Differences between Kenpo and Kempo?
- Thread starter Kane
- Start date
mhouse
Yellow Belt
Kenpo and Kempo are essentially the same. But there are a lot of variations in the type of Kenpo/Kempo.
Directly translated it means "Fist Law".
All the Kenpo/Kempo arts trace their lineage back to James Mitose. I beleive there are several threads here about him. Mitose trained a few students, one of the most important (from the perspective of passing on and improving the art) is William K.S. "Thunderbolt" Chow. Chow in turn trained a number of the most prominant names in the Kenpo/Kempo. I beleive, and please someone correct me if I speak out of turn, that Chow was the first one to change the spelling from Kempo to Kenpo.
Chow's Students included:
- Ed Parker, creater of what is refered to as American Kenpo. Also known as Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate. Grandmaster Parker has a long and distinguished list of student. Any search on the name Ed Parker will bring up a significant list of web sites. Some other names to look up, students who studied with Mr. Parker are: Frank Tejo, Huk Planas, Larry Tatum, Al Tracy.
- William Chun. As Professor Nick Cerio continued his studies, he trained with Chun for a while before being granted permission to train with Grandmaster Chow. Unfortunatly, my knowledge on Chun and his additions to the art are limited to his interaction with Professor Cerio. Others on this board my be able to provide more on him.
- Sam Kouha, Grandmaster of Kara-Ho Kenpo. According to his web site, Kara-Ho is the system developed by Grandmaster Chow. Again, I know little about Grandmaster Kouha. For more information on him, I recommend www.karaho.com (his web site)
- Adrian Emperado, Grandmaster Emperado got together with top pratitioners of other arts and created the Kajukenbo system (KArate - JU Jistu - KENpo - Chinese BOxing) [I believe that is the breakdown, others may correct me]
The lineage I study came from Kajukenbo.(Emperado - Gascon - Presare - Cerio - Villari - Bryant&Nohelty)
If you want to learn more about Kenpo/Kempo, I can recommend some other web sites.
www.duncansmartialarts.com has an excellent linage diagram. Keep in mind it is focused on the lineage of Master Duncan but it does show the names I gave above and it does have web links to many of them.
Hope this helps.
Directly translated it means "Fist Law".
All the Kenpo/Kempo arts trace their lineage back to James Mitose. I beleive there are several threads here about him. Mitose trained a few students, one of the most important (from the perspective of passing on and improving the art) is William K.S. "Thunderbolt" Chow. Chow in turn trained a number of the most prominant names in the Kenpo/Kempo. I beleive, and please someone correct me if I speak out of turn, that Chow was the first one to change the spelling from Kempo to Kenpo.
Chow's Students included:
- Ed Parker, creater of what is refered to as American Kenpo. Also known as Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate. Grandmaster Parker has a long and distinguished list of student. Any search on the name Ed Parker will bring up a significant list of web sites. Some other names to look up, students who studied with Mr. Parker are: Frank Tejo, Huk Planas, Larry Tatum, Al Tracy.
- William Chun. As Professor Nick Cerio continued his studies, he trained with Chun for a while before being granted permission to train with Grandmaster Chow. Unfortunatly, my knowledge on Chun and his additions to the art are limited to his interaction with Professor Cerio. Others on this board my be able to provide more on him.
- Sam Kouha, Grandmaster of Kara-Ho Kenpo. According to his web site, Kara-Ho is the system developed by Grandmaster Chow. Again, I know little about Grandmaster Kouha. For more information on him, I recommend www.karaho.com (his web site)
- Adrian Emperado, Grandmaster Emperado got together with top pratitioners of other arts and created the Kajukenbo system (KArate - JU Jistu - KENpo - Chinese BOxing) [I believe that is the breakdown, others may correct me]
The lineage I study came from Kajukenbo.(Emperado - Gascon - Presare - Cerio - Villari - Bryant&Nohelty)
If you want to learn more about Kenpo/Kempo, I can recommend some other web sites.
www.duncansmartialarts.com has an excellent linage diagram. Keep in mind it is focused on the lineage of Master Duncan but it does show the names I gave above and it does have web links to many of them.
Hope this helps.
Mekugi
Orange Belt
Kenpo is Kempo spelled "incorrectly". Note the quotation marks, as I have just spelled kempo wrong in pointing that little nuance out. This is because in it's proper form the word would be "Kempou" or "kempō" <---notice the Hepburn vowel stress. The rule goes "n becomes m before p,b or m" in Japanese.
ANYWAY.....
Shorinji Kempo, and other Japanese/Okinawa Kempo generally have nothing to do with James Mitose, which could be thought of as the father of "American" kempo; in this case mhouse has given a lovely list!
BTW there is also the word "kempo", which stands for sword law- this is definitely not the same beast, but something good to know.
Always,
ANYWAY.....
Shorinji Kempo, and other Japanese/Okinawa Kempo generally have nothing to do with James Mitose, which could be thought of as the father of "American" kempo; in this case mhouse has given a lovely list!
BTW there is also the word "kempo", which stands for sword law- this is definitely not the same beast, but something good to know.
Always,
Randy Strausbaugh
Master Black Belt
James Mitose used the Kenpo spelling in his books ("What Is Self Defense" and "In Search of Kenpo").mhouse said:
Hope this helps.
Randy Strausbaugh said:James Mitose used the Kenpo spelling in his books ("What Is Self Defense" and "In Search of Kenpo").
Hope this helps.
Strangely enough, in the original manuscript, it was apparently spelled kempo, but the change appears to be a publisher's error. If you get a chance to look at the 'letters' reviewing / recommending his book in the front of the first edition, they all refer to "What is Self Defense: Kempo Jiu-jitsu". He also spelled it "JIU-JITSU (KEMPO)" on Thomas Young's instructor certificate. (7/1/46)
I'm not sure that helps any.
Matt
Matt said:
I have heard this rumor from the Juchnik camp before. I would like to someday see a copy of this certificate, since this was a specific question I asked Thomas Young in a 1988 interview I had with him. His response at the time was "KeNpo". Another response was that he had never heard Mitose refer to the art as "Kosho Ryu", only "Kenpo Jiu Jitsu" and "Shorinji Kenpo".
8
8253
Guest
differences N and M along with some changes in different lineages.
Randy Strausbaugh
Master Black Belt
To further confuse matters, four of those letters (all dated 1947) referred to the book by the title "What Is Self Defense by Kempo Jiu-jitsu". In a 1953 letter by Dr. Arthur Keawe, printed in the second edition (1980 reissue), Dr. Keawe uses the KeNpo spelling. Since Dr. Keawe was a direct student of Mitose, it may be assumed that both he and Thomas Young knew how Mitose wished the name of the art to be spelled.Matt said:
I've heard the publisher's error story before, but in "Mitose's In Search of Kenpo" (published in 1984), the word is spelled "Kenpo" throughout. Surely, if the "Kenpo" spelling was a publisher's error in 1953, it is unlikely that it would have been repeated in 1984 by a different publisher in a different book by the same author.
Sorry if this doesn't help. :asian:
bluenosekenpo
Orange Belt
enjoy!
Kenpo FAQ
Disclaimer: This FAQ does not necessarily represent the opinions, knowledge, or practices of the Stanford Kenpo Karate Club. It just came across our e-mail one day.
[=]------------------------------------------------------------------------[=] K E M P O / K E N P O FAQ version 1.1 February 16, 1994 contributers : Bryan Zarnett bzarnett@jupiter.scs.ryerson.ca Paul Seaby paseaby@bclands.ccrl.gov.bc.ca [=]------------------------------------------------------------------------[=]The following FAQ is for the Kempo/Kenpo arts in general and is not specific to one particular Kempo/Kenpo school. In most cases, during this FAQ, the wording "Kempo" is used to describe both Kempo and Kenpo. Please send me any feedback, questions, complaints, etc about this faq. Please note, that this faq, in no way (just incase anyone thinks it is), meant to be offensive and if you think it is...well...sorry. Any corrections to any information given as well as additions are much appreciated.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
* NOTE * Certain names in times are in conflict and the most commons ones where used in this document The art of Kempo, also written as Kenpo is unique as far as its history goes in two respects; it is considered by many the first eclectic martial art, as well as having its founding roots stretch back to 520 BC The person who was a catalyst of the way of Kempo was a prince and warrior of southern India called Bodhidharma. According to the records of the Lo-Yang temple, Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk under the tutelage of Prajnatara and it is presumed that upon his death bed that Prajnatara requested Bodhidharma to travel to China where he felt the principles of Buddhism where in decline, and that the knowledge of dhyana (Zen koans) should be known.
It is estimated that in 520 BC during the Southern dynasties that Bodhidharma entered China and travelled northward to the kingdom of Wei where the fabled meeting with emperor Wu of the Liang dynasty began. This meeting is recorded do to the intense conversation and discussion of Buddhism and dhyana which took place. The meeting was to no avail, his words to the worldly emperor meant nothing, and thus, sullened by his attempts, Bodhidharma left the palace of the emperor and travelled to the Honan province where we entered the Shaolin temple and began a martial history.
