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
December 3rd, 2005 at 8:44 pm
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
February 17th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
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
February 17th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
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
March 23rd, 2006 at 4:53 pm
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
April 3rd, 2006 at 10:42 pm
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?
May 3rd, 2006 at 7:38 pm
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
May 30th, 2006 at 11:18 am
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
June 8th, 2006 at 8:46 pm
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
August 8th, 2006 at 1:37 pm
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
October 3rd, 2006 at 9:49 pm
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
November 20th, 2006 at 1:31 pm
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
December 9th, 2006 at 8:56 pm
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
January 23rd, 2007 at 9:32 am
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
February 14th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
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
April 23rd, 2007 at 1:45 pm
what i like most about kenpo is the groin kicks. it’s great to see the shock on peoples faces when they get kicked
May 13th, 2007 at 9:39 am
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
August 4th, 2007 at 1:37 am
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
November 3rd, 2007 at 1:25 pm
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
November 8th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
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
November 16th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Ken means fist in japanese, and Po means law. I take Tracy Karate and I’m a green belt.
November 20th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
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
December 22nd, 2007 at 6:40 pm
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
January 9th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
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
January 13th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
A lot of great teachers in Colorado. One of whom trained with Ed Parker for numerous years. My email is brkentoes@msn.com
March 21st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
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
March 23rd, 2008 at 7:50 pm
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
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
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.
April 29th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
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
June 6th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
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.
July 6th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
[…] #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
August 20th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
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
August 31st, 2008 at 8:51 am
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.
September 5th, 2008 at 4:05 am
[…] 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
September 20th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
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
October 10th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
it’s funny how some people just because they practice an art they think it’s the best.
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
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
December 7th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
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
December 7th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
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
January 9th, 2009 at 3:37 am
is “kempo” the same thing as kajukenpo or something completely different?
February 1st, 2009 at 11:14 am
I study kempo and love it. so much fun i have. im a orange belt.
February 13th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
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
March 1st, 2009 at 3:24 am
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
March 25th, 2009 at 9:47 am
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
March 25th, 2009 at 9:51 am
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
May 7th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
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
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:57 am
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
September 4th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
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
September 4th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
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
September 6th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
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
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:37 pm
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
October 4th, 2009 at 3:15 am
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.
October 5th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
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
October 15th, 2009 at 8:15 am
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
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
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
October 27th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
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
November 5th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
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
November 20th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
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
November 24th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
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
December 8th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
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
December 8th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
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
January 4th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
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
January 8th, 2010 at 2:56 am
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
April 5th, 2010 at 12:19 am
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
April 5th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
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
May 19th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
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
July 9th, 2010 at 11:30 am
The scam was the school, not the Kempo system.
August 5th, 2010 at 2:10 am
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
November 8th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
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
January 6th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
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
January 26th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
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
January 28th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
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
February 4th, 2011 at 1:28 am
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March 14th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
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
March 24th, 2011 at 11:31 pm
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.
March 25th, 2011 at 1:33 am
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
March 26th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
You are invited to join The institute of Jujitsu studies. Go To jujitsustudies.com
May 23rd, 2011 at 4:32 am
[…] 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
May 29th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
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
June 1st, 2011 at 4:40 pm
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
June 25th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
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.
July 27th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
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
August 1st, 2011 at 3:44 pm
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
August 18th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
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
August 27th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
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
September 14th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
how many belts? how many levels? what days do you train? what age do you have to be? is there diffrent sessions?
October 20th, 2011 at 7:53 pm
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
October 31st, 2011 at 12:36 pm
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
November 19th, 2011 at 6:09 am
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
November 20th, 2011 at 2:35 am
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January 25th, 2012 at 9:46 pm
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