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Martial Arts: Kempo (Kenpo Karate)

Characteristics of Kenpo

Kenpo Karate is a complete fighting system that is particularly popular in the United States.

Kenpo places equal emphasis on the use of hands and feet and uses similar fighting techniques to other Okinawan fighting styles. Kenpo also practises Kata or forms like other martial arts. Whereas most Karate styles use white Gis (uniforms) throughout, a visual characteristic of Kenpo is its use of black Gi’s for higher grades and even the mixing of black Gi tops with white pants and vice versa.

History of Kenpo

Like most Okinawan fighting arts, Kenpo Karate can trace its roots back to the Shaolin monks of China. Master “To-De” Sakugawa (1733-1815) from Shuri, the ancient capital of Okinawa, travelled to China in the 18th century to train with the Chuan Fa masters (Chuan Fa is what Chinese Kung Fu was called at that time). On his return to Okinawa he developed what became known as Shuri Te, from which Kenpo was later born. In contrast, the Okinawan martial arts developed in Naha, the modern-day capital of Okinawa, first became known as Naha-Te, and developed later on into Goju-Ryu Karate).

In 1916 a young Hawaiian named James Mitose travelled to Kyushu in Japan where he learnt Kosho Ryu Kempo. He later returned to Hawaii where he taught William Chow, who further developed the art. To differentiate his system from that of Mitose, William Chow called his school Kenpo Karate. As a visual break from the traditional Japanese and Okinawan Karate styles, Mitose and Chow introduced the wearing of black Gi’s for higher ranks, to indicate that Kenpo was a different and more of a “war art” than the increasingly sports-oriented, white-Gi-wearing Karate styles.

Ed Parker, father of American Kenpo

Ed Parker, also a Hawaiian, was a student of William Chow. Ed Parker is considered the father of American Kenpo, as he had the greatest modern day influence on the spread of Kenpo around the world. Ed Parker opened the first ever university campus martial arts school in Utah USA in 1954, at the age of only 23.

Ed Parker later became a tournament promoter. At one of his early tournaments, Bruce Lee first came into the view of the general public. Ed Parker was also active as a movie actor, stunt coordinator, author and instructor to many famous Hollywood actors.

Kempo or Kenpo?

There is no difference between Kenpo and Kempo, they are different spellings of the same martial art. The Japanese kanji character for kenpo and kempo is the same, yet when translated to English, the N can also be an M. Kenpo or Kempo translates to “Law of the fist”.

Origin of Kenpo: Okinawa

Founded By: Sakugowa

Popularised by: Edmund K Parker better known simply as Ed Parker or “The Father of American Kenpo”.
Among his most famous students where Elvis Presley, Larry Hartsell, Steve McQueen, Robert Wagner, Warren Beatty, Audie Murphy and Dan Inosanto.

Books by Ed Parker
Infinite Insights into Kenpo Vol 1 Mental Stimulation
Infinite Insights into Kenpo Vol 2 Physical Analyzation

90 Responses to “Kempo”

  1. brad Says:

    actually i was told, that the reason the “american/chinese” versions of the art are spelled with an n, is because chow did not have the money to repub […] more

  2. Brenden Says:

    I have studied Kenpo for several years now, and find that it’s fluitity makes it very effective. I also study Ju-Jitsu and find it interesting and dev […] more

  3. Brenden Says:

    I am a blue belt in a MMA System that Studies Kenpo, JuJitsu, Judo, Kung-Fu, and Muay Thia. I love the MMA! Kenpo is one of my favorites because of th […] more

  4. Sean tallman Says:

    I am a soon-to-be-green belt in the American Kenpo martial arts system. I have also studied Tae-Kwon-Do, and a little bit of Sambo. I find that Kenpo […] more

  5. Luis Felix Says:

    I just turned into a 3rd Degree Sankyu, just to see if our systems are the same, does everyone here know the crash of eagle?

  6. Reggie Charles Says:

    My website includes a host of information regarding the history of “Moh Kempo”, a blend of Ed Parkers Kempo with Chinese influence. Taught at many sc […] more

  7. Send in the Clown Says:

    I’m not totally sure, as I do not practice Kenpo/kempo but I believe the reason for the letter switch is because the only consonant that can exist on […] more

  8. JEWL Says:

    Im soon to be officially a yellow belt. I have just started and so much to learn. It’s exciting and fun, but I also know concentration and co-ordinati […] more

  9. Jason Says:

    I am doing CHA3 Kenpo in Texas. I will be moving to Detroit, MI (northern suburb) next year. Does anyone know where I can continue my training in Ken […] more