Bodhidharmas depression grew once he reached the famed Shaolin temple for Prajnatra's telling was true. The monks where in a raged condition physically and mentally diminished do to the excess amount of time the monks spent in meditation and little else. Many of the monks would often fall asleep in meditation while others needed assistance in the basic nessicities of life - so feeble was there condition.
For an unknown period of time Bodhidharma meditated in a cave at the outskirts of the temple seeking for a way to renew the feat of Buddha's light, as well as letting the monks regain control over there lives. Upon his return Bodhidharma instructed the monks into the courtyard, from the strong to the feeble and began to explain and work with them in the art of Shih Pa Lo Han Sho, or the 18 hands of Lo Han. These techniques which are the foundation for almost all martial arts today where never originally intended to be utilized as methods of fighting but where a manner in which the monks could attain enlightenment while preserving there bodies health.
During the Sui period, approximitly forty years or so after the death of Bodhidharma it is told that brigands assaulted the Shaolin monetary; one of many attacks that would occur until the early twentieth century. During this first invasion, the monks attempts at defending there temple where futile, there skills where not attuned to fighting techniques and it looked as if the temple would fall. A monk of the temple, with reference only as the "begging monk", during the last seige of the temple by the brigands attacked several of the outlaws with an array of aggressive hand and foot techniques, killing some and driving the remaining attackers away. The other monks where so inspired by the display of this single priest that they requested tuteledge in this martial style as a means of protection. In later scripts this fighting art was recorded as Chuan Fa or Fist Method.
Over several decades the fighting arts of the Shaolin temple grew and where said to prosper over 400 arts in total over the next several centuries. Several decades after the fight of the begging monk, a master of Chuan Fa called Ch'ueh Taun Shang-jen was said to have rediscovered the original Shih Pa Lo Han Sho which had been lost for many years. Ch'ueh over a period of time integrated his art of Chuan Fa with that of Lo Han increasing the total number of techniques from the original eighteen to total of seventy-two. For several years after this period Ch'ueh travelled the country side of China promoting his art in several gruelling fighting matches until he came upon a man named Li in the province of Shensi. Li, a master of Chuan Fa as well as other martial ways (including rumours of Chin Na) travelled and trained with Ch'ueh for some time developing the ciriculim of Chuan Fa to form a total of one-hundred and seventy techniques. Furthermore, they categorized these techniques into five distinctive groups distinguished by various animals who instinctive reactions best reflected the movements of this new Chuan Fa. Upon there return to the Shaolin temple of which both Li and Ch'ueh belonged they presented to the other monks wu xing quan, the five animal form and brought to the Shaolin temple a new stage in martial arts evolution.
Over the next several centuries the history of Chuan Fa and its advent to Kempo is ragged in its tales and difficult to gain accurate descriptions. What is known is that the art of Chuan Fa remained and is still practiced in China, but its teaching also found its way to Okinawian Islands and the Ryukyu kingdoms as well as Japan. In both places, the art was referred to as Kempo or Law of the fist. Between the Sui and Ming periods (an 800 year gap) it is considered that many a wandering monk travelled across Japan and Okinawa bringing with them a working knowledge of the art of Kempo which explains its wide-spread distribution. The art of Chuan Fa which translates into Kempo would have been taught as a supplement to the daily spiritual training the monks endured. Many of the monks would often choose disciples or teach at various Buddhist temples bringing forth the word of Buddha, and the power of Chuan Fa. From there the art of Kempo could easily spread among the commoners and nobles alike
Another reason for the founding in Kempo can be seen in the numerous trips the Japanese and Okinawian made to China to learn the fabled art of Chuan Fa. Some people would disappear for many years, presumed dead by there families, only to resurface as a master of Kempo and other martial arts. One such man was named Sakugawa. Sakugawa lived in the village of Shuri on the island of Okinawa and travelled to China during the 18th century to learn the martial secrets of the Chuan Fa masters. For many years Sakugawa had not been seen and many believe he had died in his journeys, but after much time he did return, much to the surprise of his kin. Sakugawa has learned the secrets of Chuan Fa and had become a master of some repute himself. Over many years of refinement the art Sakugawa had learned slowly was renamed to Shuri-te and is considered the predassesor to many forms of modern Karate.
Another member of Shuri, Shionja also travelled to China as Sakugawa did but on his return in 1784 brought with him a Chinese companion named Kushanku. Both men brought with them the art of Chuan Fa which they had studied together in China and began to demonstrate around Okinawa. Its is believed that Kushaku and Shionja had the greatest influence in Okinawian Kempo styles than any other martial artist.
Unfortunatly, the eveolution of Kempo in Japan is just as abrupt and mysterious although a flurry of attention to the art was brought during the reign of Hideyoshi Toyotomi's plans of conquering China. It is referred that many a samurai on there return from China whether during or after the war brought with them extensive knowledge of Chuan Fa and throughout the years modified it to include there own arts of Jujutsu and Aikijutsu and it is at this state where the greatest evolution of Kempo takes place since the time of Li and Ch'ueh.
At the begining of the seventeenth century two families, Kumamoto and Nagasaki brought knowledge of Kempo from China to Kyushu in Japan. This art was modified throughout many years into its current form which is referred to as Kosho ryu Kempo, or Old Pine Tree school and it is from here that most modern forms of Kempo are derived. In 1916 at the age of five, James Mitose was sent to Kyushu from his homeland in Hawai for schooling in his ancestors are of self-defense called Kosho ryu Kempo. For fifteen years he studied this art which was a direct descendent of the original Chuan Fa. After completing his training in Japan, Mitose returned to Hawaii and in 1936 opened the "Official Self-Defense" club in Beretania mission in Honolulu. It was here that the five major Kempo influences; Thomas Young, William Chow, Edmund Howe, Arthur Keawe and Paul Yamaguchi would study and bring Kempo to the world.
In 1934, before Mitose's return to the United States, the term Kempo-Karate was first used. In an issue of Yoen Jiho Sha newspaper an advertising for the visit of Chogun Miyagi, afamous karateka and founder of Goju ryu karate do, to the island of Hawaii. The use of the two terms is under speculation. Some suspect it was simply an advertising scheme while others believe that Chogun Miyagi's Goju ryu was actually a pure form of Kempo, and that the term karate was simply more well known.
William Chow is perhaps responsible for the largest leap of Kempo to the general public. William K.S. Chow studied Kempo under Mitose for several years and previously had studied his families art of Kung Fu. Chow united, like many Kempo masters before him the arts of Kosho ryu Kempo and his family Kung fu to form a new art which would eventually be referred to as Kara-ho Kempo. In 1949, Chow had attracted a number of students to his own teachings and opened a dojo of his own at a local YMCA. To make a distinct variation from Mitose's Kempo, Chow referred to his art as Kenpo Karate. Throughout the next few decades Chow made many innovations to the system including the use of circular techniques of his Kung Fu, as well as various kata or forms based on the primary linear and circular techniques of his art.
One of Chows most flourishing students was a Hawaiian native named Edmund Parker. Ed Parker as he was known was the last highly significant figure in the current tale of modern Kempo unleashing it to the world as well as propelling it into his current form. In 1954 Edmund Parker earned his black belt in kara-ho Kempo and two years later became a household name, teaching his art to the likes of Elvis Presley, and Steve Mcqueen. Ed Parker further refined and defined the techniques of Kara-ho Kempo till he perfected his American Kenpo Karate system. Ed Parker is often referred to as the father of American Karate.
From here, Kempo and its other forms take many twists and turns, constantly evolving into new states of being.
2.0 The Direction Of Kempo
With all things certain paths are given directing us on various roots to a final goal. Sometimes this goal is reached in a very short period of time, while at other times that goal is never completed by expanded by as new paths cross the original. The direction in which Kempo leads its practioners is similar to that - its goals are represented in a sphere, constantly expanding with the final goal only being the beginning of a new stage.
Kempo is a unique martial art having been founded several centuries ago in the Chinese Shaolin temple, thus bringing with it a certain air of mystery. As a martial art, Kempo is referred to as a Do. The Do is referred to in Buddhist Zen scripts as a path towards enlightenment. Lao Tzu, a priest of Taoism said "Mastering others requires force; Mastering the self requires enlightenment.." This phrases sums of the full circle of what Kempo strives towards. Although on its surface Kempo can be seen as a unique form of self-defense, hidden beneath its physical exterior are levels where characteristic centralization of mind and body form. At this level, Kempo's practioners up from a simple form of fighting to a higher level of ability - a level of enlightenment. Ying Kuchan, a Shaolin monk and master of Kempo after a lengthy period of meditation in a Zen rock garden spoke of Kempo saying "Kempo is the power of adaptability and yielding; the harmony of all things working together."
On the surface, Kempo's uniqueness lies in its comprehensive and diversified means of unarmed defense. Shaolin Kempo Karate proper is both an armed and unarmed system of combat incorporating applications in varying appearances and method. On an external level, Kempo is a no holds barred fighting system of offensive and defensive methods with equal emphasis of striking techniques with the hands and feet; immobilization and controls; projections and takedown; as well as weaponry and various spiritual and healing arts. Shaolin Kempo is a street wise defensive art that does not restrict its students in methodology. Clawing hands evolve into slashing feet. Cunning joint locks turn into devasting hip throws. Evasive blocks turn into breath closing chokes.
