Is there such a thing as "chinese kenpo"

MSUTKD

Purple Belt
Joined
Jun 13, 2005
Messages
388
Reaction score
15
Location
Michigan
Kenpo - Kempo is the JAPANESE pronunciation of the Chinese characters meaning "Fist Law". The Chinese pronunciation is Chuan Fa. The Korean pronunciation would be Kwon Pub. To say Chinese Kempo is to misunderstand the languages and IMHO misunderstand the art all together.
 

eyebeams

Purple Belt
Joined
Apr 18, 2005
Messages
381
Reaction score
16
In my experience, EPAK forms are much more direct in their application than counterparts in TCMA, which tend to be embryonic movements punctuated with more straightforward applications. Common TCMA sets like tam toi or jingwu lineage mizongluohanquan's gongliquan are not really meant to look exactly the same way in application, to allow for both dedicated body mechanics training and multiple applications. OTOH, there are some TCMA forms that are much more straightforward as well as customary modifications of sets that are designed to bring out certain applications (such as taiji's "frame" conventions). The two approaches definitely met in the middle.
 

Doc

Senior Master
Joined
May 12, 2002
Messages
4,240
Reaction score
180
Location
Southern California
MSUTKD said:
Kenpo - Kempo is the JAPANESE pronunciation of the Chinese characters meaning "Fist Law". The Chinese pronunciation is Chuan Fa. The Korean pronunciation would be Kwon Pub. To say Chinese Kempo is to misunderstand the languages and IMHO misunderstand the art all together.
I spoke of what was out there, not whether it was correct. Chaun Fa / Chuan Shu are both correct. Outside of the Chinese mainland outsiders used the generic "kempo" and simply attached its origin to the term "Chinese."
 

DavidCC

Master of Arts
Joined
Apr 5, 2004
Messages
1,938
Reaction score
35
Location
Nebraska
MSUTKD said:
Kenpo - Kempo is the JAPANESE pronunciation of the Chinese characters meaning "Fist Law". The Chinese pronunciation is Chuan Fa. The Korean pronunciation would be Kwon Pub. To say Chinese Kempo is to misunderstand the languages and IMHO misunderstand the art all together.
It makes for better discussion when you read the messages in a thread before posting your own...
 

Latest Discussions

Top