  10. Peter Says:

    Kempo is a fun art. It’s got something for everyone. You like kicks? Go ahead and kick em’. Wanna choke em’ out? Great. How about some dynamite punch […] more

  11. Alexander Yundt Says:

    This is not technically about Kenpo it is about a different sytle of fighting. It is the Red Dragon style and it is not featured on this site, and I […] more

  12. Josh Says:

    My understanding of the “m” and “n” spelling is that while they are similar martial arts “kempo” has more opend hand techniques than “kenpo” does an […] more

  13. carl Says:

    iv been training kemop for about a year now and i have found myself to be a lot more physicly fit n my mind is at ease, im goin for my purple belt so […] more

  14. Rick Hansard Says:

    I study both Ryukyu Kempo and Tracy Kenpo. The Japanese word Kempo means law or constitution. The ‘n’ and ‘m’ are interchangable. The word kenpo or […] more

  15. kenpoest Says:

    what i like most about kenpo is the groin kicks. it’s great to see the shock on peoples faces when they get kicked

  16. Dizzy D Says:

    The thing I find that I like about Kenpo, I currently am enrolled in Combined Kenpo, is the different hand-strikes and the way my specific teacher has […] more

  17. Melanie Says:

    I really loved this when I took it. I think it is superior to other forms of martial arts. Can’t wait to find a good teacher again. My last teacher wa […] more

  18. Asia Selke Says:

    I am trying to get in touch with Reggie Charles. I have some questions regarding Olaf Simon. I can be reached at (206) 375-8785 or at my e-mail ad […] more

  19. Kenpo'ist Says:

    Hey, i am currently a 3rd degree brown belt in kenpo… Heres an awesome book with alot of history of kenpo… “The Journey” It will […] more

  20. Tom Gibbons Says:

    Ken means fist in japanese, and Po means law. I take Tracy Karate and I’m a green belt.

  21. Alex Says:

    Hi i am a Black Belt in KEMPO karate i Have stopped doing it as it was closed down as my karate teacher died aged 60 from limbfatic cancer i am a fema […] more

  22. Robert Says:

    I have to mentionNick Cerio and Great Grand Master George P. Both are great in american Kempo and are the founders of Kempo in the North East. Now t […] more

  23. Jaquez, Trenton NJ Says:

    We must not forget IKCA Kenpo developed by Grandmaster Sullivan and Grandmaster LeRoux. This “lean and mean” version is second to none for self-defen […] more

  24. Gary Says:

    A lot of great teachers in Colorado. One of whom trained with Ed Parker for numerous years. My email is brkentoes@msn.com

  25. Jonathan Says:

    Kajukenbo is I believe a Hawaiian born style that is a street fighting style. I don’t know too much about it, but it’ll be another style you may add t […] more

  26. maria Says:

    I currently am a student at west wind karate where we are taught Kempo and i love it. I am stronger faster and really balanced now as opposed to befo […] more

  27. Steve Says:

    I am a 2nd degree black belt in the style of Chinese Kempo. We do teach Crash of the Eagle. It is for a rear choke hold.

  28. Joe Says:

    Kenpo is a dynamite self-defense system. Even Krav Maga has taken some techniques from Kenpo. How street effective is Kenpo? Don’t forget Elvis’s b […] more

  29. Ray Says:

    Olaf Simon was a very good teacher in the 1960’s. In the 70’s he seemed to have changed directions to teach entirely different things.

  30. All Things Anne » Blog Archive » Monday, June 23 Says:

    […] #8217;s chihuahua’s, Dad and I liked this one better. Steven’s friend Alex, a Kempo expert, came over and the boys wrestled with hi […] more

  31. Dylan Says:

    i am currently a yellow belt in chinese kempo and i love it. i have gained knowledge and confidence in the past months yet i know i still have so much […] more

  32. dale skog Says:

    I was an instructor at Simon Karate Studios in Edmonton in the early 70,s if you have any questions I’d be happy to answer them.

  33. http://www.itzarap.com/forums/legendary-text-league/11172-kempomrk-0-0-v-s-thoro-bred-0-0-needs-votes-2.html#post90995 Says:

    […] You want that top-dollar-du’, you better come correct, clear? ‘Cause this a text battle, Martial Arts has no effect-here Detect-none, I’ll wr […] more

  34. Master Moran Says:

    The BUSHIDO-ZEN KENPO KARATE SYSTEM This system is one of the most effective systems of Kenpo come and try a free private lesson and see for yourself […] more

  35. Joe Says:

    it’s funny how some people just because they practice an art they think it’s the best.