The possibilities are endless. The only true fighting systems are those where there are no rules applied. From the books of the Han dynasty we learn "Nothing is impossible to a willing mind." And it is from this saying that we can derive the upper principles of Shaolin Kempo. What sets Kempo apart from boxing, wrestling, and Sunday night football is an emphasis on centralization of body and mind, a concept understood by very few. Many people are quiet happy with only the surface value of Kempo taking its studies for reasons of physical health, self-defense, or a Monday night hobby. But for what level of imperfection will you settle for in yourself? If there is more to Kempo why not grasp it. Kempo tries to build a persons psychological persona as well as turing the ego self into the egoless self. The true Kempo is not a means of felling an opponent by force of hand or weapon, nor was it originally intended as a means of arms. Kempo calls for a bringing of inner peace to the self, and the universe around us. A master of Kempo is not only a master of self-defense, but a master of himself. In the end, the direction of Kempo was best described by Bruce Lee when he commented on his art of Jeet Kune Do; "To have no way as a way; To have no limitations as a limitation."
3.0 Whats the difference between Kempo and Kenpo?
Nothing. Actually, the only difference is in the translation of the Kanji to its english form. The word Kempo and Kempo are both pronounced the same and both mean "Law of the Fist." When the Japanease Kanji for Kempo is brought into english, either a "m" or "n" is placed in the word. Its sorta like saying "Qi" or "Chi", "Gung" or "Kung." Generally though, the more "traditional" (lightly used) forms of Kempo use the "Kempo" form, while the more non- traditional or contemporary versions use "Kenpo." William K.S. Chow was the first person to use the term Kenpo to show his break from the Mitose family Kosho ryu kempo.
4.0 Styles of Kempo
In no way is this a complete list of Kempo styles. The following is a list of Kempo styles that I have some information, if even vague amounts on. If you have information on forms of Kempo not listed here, please send me some so I can add it to the FAQ. The following list is of "unique" versions of Kempo, thus the 50-thousand versions of American Kenpo, etc, although refered to as different names (although they are the same) are not listed.
KOSHO RYU KEMPO - This style of Kempo was brought by visiting monks to to the Mitose family in the 15th century. Over the centuries this form of Shaolin Chuan Fa was blended and refined with forms of Jujutsu that where common to the area as well as Rinzai Zen philosophy, Kyudo, and other arts. Kosho, the name of the Mitose clan means "Old Pine Tree", and the Kempo art is refered to as "The Old Pine Tree Style." The current "grandmaster" of Kosho-ryu Kempo is Bruce Juchnik who uses the term Kosho Shoreiryu Kempo to descibe Mitose's school of Kempo. Mitose's son Thomas Barrow Mitose also teaches the true for of his fathers art and is considered by some the true grandmaster of the Kosho ryu style.
KARA-HO KENPO - Founded by William K.S. Chow, a student of James Mitose, this Kempo offshoot is a blend of the Kosho ryu Kempo and 5-animal Kung Fu of the Chow Family. Kara-ho Kenpo utilizes many circular as well as linear techniques and requires 500 such techniques to be learnt for black-belt status. Currently, karaho Kenpo is under the evolution of Sam Kuoha who has added various new techniques as well as 12 kata based on Chow's original 12 base linear techniques. Karaho Kenpo is urrently the fastest growing Kempo organization with currently over 5000 members to its teachings.
SHAOLIN KEMPO - The Shaolin Kempo system was formed by Fred Villari, a student of American and Shorinji kempo systems. Fred Villari's system tends more towards the Kung-Fu element and utilizes the techniques of the 5 animal Chuan Fa to a large extent. Added to the Kempo system was white tiger Chin na techniques as well as various Aikijutsu projections and immobilizations.
AMERICAN KENPO - An offspring of Kara-ho Kenpo, Ed Parker's American Kenpo system is the largest and most well organized system in exsistance. Parker took what CChow taught him and organized every technique and movement into a format that could be broken down into levels for all students. Parker felt that innovations he added to his Kenpo eventually made up 85% of the system and thus he renamed it American Kenpo Karate. The American Kenpo system can proudly be seen in the moves "The Perfect Weapon", and "Street Knight" starring 4th dan, Jeff Speakman, one of the heads of the United Kenpo Karate Association and protege of Ed Parker.
NICK CERIO'S KENPO - Nick Cerio's Kenpo was founded in 1974 and credits both Chow and Parker with the creation of the style. The Cerio kenpo school believe in the "old method of training", and teaches most of the shotokan forms, kung fu and kajukenbo forms, TKD kicks, Japanease stances, as well as Jujtusu. Weapons of both Chinease and Japanease systems are taught and maintains many traditional forms. Cerio calls Chow his "teacher" and Parker his "coach"
I am acknowledging the following Kempo systems although I have no information about them.
James Masayoshi Mitose December 20, 1915William K.S. Chow July 3, 1914Ed Parker March 10, 1931Sam HuohaBruce JuhnikFred VillariThomas MitoseAdrian EmperadoLarry TattumGeorge Dillman6.0 What martial arts compose the cirriculim of Kempo?
In general, most systems of Kempo consists of 4 primary arts which can be seen in 95% of Kempo system in both Okinawian and Japanease systems of Kempo, and consist of primarily Chinease influences.
( i) 18 hands of Lo Han (ii) 5 Animal Chuan Fa (iii) White Crane Chin Na (iv) JujutsuOther arts that can be found in Kempo schools include:
( i) Aikido or Aikijutsu (ii) White Crane Kung Fu (iii) Various weapon arts (iv) Sumo( v) Calligraphy, etc7.0 Does Kempo use other weapons other than its hands and feet?
In Kempo scools, defenses against knives and clubs are seen from yellow belt and up, and are considered prime weapons in which to defend against. Kempo also teaches its students how to use weapons to increase there understanding of defense. Weapons that are taught are both Chinease and Japanease in variety and vary widely. Some schools of Kempo teach the 8' staff, while others teach Chain Whip, and sai. Weapon training often begins at the green belt level, although in some schools it is restricted to those of black belt level and higher. In most Kempo schools, the primary weapon skills taught are:
( i) Knife (ii) Stick(s) (iii) Half Staff (Jo) (iv) 6' Staff ( v) Sword ( vi) Chain8.0 Does Kempo have forms?
Many people think that because Kempo is a highly-directed "self-defense" art that it contains no kata or forms. This is very untrue. Kempo has many form with a notable characteristic of having both circular and linear movements as well as hard and soft techniques. Kempo forms are used to teach speed and coordination of strikes as well as movement, projections and immobilizations, and various principles of fighting. Many Kempo systems of Kempo utilized a numbering system for there kata, instead of refering them by name to make them simpler to remember. It is far easier to remember Kata #3 than Naihanci-dai. The American Kenpo system utilizes the terminoly of Long Form # and Short Form # for many of there kata (i.e. Long Form 1). In such systems, often in the advanced levels, the forms take on names, such as Dragon-Tiger Form, Statue of the White Crane,etc. Another interesting thing to note is the use of the Pinan forms in many systems as well as common Okinawian, Chinease, and or Japanease forms.
9.0 Any books or videos?
There are a large amount ,and more out every day. These are the ones that are most popular although I have noticed a few new ones coming out.
What is Self Defense James MitoseInfinite Insights of Kenpo Ed ParkerMartial Arts and Real Life Fred VillariThe Zen of Kenpo Ed ParkerEncyclopedia of Kenpo Ed ParkerKenpo Karate: Law of the fist Ed ParkerSecrets of Chinease Kenpo Ed ParkerKempo Karate: Art of Self Defense Fred WardWhen Kenpo Strikes (video) Panther VideoNick Ceiros Kenpo (video) Nick CeiroKyushu Jutsu (book & video) George Dillman10.0 Black and White gis
A common conversation is the Gi's worm by Kempo students. All students begining in Kempo wear the traditional white gi, but as they progress they are allowed to wear a black gi as a sign of rank. it is common for many high-ranks to wear either black or white gi, and at black belt levels to combine the two such as white top, and black pants. I can find no historical sense in the use of the gis, although I know that Mitose often wore a black gi and his students wore white.
11.0 Similarities between Kempo and other arts
Kempo and other martial arts have various simularities in technique and principle, primarily because of the diverse and eclectic background of Kempo.
11.1 Tae Kwon Do and Kempo
Many of the ariel and spinning kicks of TKD have been brought to Kempo in the recent times often used primarily in "sparring situations." Certain jumping and spinning kicks where inherit in the Kempo system such as the Jumping Front, Side, Back and Roundhouse kicks, as well as spinning back, and crescent kicks.
11.2 Karate and Kempo
Karate and Kempo share the closet simularities in techniques do to there similiar backgrounds. It is believed by many that Karate has its origins as an offshoot of Kempo. 95% of all Karate techniques if not more can be found in the Kempo systems.
11.3 Jujutsu and Kempo
Many of Kempo's immobilization and projection techniques arrived from the Japanease Jujutsu. The various loin throws, shoulder and hip projections, as well as sweeps are a direct inheritance of Jujutsu, although Kempo does not contain as wide an array or extensivly developed series of throws as Jujutsu.
