on the playground, but Kenpo also gives them a sense of discipline and self-control. It teaches them about respect for themselves and for others. They will learn skills to help them problem solve throughout their life and they will not only become strong physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

It’s becoming much easier to find a way for your children to participate in Kenpo. In fact, most cities across the United States have many dojos to choose from. Take a look in your local phone directory, or you can even find one on line.  You are bound to locate something close to home. Take you child out and visit the classes. Find an instructor and style that fits their personality best.

Keep in mind that Kenpo Karate is not just a sport for children. Parents are often encouraged to participate with their kids. There is no greater bond that can be made then when you are working together toward a specific goal. Kenpo is just the vessel to help you achieve that. What a great gift to give your child, your time.  How about not only strengthening your mind and body, but your relationships as well. Your family may just become “Incredible” after all.

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Kenpo Karate in America

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.

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