  36. Joe Trenton NJ Says:

    IKCA Kenpo is the most effective Kenpo system bar none. I have reviewed the “so called” best combat/military styles and street systems. IKCA Kenpo i […] more

  37. Gonzalez, NJ Says:

    I would also agree that the IKCA version of Kenpo is a most effective protection style. However, a basic knowledge of boxing added to any Kenpo syste […] more

  38. Fos Me a pesta la voca Says:

    El Kenpo es arte mas effectivo en la calle. Combinatdo con el aroma de voca susia y alguien que no se baje en una semana es muy bueno for the defense […] more

  39. mo dafiah Says:

    is “kempo” the same thing as kajukenpo or something completely different?

  40. Mio Chai Chun Says:

    I study kempo and love it. so much fun i have. im a orange belt.

  41. Geoff wetaski Says:

    I trained under Olaf Simon in the 80’s and I really liked him, I concider myself to be one of the lucky ones. He was as old as my mother and kicking 8 […] more

  42. magid salari Says:

    this is magid salari .iam one of the martial art specialist that have two world recorde in 2000and 2003 also iam iranian art chief in different field […] more

  43. Robert Says:

    This is in reference to Sean saying the kenpo is legal only in a few states. Actually kenpo is legal in every state. There is no reason for a state […] more

  44. Robert Says:

    Luis, Yes I know Crash of the Eagle. In fact I teach both Crash of the Eagle 1 & 2. But I’m baffled at your belting system: 3rd degree Sanky […] more

  45. John, NJ Says:

    Master Joe Gonzalez of Trenton NJ is a pioneer in Mercer County Martail Arts. Master Gonzalez has created Civilian Combatives a street effective syst […] more

  46. Luke Says:

    Kempo is a very effective real fighting art. Its origins, and the knowledge passed on by its teachers, spring from the true base of martial arts. Th […] more

  47. Sarah Says:

    WARNING: KEMPO Is a SCAM……My husband went and did the 2 free classes. First they made him buy the $50 Gee, then they made him sign a “Temporary” c […] more

  48. Sarah Says:

    WARNING: KEMPO martial arts, lynnwood, WA Is a SCAM……My husband went and did the 2 free classes. First they made him buy the $50 Gee, then they ma […] more

  49. Jerry Says:

    Sorry Sarah, but kempo is not a scam, the place you went may be a scam. Kempo is a very efficent and deadly form of martial arts. What you need to d […] more

  50. Peter Says:

    I would simply say that it is not the art itself which is the scam - it is the particular school or instructor. You have to be careful because like a […] more

  51. william Says:

    iam a learner from Kenya and am still learning.I LOVE kempo because i can defend myself.I would like to encourage people to join in.

  52. Joseph Says:

    That is very unfortunate. Many schools have adopted the contract policy. That usually does not mean a bad school, but what they did to you and your […] more

  53. bobby farquhar Says:

    dont know who scamed you but l teach the sas the police and have taught adfa as the only civilian to be named by Cosgrove in a speach as a mentor.so r […] more

  54. Bochichero Peste De Voca Says:

    As a french/portugese imigrante I studi Kenpo y un poco de sekotero. In my mind I feel that too Kenpu and Pd Earker is legend. Video practicas is al […] more

  55. Jerry NJ Says:

    I heard of Master Gonzalez from some boxer friends who said he had pretty good hands and was a hard body puncher in his day. He was suppose to be a s […] more

  56. Ken Relf Says:

    The differences between Kenpo and Kempo are nothing more but an error at the publisher’s office. James Mitose wrote it as kempo, but the publisher […] more

  57. daniel bowling Says:

    i have studyed kempo for 13 years now it has helped be a better person as well give me the convidence needed in the world today i hope to someday see […] more

  58. Sabonim effiong emmanuel asuquo 2 dan blackbelt in taekwondo Says:

    I’ve practise kempo for some years now and im in brown belt stage 2. My coach is no more around and i need some cd plates and materials to help me fur […] more

  59. Clyde Says:

    Most people in Kenpo are honest. This is what happens when you commercialize the arts and take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Kempo MA of Lynn […] more

  60. Fantasma Says:

    a, plea excue me as my americano is very poor. My practice is chicano style kenpo. mi instructore was samuel ongopies of ciudad mexico. 3rd deg in […] more

  61. Ken Relf Says:

    It is a shame. I wonder if the school should have originally told your husband the monthly fee up front first, or prior to signing the contract. Most […] more

  62. ghassoub hag Says:

    to whom to be concern: My name is ghassoub hag , karat instructor from Nazareth-holly land. my style is kenpo. I’m working alone now,till now I didn’ […] more

  63. Josh Says:

    Sorry that happened to you. You might want to try United Studios of Self Defense in Lynnwood WA. They cost about as much, but they don’t make you buy […] more

  64. Gil Salagas, Ret US Army Says:

    Master Gonzalez is one of the true innovaters in real defense training. I have had the time to review his system and it seems to have all the necessa […] more

  65. david Says:

    they forget to mention chinese kenpo here, in which chinese kenpo is the true “full” version of kenpo, american kenpos black belt is green in chinese […] more

  66. Mfryu Says:

    The scam was the school, not the Kempo system.