11.4 Aikijutsu and Kempo
In the last few years, many Aikido and Aikijutsu techniques have found there way into the Kempo art, gracing the study of Chin na with new principles and ideas. The most common techniques are Shiho nage, Irimi nage, as well as en-no-irimi projections.
11.5 Kung Fu and Kempo
Although Kempo was originaly a "kung" style, it has over the years thrown away many of its Chinease aspects for a more Japanease "hard style" approach. Still, many soft techniques can still be seen in Kempo, primiarly the five animal techniques, chin na, and weapon skills.
12.0 Is there a Kempo school near me?
if you live in North American, 9 out of 10 times there will be a Kempo school in your vicinity. There are about 150 Fred Villari Studios of Self Defense teaching Shaolin Kempo, a few hundered plus American Kenpo scchools. As far as Europe is concerned, the scop is a bit smaller but still numerous (6 out of 10?). In Toronto, Canada where I live, I know of 7 or 8 Kempo schools of various types.
13.0 Kempo Organizations
*NOTE* Part of this list was taken from Inside Kung Fu Novemeber 1993
Ed Parker's International Kenpo Karate Organization (IKKA)
The IKKA was formed in the 1950s as the Kenpo Karate Association of America, but in the 1960s changed it as many of his students starting teaching around the world. Ed Parker was the president of the IKKA till his death in 1990. His wife Leilani is now president. The goal of the IKKA is to perpetuate the system by having the various "Ed Parker" high black belts teaching the system at various schools and seminars. The family continues to produce the International Karate Championships and has 11 regions including U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Chinease Kara-ho Kempo Schools
In just five years, grandmaster Sam Kuoha has built one of the largest Kempo organizations in the world with over 60 kara-ho schools and 5000+ students. Students of the organization keep in touch with the THUNDERFLASH newsletter which is distributed quarterly. To contact the Chinease Kara-ho kempo organization, 13320 Camino Canada #6, El Cjon, CA 92021; (619) 443-2611
Worldwide Kenpo Karate Association (WKKA)
The WKKA was created in Baltimore on Feb 28, 1991 and has grown to 100 schools in less than two years. President Joe Palanzo is preseident and created the organization after the death of Ed Parker do to "philosphical" differencs with the IKKA. The WKKA can be contacted at 1400 B Riesterstown Road, Pikesville,MD 21203; (301) 484-7122
United Kenpo Karate Assoication (UKKA)
Headed by Jay t. Will, the UKKA was founded in October 1991 with the intent of further the ideas of Ed Parker, without the worry of political aspects. The group wants to keep the parker lineage and has the goal, "to bea place to be a part of something." as well as "Offering a home, to be a part of the Ed Parker family tree." The UKKA can be contacted through Jay T. Will at Jay T. Will Karate Studio, 11 South Columbus St, Lancaster, OH 43130; (614) 654-6038
National Chinease Kenpo Karate Association (NCKA)
Founded in 1969 by Steave La Bounty, a member of the IKKA, was created to form a "small, intimate groyp which could interact more with students", and not as a rivalry. The NCKAs goal is to insure integry of the art through competent instructions, fidelity to the principle of self-denial, and humility, and to guarentee promotion through endeavor. The NCKA can be contacted at National Chinease Kenpo Karate Organization, 1630 Pat brooker Rd, Universal City, TX 71848; (512) 658-7437
Nick Cerio's International Martial Arts Association (NCITMAA)
Founded in 1989 with 70 schools and 4800+ students, the NCITMAA was founded to teach Cerio's unique art of Kempo which includes shotokan forms, kung fu and kajukenbo forms, TKD kicks, Japanease stances as well as jujutsu. For more information write Nick Cerio's Kenpo, P.O. Box 9550, Warwick RI 028889; (401) 941-0870
Fred Villari's Studios of Self Defense
Headed by Grandmaster Villari, this organization is the controlling head of the Villari Kempo System and tries to united all Shaolin Kempo schools. The Ontrio branch is headed by Henry Choo Chong.
United Studio's of Self Defense
An offshoot of the Villari Studios, the United studios which is still run by Villari I believe, teachs Kempo as its main source but also teaches Tae kwon Do and Wing Chung in the same school with the intention of creating a common learning ground for many martial arts.
Masters of Self Defense
A breakoff from Fred Villaris studios and formed by one of Villari's highest ranked students, Fred bagely. The organization was formed after certain "politcal" differenec occured and is run by many high ranked black belts. The Masters of Self Defense boasts over 50 schools and teaches the Villari Shaolin Kempo System.
14.0 Mitose Kempo Family Tree
The original source is unknown (Inside Karate or Kung Fu I think) and was typeset by Paul Seaby (thanxs).
James Mitose Hoon Chow(KOSHO-RYU KENPO) (SHAOLIN KUNG-FU) | | --------------------------------------------------------------- | William K.S. Chow (Chinese KARA-HO KEMPO) | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | | | Ed Parker Adriano Emperado Masaichi Oshiro | (AMERICAN KENPO) (KAJUKENBO) (TE-KEN JUTSU KAI) | | | | ----------- ------------------------------ | | | | | Nick Cerio | Marino Tiwanak John Leone Sid Asuncion (KENPO KARATE) | (CHA03 KENPO) (KAJUKENBO) (KENKABO) | | | | Fred Villari |--Ralph Castro | | (AMERICAN SHAOLIN | (SHAOLIN KENPO) | | KEMPO) | Bill Ryusaki Al Dacascos |--Joe Dimmick (KENPO KARATE) (WON HOP KUEN DO) | (SAM-PAI KENPO) | | | | Malia Bernal |--Steve Sanders | (BODY DEFENSE) | (B.K.F KENPO) ------------------- | | | |--Jim & Al Tracy Sonny Gascon Benny Urzuidez | (TRACY'S KENPO) (GO-SHIN JUTSU) (UKIDOKAN KARATE) | |--Tino Tuilosega | (LIMA LAMA) | ---David German (T.A.I KARATE)15.0 Kempos speed striking
An often intersting topic is Kempos "speed striking" techniques. The speed striking technique is primarily for building up the hand speed of the Kempo student which will eventually translate into combat effective speed of strikes in a confrontation. A good example of speed striking is seen throughout the move "The Perfect Weapon", and is a key training and fighting method. A Kempo student tries to build his reaction speed to a point where 10 or more strikes can be applied in a few seconds (someone noted 6 strikes per second or something).
Kenpo FAQ
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- A Brief History of Kempo
- The Direction of Kempo
- Differences between Kempo and Kenpo
- What are the different styles of Kempo
- Birthdates in Kempo
- What "arts" compose Kempo
- Does Kempo use weapons other than hands and feet
- Does Kempo have kata
- Any books or videos?
- Black and White Gis?
- Similarities between Kempo and other arts
- Is there a Kempo school near me?
- Kempo Orginizations
- Mitose Kempo Family Tree
- Kempos speed striking
* NOTE * Certain names in times are in conflict and the most commons ones where used in this document The art of Kempo, also written as Kenpo is unique as far as its history goes in two respects; it is considered by many the first eclectic martial art, as well as having its founding roots stretch back to 520 BC The person who was a catalyst of the way of Kempo was a prince and warrior of southern India called Bodhidharma. According to the records of the Lo-Yang temple, Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk under the tutelage of Prajnatara and it is presumed that upon his death bed that Prajnatara requested Bodhidharma to travel to China where he felt the principles of Buddhism where in decline, and that the knowledge of dhyana (Zen koans) should be known.
It is estimated that in 520 BC during the Southern dynasties that Bodhidharma entered China and travelled northward to the kingdom of Wei where the fabled meeting with emperor Wu of the Liang dynasty began. This meeting is recorded do to the intense conversation and discussion of Buddhism and dhyana which took place. The meeting was to no avail, his words to the worldly emperor meant nothing, and thus, sullened by his attempts, Bodhidharma left the palace of the emperor and travelled to the Honan province where we entered the Shaolin temple and began a martial history.
Bodhidharmas depression grew once he reached the famed Shaolin temple for Prajnatra's telling was true. The monks where in a raged condition physically and mentally diminished do to the excess amount of time the monks spent in meditation and little else. Many of the monks would often fall asleep in meditation while others needed assistance in the basic nessicities of life - so feeble was there condition.
For an unknown period of time Bodhidharma meditated in a cave at the outskirts of the temple seeking for a way to renew the feat of Buddha's light, as well as letting the monks regain control over there lives. Upon his return Bodhidharma instructed the monks into the courtyard, from the strong to the feeble and began to explain and work with them in the art of Shih Pa Lo Han Sho, or the 18 hands of Lo Han. These techniques which are the foundation for almost all martial arts today where never originally intended to be utilized as methods of fighting but where a manner in which the monks could attain enlightenment while preserving there bodies health.
During the Sui period, approximitly forty years or so after the death of Bodhidharma it is told that brigands assaulted the Shaolin monetary; one of many attacks that would occur until the early twentieth century. During this first invasion, the monks attempts at defending there temple where futile, there skills where not attuned to fighting techniques and it looked as if the temple would fall. A monk of the temple, with reference only as the "begging monk", during the last seige of the temple by the brigands attacked several of the outlaws with an array of aggressive hand and foot techniques, killing some and driving the remaining attackers away. The other monks where so inspired by the display of this single priest that they requested tuteledge in this martial style as a means of protection. In later scripts this fighting art was recorded as Chuan Fa or Fist Method.
