Kenpo Karate

General History

            To discuss the history of either Kenpo or Karate is a difficult task as both are inextricably entwined with the histories of the countries in which they originated. Although historians believe that the martial arts originated some where in India, what we know as the fighting arts today evolved mostly from China. It was there that the art was called “Ch’uan Fa”, meaning art of the fist. Its techniques were focused primarily upon striking and blocking with the hands and the feet. During the centuries of its practice in China Ch’uan Fa was also referred to as Kung Fu. As it was passed down through the generations, it evolved into a different styles and systems as individual teachers modified and improved their art.

            Then in 1392 36 families moved to Kume-mura Okinawa as part of a diplomatic envoy to the Ryukyu Kingdom. Along with them went their fighting art of Ch’uan Fa as well as other elements of their culture. In the Okinawan language, Ch’uan Fa is pronounced “kempo”(law of the fist). After being introduced to the citizens of Okinawa, Kempo slowly blended with the indigenous Okinawan fighting arts called “Tode”. Again, as Tode was passed down through the generations it began to be practiced differently in varying location around the island of Okinawa. In time it became divided into three main styles known as “ Naha-Te, Tomari-Te, and Shuri-Te”.

            The term “karate’ was first introduced in 1936 at a conference of notable martial arts masters who decided to change the name in attempts to unify their art at th same time distinguish it from those found on the Chinese mainland. Karate, meaning “empty hand” , continued to evolve into different branches , styles and systems. Some of which, continue to be practiced today. Some of these include, yet are not limited to, arts such as Shotokan, Shito-ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Goju-ryu and Isshin-ryu. Although these changes were accepted by the majority of the masters at that time, some continued to use the term “kempo”           

After the Second World War, American servicemen, stationed in Okinawa and Japan, began to study martial arts during their free time. Upon returning to the US after their discharge they too continued to study, teach and perfect their craft. As the arts they trained in began to also evolve and change.

Why train in Kenpo?

At first many believe that Kenpo’s only benefit is that of self defense, or the ability to protect oneself through physical measures. Although this is true, the student of kenpo gains much more than simply the ability to defend. Training in Kenpo has proven to be beneficial to its students outside of self defense for centuries. Through the practice of those exercise, drills, and techniques found in Kenpo, the student builds a strong body. Improvements occur both in the student’s physical strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health as a result of dedication to hard work and training. Additionally the student finds that they develop a stronger sense of being and a higher level of self esteem. This is due to overcoming the many challenges placed in front of the student during their training of the art and by their Sensei. The ability to remain calm in tense times and to relax under pressure is also a benefit that many attribute to the study of martial arts. Because of this the practitioner has the ability to remain focused on the task at hand and maintain concentration throughout its completion. Once the student gains these insights, they become aware of other options and a state of clearer thinking which enables them to identify other options during troubled times, rather than that of aggression.