  67. mohkempochief Says:

    anyone can write this or that of scams when there is no acountability. That would make YOU the scammer. take responsibility- the martial arts code of […] more

  68. Sensei Wesner Says:

    No doubt about it, Jujitsu is one of the most complete Martial srts /Combat systems in the world. If you wanna learn more about Jujitsu and Mixed mart […] more

  69. Vince Says:

    Back in the day (WAY BACK), Kempo was my second black belt. When combined with another martial art it is especially lethal and great caution should be […] more

  70. Peter Says:

    The mixing of black Gi tops with white pants is not done for style it is a symbol of rank! When a practitioner wares a black Gi top and white pants […] more

  71. Alex E Says:

    If you have studied Japanese academically then you would know Kenpo’s spelling is based either on the Hepburn or Kunrei-shiki romanization system. Th […] more

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  73. Kempo Student Says:

    The school your husband went to was the scam, not Kempo. I can see signing a liability waiver, but never a contract. Our studio gives 2 free weeks and […] more

  74. STEVE KEELE Says:

    I am shihan Steve Keele Okinawa Kempo Freestyle Karate-Do.You may contact me at 1-805-740-2819 I was trained on okinawa in Kempo.

  75. Tanzeel Says:

    My name is Tanzeel, I am here submitting my information as Manufacturer and Exporter of Martial Arts Uniforms and Boxing Equipments. Please visit my […] more

  76. Master Wesner Says:

    You are invited to join The institute of Jujitsu studies. Go To jujitsustudies.com

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    […] verage () Customer Reviews (0) Write a Review Rating Roll over stars and choose a rating. Martial Arts Info – Kempo I am doing CHA3 Kenpo […] more

  78. Ken Burke Says:

    I studied the Villari shaolin kempo karate system for six years and got a black belt. As far as the “difference” between kenpo and kempo karate, th […] more

  79. Master Zax Says:

    I have studied under Grandmaster Villari for more than 23 years and his system has never used kenpo in its name. Kenpo was used by Ed Parker and is ve […] more

  80. Larry Says:

    Soke Gonzalez is a true pioneer. Way too many people looking for publicity. Not Soke Joe who has expertise dating back to 1966. A real gentleman too.

  81. Scott Craig Says:

    A big hello to all readers. It has been almost 20 years for me, since I was in the system with Grand Master Simon. That period of time was and h […] more

  82. Jesse Says:

    I studied and trained in kenpo when I was younger. I ended at purple belt. I wish I would have stayed in my class. Kenpo is a really good and fun mart […] more

  83. Jim Wines Says:

    took ryukyu kempo 1 year and my instructor retired I am a puprle belt now but have not kept up with my tng. Hope to pick back up when I find a new ins […] more

  84. Robin Barto Says:

    You totally left out mention of the Tracy Brothers. Al Tracy is the GrandMaster of Tracy’s Kenpo Karate which is one of the most successful systems i […] more

  85. taane royal morris Says:

    how many belts? how many levels? what days do you train? what age do you have to be? is there diffrent sessions?

  86. Dominic Banning Says:

    I have been going to Kempo for about 4 years, and I still can’t learn enough because I find this Martial Arts class to be supportive

  87. kempochad Says:

    Hello everyone, I’m Chad from upstate New York. I study the art of Shaolin Kempo Karate or Chinese Kempo, Under SiGung “Rudy” Duncan. He’s a 6th Dan. […] more

  88. samuel Says:

    There is for one time for kenpo simply for one nice movement, and leaving in one harmony of a life.AIKIDO Sensei in level 5

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Contribute!

If you are an exponent of Kempo (or should we have by accident or ignorance omitted your martial arts style elsewhere on this site), we invite you to send us a little paragraph or two that highlight certain aspects of Kempo, including history, current grand-masters, special features or techniques, strengths and weaknesses, and similarities and differences to related martial arts. Please contribute by using the form below.