Over several decades the fighting arts of the Shaolin temple grew and where said to prosper over 400 arts in total over the next several centuries. Several decades after the fight of the begging monk, a master of Chuan Fa called Ch'ueh Taun Shang-jen was said to have rediscovered the original Shih Pa Lo Han Sho which had been lost for many years. Ch'ueh over a period of time integrated his art of Chuan Fa with that of Lo Han increasing the total number of techniques from the original eighteen to total of seventy-two. For several years after this period Ch'ueh travelled the country side of China promoting his art in several gruelling fighting matches until he came upon a man named Li in the province of Shensi. Li, a master of Chuan Fa as well as other martial ways (including rumours of Chin Na) travelled and trained with Ch'ueh for some time developing the ciriculim of Chuan Fa to form a total of one-hundred and seventy techniques. Furthermore, they categorized these techniques into five distinctive groups distinguished by various animals who instinctive reactions best reflected the movements of this new Chuan Fa. Upon there return to the Shaolin temple of which both Li and Ch'ueh belonged they presented to the other monks wu xing quan, the five animal form and brought to the Shaolin temple a new stage in martial arts evolution.
Over the next several centuries the history of Chuan Fa and its advent to Kempo is ragged in its tales and difficult to gain accurate descriptions. What is known is that the art of Chuan Fa remained and is still practiced in China, but its teaching also found its way to Okinawian Islands and the Ryukyu kingdoms as well as Japan. In both places, the art was referred to as Kempo or Law of the fist. Between the Sui and Ming periods (an 800 year gap) it is considered that many a wandering monk travelled across Japan and Okinawa bringing with them a working knowledge of the art of Kempo which explains its wide-spread distribution. The art of Chuan Fa which translates into Kempo would have been taught as a supplement to the daily spiritual training the monks endured. Many of the monks would often choose disciples or teach at various Buddhist temples bringing forth the word of Buddha, and the power of Chuan Fa. From there the art of Kempo could easily spread among the commoners and nobles alike
Another reason for the founding in Kempo can be seen in the numerous trips the Japanese and Okinawian made to China to learn the fabled art of Chuan Fa. Some people would disappear for many years, presumed dead by there families, only to resurface as a master of Kempo and other martial arts. One such man was named Sakugawa. Sakugawa lived in the village of Shuri on the island of Okinawa and travelled to China during the 18th century to learn the martial secrets of the Chuan Fa masters. For many years Sakugawa had not been seen and many believe he had died in his journeys, but after much time he did return, much to the surprise of his kin. Sakugawa has learned the secrets of Chuan Fa and had become a master of some repute himself. Over many years of refinement the art Sakugawa had learned slowly was renamed to Shuri-te and is considered the predassesor to many forms of modern Karate.
Another member of Shuri, Shionja also travelled to China as Sakugawa did but on his return in 1784 brought with him a Chinese companion named Kushanku. Both men brought with them the art of Chuan Fa which they had studied together in China and began to demonstrate around Okinawa. Its is believed that Kushaku and Shionja had the greatest influence in Okinawian Kempo styles than any other martial artist.
Unfortunatly, the eveolution of Kempo in Japan is just as abrupt and mysterious although a flurry of attention to the art was brought during the reign of Hideyoshi Toyotomi's plans of conquering China. It is referred that many a samurai on there return from China whether during or after the war brought with them extensive knowledge of Chuan Fa and throughout the years modified it to include there own arts of Jujutsu and Aikijutsu and it is at this state where the greatest evolution of Kempo takes place since the time of Li and Ch'ueh.
At the begining of the seventeenth century two families, Kumamoto and Nagasaki brought knowledge of Kempo from China to Kyushu in Japan. This art was modified throughout many years into its current form which is referred to as Kosho ryu Kempo, or Old Pine Tree school and it is from here that most modern forms of Kempo are derived. In 1916 at the age of five, James Mitose was sent to Kyushu from his homeland in Hawai for schooling in his ancestors are of self-defense called Kosho ryu Kempo. For fifteen years he studied this art which was a direct descendent of the original Chuan Fa. After completing his training in Japan, Mitose returned to Hawaii and in 1936 opened the "Official Self-Defense" club in Beretania mission in Honolulu. It was here that the five major Kempo influences; Thomas Young, William Chow, Edmund Howe, Arthur Keawe and Paul Yamaguchi would study and bring Kempo to the world.
In 1934, before Mitose's return to the United States, the term Kempo-Karate was first used. In an issue of Yoen Jiho Sha newspaper an advertising for the visit of Chogun Miyagi, afamous karateka and founder of Goju ryu karate do, to the island of Hawaii. The use of the two terms is under speculation. Some suspect it was simply an advertising scheme while others believe that Chogun Miyagi's Goju ryu was actually a pure form of Kempo, and that the term karate was simply more well known.
William Chow is perhaps responsible for the largest leap of Kempo to the general public. William K.S. Chow studied Kempo under Mitose for several years and previously had studied his families art of Kung Fu. Chow united, like many Kempo masters before him the arts of Kosho ryu Kempo and his family Kung fu to form a new art which would eventually be referred to as Kara-ho Kempo. In 1949, Chow had attracted a number of students to his own teachings and opened a dojo of his own at a local YMCA. To make a distinct variation from Mitose's Kempo, Chow referred to his art as Kenpo Karate. Throughout the next few decades Chow made many innovations to the system including the use of circular techniques of his Kung Fu, as well as various kata or forms based on the primary linear and circular techniques of his art.
One of Chows most flourishing students was a Hawaiian native named Edmund Parker. Ed Parker as he was known was the last highly significant figure in the current tale of modern Kempo unleashing it to the world as well as propelling it into his current form. In 1954 Edmund Parker earned his black belt in kara-ho Kempo and two years later became a household name, teaching his art to the likes of Elvis Presley, and Steve Mcqueen. Ed Parker further refined and defined the techniques of Kara-ho Kempo till he perfected his American Kenpo Karate system. Ed Parker is often referred to as the father of American Karate.
From here, Kempo and its other forms take many twists and turns, constantly evolving into new states of being.
2.0 The Direction Of Kempo
With all things certain paths are given directing us on various roots to a final goal. Sometimes this goal is reached in a very short period of time, while at other times that goal is never completed by expanded by as new paths cross the original. The direction in which Kempo leads its practioners is similar to that - its goals are represented in a sphere, constantly expanding with the final goal only being the beginning of a new stage.
Kempo is a unique martial art having been founded several centuries ago in the Chinese Shaolin temple, thus bringing with it a certain air of mystery. As a martial art, Kempo is referred to as a Do. The Do is referred to in Buddhist Zen scripts as a path towards enlightenment. Lao Tzu, a priest of Taoism said "Mastering others requires force; Mastering the self requires enlightenment.." This phrases sums of the full circle of what Kempo strives towards. Although on its surface Kempo can be seen as a unique form of self-defense, hidden beneath its physical exterior are levels where characteristic centralization of mind and body form. At this level, Kempo's practioners up from a simple form of fighting to a higher level of ability - a level of enlightenment. Ying Kuchan, a Shaolin monk and master of Kempo after a lengthy period of meditation in a Zen rock garden spoke of Kempo saying "Kempo is the power of adaptability and yielding; the harmony of all things working together."
On the surface, Kempo's uniqueness lies in its comprehensive and diversified means of unarmed defense. Shaolin Kempo Karate proper is both an armed and unarmed system of combat incorporating applications in varying appearances and method. On an external level, Kempo is a no holds barred fighting system of offensive and defensive methods with equal emphasis of striking techniques with the hands and feet; immobilization and controls; projections and takedown; as well as weaponry and various spiritual and healing arts. Shaolin Kempo is a street wise defensive art that does not restrict its students in methodology. Clawing hands evolve into slashing feet. Cunning joint locks turn into devasting hip throws. Evasive blocks turn into breath closing chokes.
The possibilities are endless. The only true fighting systems are those where there are no rules applied. From the books of the Han dynasty we learn "Nothing is impossible to a willing mind." And it is from this saying that we can derive the upper principles of Shaolin Kempo. What sets Kempo apart from boxing, wrestling, and Sunday night football is an emphasis on centralization of body and mind, a concept understood by very few. Many people are quiet happy with only the surface value of Kempo taking its studies for reasons of physical health, self-defense, or a Monday night hobby. But for what level of imperfection will you settle for in yourself? If there is more to Kempo why not grasp it. Kempo tries to build a persons psychological persona as well as turing the ego self into the egoless self. The true Kempo is not a means of felling an opponent by force of hand or weapon, nor was it originally intended as a means of arms. Kempo calls for a bringing of inner peace to the self, and the universe around us. A master of Kempo is not only a master of self-defense, but a master of himself. In the end, the direction of Kempo was best described by Bruce Lee when he commented on his art of Jeet Kune Do; "To have no way as a way; To have no limitations as a limitation."
3.0 Whats the difference between Kempo and Kenpo?
Nothing. Actually, the only difference is in the translation of the Kanji to its english form. The word Kempo and Kempo are both pronounced the same and both mean "Law of the Fist." When the Japanease Kanji for Kempo is brought into english, either a "m" or "n" is placed in the word. Its sorta like saying "Qi" or "Chi", "Gung" or "Kung." Generally though, the more "traditional" (lightly used) forms of Kempo use the "Kempo" form, while the more non- traditional or contemporary versions use "Kenpo." William K.S. Chow was the first person to use the term Kenpo to show his break from the Mitose family Kosho ryu kempo.
4.0 Styles of Kempo
In no way is this a complete list of Kempo styles. The following is a list of Kempo styles that I have some information, if even vague amounts on. If you have information on forms of Kempo not listed here, please send me some so I can add it to the FAQ. The following list is of "unique" versions of Kempo, thus the 50-thousand versions of American Kenpo, etc, although refered to as different names (although they are the same) are not listed.
KOSHO RYU KEMPO - This style of Kempo was brought by visiting monks to to the Mitose family in the 15th century. Over the centuries this form of Shaolin Chuan Fa was blended and refined with forms of Jujutsu that where common to the area as well as Rinzai Zen philosophy, Kyudo, and other arts. Kosho, the name of the Mitose clan means "Old Pine Tree", and the Kempo art is refered to as "The Old Pine Tree Style." The current "grandmaster" of Kosho-ryu Kempo is Bruce Juchnik who uses the term Kosho Shoreiryu Kempo to descibe Mitose's school of Kempo. Mitose's son Thomas Barrow Mitose also teaches the true for of his fathers art and is considered by some the true grandmaster of the Kosho ryu style.
KARA-HO KENPO - Founded by William K.S. Chow, a student of James Mitose, this Kempo offshoot is a blend of the Kosho ryu Kempo and 5-animal Kung Fu of the Chow Family. Kara-ho Kenpo utilizes many circular as well as linear techniques and requires 500 such techniques to be learnt for black-belt status. Currently, karaho Kenpo is under the evolution of Sam Kuoha who has added various new techniques as well as 12 kata based on Chow's original 12 base linear techniques. Karaho Kenpo is urrently the fastest growing Kempo organization with currently over 5000 members to its teachings.
SHAOLIN KEMPO - The Shaolin Kempo system was formed by Fred Villari, a student of American and Shorinji kempo systems. Fred Villari's system tends more towards the Kung-Fu element and utilizes the techniques of the 5 animal Chuan Fa to a large extent. Added to the Kempo system was white tiger Chin na techniques as well as various Aikijutsu projections and immobilizations.
AMERICAN KENPO - An offspring of Kara-ho Kenpo, Ed Parker's American Kenpo system is the largest and most well organized system in exsistance. Parker took what CChow taught him and organized every technique and movement into a format that could be broken down into levels for all students. Parker felt that innovations he added to his Kenpo eventually made up 85% of the system and thus he renamed it American Kenpo Karate. The American Kenpo system can proudly be seen in the moves "The Perfect Weapon", and "Street Knight" starring 4th dan, Jeff Speakman, one of the heads of the United Kenpo Karate Association and protege of Ed Parker.
NICK CERIO'S KENPO - Nick Cerio's Kenpo was founded in 1974 and credits both Chow and Parker with the creation of the style. The Cerio kenpo school believe in the "old method of training", and teaches most of the shotokan forms, kung fu and kajukenbo forms, TKD kicks, Japanease stances, as well as Jujtusu. Weapons of both Chinease and Japanease systems are taught and maintains many traditional forms. Cerio calls Chow his "teacher" and Parker his "coach"
I am acknowledging the following Kempo systems although I have no information about them.
- Nippon Kempo
- Okinawian Kempo
- American Shaolin Kenpo
- White Tiger Kenpo
- Go Kempo
- Ju Kempo
- Kajukenbo
- Sam-Pai Kenpo
- Lima Lama
- Won Hop Kuen Do
James Masayoshi Mitose December 20, 1915William K.S. Chow July 3, 1914Ed Parker March 10, 1931Sam HuohaBruce JuhnikFred VillariThomas MitoseAdrian EmperadoLarry TattumGeorge Dillman6.0 What martial arts compose the cirriculim of Kempo?
In general, most systems of Kempo consists of 4 primary arts which can be seen in 95% of Kempo system in both Okinawian and Japanease systems of Kempo, and consist of primarily Chinease influences.
( i) 18 hands of Lo Han (ii) 5 Animal Chuan Fa (iii) White Crane Chin Na (iv) JujutsuOther arts that can be found in Kempo schools include:
( i) Aikido or Aikijutsu (ii) White Crane Kung Fu (iii) Various weapon arts (iv) Sumo( v) Calligraphy, etc7.0 Does Kempo use other weapons other than its hands and feet?
In Kempo scools, defenses against knives and clubs are seen from yellow belt and up, and are considered prime weapons in which to defend against. Kempo also teaches its students how to use weapons to increase there understanding of defense. Weapons that are taught are both Chinease and Japanease in variety and vary widely. Some schools of Kempo teach the 8' staff, while others teach Chain Whip, and sai. Weapon training often begins at the green belt level, although in some schools it is restricted to those of black belt level and higher. In most Kempo schools, the primary weapon skills taught are:
( i) Knife (ii) Stick(s) (iii) Half Staff (Jo) (iv) 6' Staff ( v) Sword ( vi) Chain8.0 Does Kempo have forms?
Many people think that because Kempo is a highly-directed "self-defense" art that it contains no kata or forms. This is very untrue. Kempo has many form with a notable characteristic of having both circular and linear movements as well as hard and soft techniques. Kempo forms are used to teach speed and coordination of strikes as well as movement, projections and immobilizations, and various principles of fighting. Many Kempo systems of Kempo utilized a numbering system for there kata, instead of refering them by name to make them simpler to remember. It is far easier to remember Kata #3 than Naihanci-dai. The American Kenpo system utilizes the terminoly of Long Form # and Short Form # for many of there kata (i.e. Long Form 1). In such systems, often in the advanced levels, the forms take on names, such as Dragon-Tiger Form, Statue of the White Crane,etc. Another interesting thing to note is the use of the Pinan forms in many systems as well as common Okinawian, Chinease, and or Japanease forms.
9.0 Any books or videos?
There are a large amount ,and more out every day. These are the ones that are most popular although I have noticed a few new ones coming out.
What is Self Defense James MitoseInfinite Insights of Kenpo Ed ParkerMartial Arts and Real Life Fred VillariThe Zen of Kenpo Ed ParkerEncyclopedia of Kenpo Ed ParkerKenpo Karate: Law of the fist Ed ParkerSecrets of Chinease Kenpo Ed ParkerKempo Karate: Art of Self Defense Fred WardWhen Kenpo Strikes (video) Panther VideoNick Ceiros Kenpo (video) Nick CeiroKyushu Jutsu (book & video) George Dillman10.0 Black and White gis
A common conversation is the Gi's worm by Kempo students. All students begining in Kempo wear the traditional white gi, but as they progress they are allowed to wear a black gi as a sign of rank. it is common for many high-ranks to wear either black or white gi, and at black belt levels to combine the two such as white top, and black pants. I can find no historical sense in the use of the gis, although I know that Mitose often wore a black gi and his students wore white.
11.0 Similarities between Kempo and other arts
Kempo and other martial arts have various simularities in technique and principle, primarily because of the diverse and eclectic background of Kempo.
11.1 Tae Kwon Do and Kempo
Many of the ariel and spinning kicks of TKD have been brought to Kempo in the recent times often used primarily in "sparring situations." Certain jumping and spinning kicks where inherit in the Kempo system such as the Jumping Front, Side, Back and Roundhouse kicks, as well as spinning back, and crescent kicks.
11.2 Karate and Kempo
Karate and Kempo share the closet simularities in techniques do to there similiar backgrounds. It is believed by many that Karate has its origins as an offshoot of Kempo. 95% of all Karate techniques if not more can be found in the Kempo systems.
11.3 Jujutsu and Kempo
Many of Kempo's immobilization and projection techniques arrived from the Japanease Jujutsu. The various loin throws, shoulder and hip projections, as well as sweeps are a direct inheritance of Jujutsu, although Kempo does not contain as wide an array or extensivly developed series of throws as Jujutsu.
11.4 Aikijutsu and Kempo
In the last few years, many Aikido and Aikijutsu techniques have found there way into the Kempo art, gracing the study of Chin na with new principles and ideas. The most common techniques are Shiho nage, Irimi nage, as well as en-no-irimi projections.
11.5 Kung Fu and Kempo
Although Kempo was originaly a "kung" style, it has over the years thrown away many of its Chinease aspects for a more Japanease "hard style" approach. Still, many soft techniques can still be seen in Kempo, primiarly the five animal techniques, chin na, and weapon skills.
12.0 Is there a Kempo school near me?
if you live in North American, 9 out of 10 times there will be a Kempo school in your vicinity. There are about 150 Fred Villari Studios of Self Defense teaching Shaolin Kempo, a few hundered plus American Kenpo scchools. As far as Europe is concerned, the scop is a bit smaller but still numerous (6 out of 10?). In Toronto, Canada where I live, I know of 7 or 8 Kempo schools of various types.
13.0 Kempo Organizations
*NOTE* Part of this list was taken from Inside Kung Fu Novemeber 1993
Ed Parker's International Kenpo Karate Organization (IKKA)
The IKKA was formed in the 1950s as the Kenpo Karate Association of America, but in the 1960s changed it as many of his students starting teaching around the world. Ed Parker was the president of the IKKA till his death in 1990. His wife Leilani is now president. The goal of the IKKA is to perpetuate the system by having the various "Ed Parker" high black belts teaching the system at various schools and seminars. The family continues to produce the International Karate Championships and has 11 regions including U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Chinease Kara-ho Kempo Schools
In just five years, grandmaster Sam Kuoha has built one of the largest Kempo organizations in the world with over 60 kara-ho schools and 5000+ students. Students of the organization keep in touch with the THUNDERFLASH newsletter which is distributed quarterly. To contact the Chinease Kara-ho kempo organization, 13320 Camino Canada #6, El Cjon, CA 92021; (619) 443-2611
Worldwide Kenpo Karate Association (WKKA)
The WKKA was created in Baltimore on Feb 28, 1991 and has grown to 100 schools in less than two years. President Joe Palanzo is preseident and created the organization after the death of Ed Parker do to "philosphical" differencs with the IKKA. The WKKA can be contacted at 1400 B Riesterstown Road, Pikesville,MD 21203; (301) 484-7122
United Kenpo Karate Assoication (UKKA)
Headed by Jay t. Will, the UKKA was founded in October 1991 with the intent of further the ideas of Ed Parker, without the worry of political aspects. The group wants to keep the parker lineage and has the goal, "to bea place to be a part of something." as well as "Offering a home, to be a part of the Ed Parker family tree." The UKKA can be contacted through Jay T. Will at Jay T. Will Karate Studio, 11 South Columbus St, Lancaster, OH 43130; (614) 654-6038
National Chinease Kenpo Karate Association (NCKA)
Founded in 1969 by Steave La Bounty, a member of the IKKA, was created to form a "small, intimate groyp which could interact more with students", and not as a rivalry. The NCKAs goal is to insure integry of the art through competent instructions, fidelity to the principle of self-denial, and humility, and to guarentee promotion through endeavor. The NCKA can be contacted at National Chinease Kenpo Karate Organization, 1630 Pat brooker Rd, Universal City, TX 71848; (512) 658-7437
Nick Cerio's International Martial Arts Association (NCITMAA)
Founded in 1989 with 70 schools and 4800+ students, the NCITMAA was founded to teach Cerio's unique art of Kempo which includes shotokan forms, kung fu and kajukenbo forms, TKD kicks, Japanease stances as well as jujutsu. For more information write Nick Cerio's Kenpo, P.O. Box 9550, Warwick RI 028889; (401) 941-0870
Fred Villari's Studios of Self Defense
Headed by Grandmaster Villari, this organization is the controlling head of the Villari Kempo System and tries to united all Shaolin Kempo schools. The Ontrio branch is headed by Henry Choo Chong.
United Studio's of Self Defense
An offshoot of the Villari Studios, the United studios which is still run by Villari I believe, teachs Kempo as its main source but also teaches Tae kwon Do and Wing Chung in the same school with the intention of creating a common learning ground for many martial arts.
Masters of Self Defense
A breakoff from Fred Villaris studios and formed by one of Villari's highest ranked students, Fred bagely. The organization was formed after certain "politcal" differenec occured and is run by many high ranked black belts. The Masters of Self Defense boasts over 50 schools and teaches the Villari Shaolin Kempo System.
14.0 Mitose Kempo Family Tree
The original source is unknown (Inside Karate or Kung Fu I think) and was typeset by Paul Seaby (thanxs).
James Mitose Hoon Chow(KOSHO-RYU KENPO) (SHAOLIN KUNG-FU) | | --------------------------------------------------------------- | William K.S. Chow (Chinese KARA-HO KEMPO) | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | | | Ed Parker Adriano Emperado Masaichi Oshiro | (AMERICAN KENPO) (KAJUKENBO) (TE-KEN JUTSU KAI) | | | | ----------- ------------------------------ | | | | | Nick Cerio | Marino Tiwanak John Leone Sid Asuncion (KENPO KARATE) | (CHA03 KENPO) (KAJUKENBO) (KENKABO) | | | | Fred Villari |--Ralph Castro | | (AMERICAN SHAOLIN | (SHAOLIN KENPO) | | KEMPO) | Bill Ryusaki Al Dacascos |--Joe Dimmick (KENPO KARATE) (WON HOP KUEN DO) | (SAM-PAI KENPO) | | | | Malia Bernal |--Steve Sanders | (BODY DEFENSE) | (B.K.F KENPO) ------------------- | | | |--Jim & Al Tracy Sonny Gascon Benny Urzuidez | (TRACY'S KENPO) (GO-SHIN JUTSU) (UKIDOKAN KARATE) | |--Tino Tuilosega | (LIMA LAMA) | ---David German (T.A.I KARATE)15.0 Kempos speed striking
An often intersting topic is Kempos "speed striking" techniques. The speed striking technique is primarily for building up the hand speed of the Kempo student which will eventually translate into combat effective speed of strikes in a confrontation. A good example of speed striking is seen throughout the move "The Perfect Weapon", and is a key training and fighting method. A Kempo student tries to build his reaction speed to a point where 10 or more strikes can be applied in a few seconds (someone noted 6 strikes per second or something).
Mekugi
Orange Belt
Maybe James Mitose just wasn't "educated" in the way things are spelled in romanized Japanese (nor were his students, for that matter) and perhaps no one bothered to change it because they didn't care? The Hepburn system should have been adhered to, that's the scholarly road at least. Kempo is in fact a combination of the words KEN- and -HOU. Together they are KEMPOU, properly. This is an actual word, which can be looked up in a dictionary and it's not a matter of the way someone wants it spelled or pronounced- unless of course it's used in a *name*, then "they/you" can spell things any way "they/you" want. Randi and Randy for instance. Tommi and Tommy. However, in Japanese the name pronounciation/reading takes a different route as a variation of kunyomi and onyomi can technically be summoned for kanji.
Either way it doesn't seem to matter to people who speak Japanese. It's same thing as long as the Japanese characters are the same, it's just a case of "bad spelling" in romaji. SI and SHI are a prime example of this in kana- they are the same sounds over here, but you won't usually see people spelling things with the romanized SI.
-Russ
Either way it doesn't seem to matter to people who speak Japanese. It's same thing as long as the Japanese characters are the same, it's just a case of "bad spelling" in romaji. SI and SHI are a prime example of this in kana- they are the same sounds over here, but you won't usually see people spelling things with the romanized SI.
-Russ
Randy Strausbaugh said:
kelly keltner
Black Belt
Mr. Bishop if you feel the need to see a copy of that certificate all you need to do is talk to bruce juchnik I can arrange that if you wish to email me at kelly_m_keltner@juno.com and I will give you mr. juchniks phone number. It has changed recently. You can arrange to see a copy of that certificate.John Bishop said:
yours in the arts
kelly
Thanks for the kind offer, but I already have contact information for Mr. Juchnik, and Arnold Golub, and Eugene Sedeno, and Rick Alemany, and Thomas Mitose and Ray Arquilla.
But the most important thing is that I was given this information first hand by Thomas Young, Adriano Emperado, Wally Jay, and Sig Kufferath. All men that knew James Mitose in the 40's and 50's.
Another little know fact is that the "Official Self Defense Club" still exists in Hawaii today. It was handed down to Thomas Young, who affliated it with Henry Okizaki's "American Jujitsu Institute" as the "Karate branch". Prof. Young passed it down to Simeon Eli. And it was passed down to Charles Lee after Simeon Eli died. It is still affliated with the "American Jujitsu Institute" and they still spell it "KeNpo".
But the most important thing is that I was given this information first hand by Thomas Young, Adriano Emperado, Wally Jay, and Sig Kufferath. All men that knew James Mitose in the 40's and 50's.
Another little know fact is that the "Official Self Defense Club" still exists in Hawaii today. It was handed down to Thomas Young, who affliated it with Henry Okizaki's "American Jujitsu Institute" as the "Karate branch". Prof. Young passed it down to Simeon Eli. And it was passed down to Charles Lee after Simeon Eli died. It is still affliated with the "American Jujitsu Institute" and they still spell it "KeNpo".
Mekugi
Orange Belt
Isn't that right here(?):
http://www.oldpinetree.com/hanshi/certimg.html
"Pure and True Karate and Kenpo and Kosho Shorei Yoga"
Note: I dunno, I did a quick websearch. The link might be hooey. It does seem to have the word kenpo typed in though.
http://www.oldpinetree.com/hanshi/certimg.html
"Pure and True Karate and Kenpo and Kosho Shorei Yoga"
Note: I dunno, I did a quick websearch. The link might be hooey. It does seem to have the word kenpo typed in though.
kelly keltner said:
kelly keltner
Black Belt
I understand your point Mr. Bishop and I apreciate your insight. I myself have been to the location of the official self defense club on one or two occasions. The honest to god truth is I don't care how Kenpo/kempo is spelled. The point you made is that the "Juchnik camp" was making claims about a certain certificate of Thomas Young's. Which Mr. Juchnik happens to have a copy of. Which was given to him by Proffesor Youngs family. I told you I could arrange that for you. I have also told you I would connect you with Mr. Juchnik since his contact information has changed recently, But you can also recieve that from people like Mike Young. You could also problably get the new number from Jaime Basquez. Who you might see this weekend if you are going to Mr. Emparado's gig in Vegas. If you were so inclined to talk to him, Mr. Juchnik would problably show hours of video footage of interviews with Thomas Young, Anton Kruky, and Paul Yamaguchi. Also if you haven't already talked to Mr. Yamaguchi I could prablably try to make introductions for you. Paul and his wife Helen are wonderful, sweet people. Anyway back on task. All of the aformentioned men Knew Mitose personally and had a chance to share their thoughts on the man on video with Mr. Juchnik. AlsoJohn Bishop said:
Mr. Juchnik has copious amounts of information and documentation on Mitose. All you have to do is call. I have spoken to Mr. Juchnik on this issue and he would love to talk to you and is happy to have an oppurtunity to share with you. once again email me any time. I would be happy to write or give you my number so we can speak.
kelly
p.s. If you go to vegas this weekend be sure to say hi to Jaime Basquez for me. I look forward to seeing hom at the gathering.
kelly keltner
Black Belt
kelly keltner said:
I'm sorry sir I just got off the phone with Mr. Juchnik around 3p.m. and he chose to inform me my facts were incorrect. Mr. Juchnik was given a copy of Thomas Young's certificate from Thomas Young himself. He also chose to remind me of the fact that he held an eleven year friendship with Mr. Young and gave the eulogy at his memorial service. Sorry for the mix up of my facts.
yours in the arts
kell
Mekugi said:
It has always been spelled with a "N".
1. Yes this certificate issued to Bruce Juchnik by James Mitose spells Kenpo with a "N".
2. Thomas Young told me personally that Mitose spelled Kenpo with a "N".
3. In a copy of a letter I have from Thomas Young to Robert Trias, Prof. Young spelled Kenpo with a "N" in every reference to the style, and signed the letter "Prof. Thomas Young, Oldest Living Student of Kosho-Shorei Kenpo".
4. In every copy of the "Kosho Shorei Newsletter" that I have from 1982 to 1985, Kenpo is always spelled with a "N". And Mr Juchnik was one of the editors of that newsletter.
5. In the 1988 4 part series on the "History of Kenpo" in "Fighting Arts International" magazine by Harry Cook, Mr. Juchnik, Mr. T. Mitose, and Dr. Golub are interviewed and pictured several times. In every instance the term "Kenpo" is always used.
6. In the June 1981 "Black Belt" article on the "History of Kenpo" written by
Dr. Golub the spelling is "Kenpo".
7. In the letters and writings I have from Robert Trias concerning his friendship and training with James Mitose in the 40's, he always refers to Mitose's style as "Kenpo".
Ummm, I dunno, maybe my response does not quite fit in here, but someone posted earlier that maybe GGM Mitose was not quite adept at the whole romanized spellings etc. This does make since as if you look over the material that Mr. Tracy has posted, copies of documents etc. he makes note that the misspelled words of Mitose are left uncorrected...this tells me, and of course I am no investigator, but this tells me, that Mr. Mitosde did not have a very high level of western education and therefore one has to understand that what words he writes may have a letter or two not right...do the math...would be a very easy mistake to make, M sounds like N, is right next to N in the alphabet, has only one extra hump, a cursive N looks just like a printed M...I mean, c'mon...I'll even bet I may have misspelled something in here as well as most of my other post...is something we as humans do..is a part of life!
kelly keltner
Black Belt
Dear Mr. Bishop
I have given you the oppurtunity to call Mr. Juchnik and see a copy of Thomas Young's certificate. On That certificate ken/mpo is spelled with an M. It doesn't matter in various places in history it's spelled both ways. Many different reasons have been put forth as to why the difference in spelling. I have even heard that it was spelled with an n because because it was related to Mitose's buhddist name Kenposaikosho and the spelling with an n would be considered more personal. The fact is that it is spelled both ways.
Who Knows
kelly
I have given you the oppurtunity to call Mr. Juchnik and see a copy of Thomas Young's certificate. On That certificate ken/mpo is spelled with an M. It doesn't matter in various places in history it's spelled both ways. Many different reasons have been put forth as to why the difference in spelling. I have even heard that it was spelled with an n because because it was related to Mitose's buhddist name Kenposaikosho and the spelling with an n would be considered more personal. The fact is that it is spelled both ways.
Who Knows
kelly
GAB
3rd Black Belt
Hello,
I have been reading quite a few of the translations that "Mr. Patrick McCarthy" has put into numerous books in the last few years.
Mr. Patrick McCarthy translated what he could (very difficult due to misprint as it was handed down with writng errors, human errors), The Bible of Karate, "Bubishi".
There are many explanations he refers to and several different "Bubishi", but obviously the same book (Patrick McCarthy statement).
One of the writings regarding Kempo coming from China to Okinawa to Japan is this, Patrick MCCarthy writes:
A sixth possibility is that the "Bubishi" was brought to Okinawa by Uechi Kanbun (1877-1948), the founder of Uechi-ryu. The Uechi-ryu karate-do tradition tells us Uechi went to Fuzhou (china) in 1897 where he ultimatly studied Guangdong Shaolin Temple Tiger Boxing directly under master Zhou Zihe (Shu Shiwa in Japanese).
One of Uechi Kanbun's students, Tomoyose (Tomoyori) Ryuyu (1897-1970),
an accomplished student of the fighting traditions, dedicated most of his life to writing an analysis of "kempo", vital point striking, and the application of Chinese herbal medicine. Entitled Kempo Karate-jutsu Hiden (Secrets of Kempo Karate-jutsu), now owned by the Uechi family, addressed anumber of articles identical to the "Bubishi". Unfortunatly Tomoyose died before he was able to complete this analysis. The simularities are too frequent to doubt that the Uechi family once possessed a copy of the Bubishi.
I have noticed many connections with Kempo regarding the Medical side.
I remember a student of Hanshi Bruce's saying the real truth did not come out until Mitose was to write his last book. (he said, he did not tell the whites the true way). Just a thought, regarding some of the information that was given to Hanshi (if you want to believe or not) prior to Mitose dying.
Reminds me of a deathbed declaration, who say's it is always the truth?
Does give credence...or not.
The Bubishi is considered the "Bible of Karate" that came out of China to Okinawa then on to Japan. The term being the most popular now, which is Katate-do. I recommend this book for everyone in the Martial Arts.
Dave mentioned on the San Jose Kenpo board, we are all from the same denomination of Kenpo, I like that and it is very correct. Being from James Mitose!
Regards, Gary
I have been reading quite a few of the translations that "Mr. Patrick McCarthy" has put into numerous books in the last few years.
Mr. Patrick McCarthy translated what he could (very difficult due to misprint as it was handed down with writng errors, human errors), The Bible of Karate, "Bubishi".
There are many explanations he refers to and several different "Bubishi", but obviously the same book (Patrick McCarthy statement).
One of the writings regarding Kempo coming from China to Okinawa to Japan is this, Patrick MCCarthy writes:
A sixth possibility is that the "Bubishi" was brought to Okinawa by Uechi Kanbun (1877-1948), the founder of Uechi-ryu. The Uechi-ryu karate-do tradition tells us Uechi went to Fuzhou (china) in 1897 where he ultimatly studied Guangdong Shaolin Temple Tiger Boxing directly under master Zhou Zihe (Shu Shiwa in Japanese).
One of Uechi Kanbun's students, Tomoyose (Tomoyori) Ryuyu (1897-1970),
an accomplished student of the fighting traditions, dedicated most of his life to writing an analysis of "kempo", vital point striking, and the application of Chinese herbal medicine. Entitled Kempo Karate-jutsu Hiden (Secrets of Kempo Karate-jutsu), now owned by the Uechi family, addressed anumber of articles identical to the "Bubishi". Unfortunatly Tomoyose died before he was able to complete this analysis. The simularities are too frequent to doubt that the Uechi family once possessed a copy of the Bubishi.
I have noticed many connections with Kempo regarding the Medical side.
I remember a student of Hanshi Bruce's saying the real truth did not come out until Mitose was to write his last book. (he said, he did not tell the whites the true way). Just a thought, regarding some of the information that was given to Hanshi (if you want to believe or not) prior to Mitose dying.
Reminds me of a deathbed declaration, who say's it is always the truth?
Does give credence...or not.
The Bubishi is considered the "Bible of Karate" that came out of China to Okinawa then on to Japan. The term being the most popular now, which is Katate-do. I recommend this book for everyone in the Martial Arts.
Dave mentioned on the San Jose Kenpo board, we are all from the same denomination of Kenpo, I like that and it is very correct. Being from James Mitose!
Regards, Gary
kelly keltner
Black Belt
Mekugi said:
No the certificate I am refering to Is the one Mitose gave to Young When Young became a blackbelt
Kelly
