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Kenpo (American - see also Kajukenbo)
(Contributor: Stephen Kurtzman - stephen@kurtzman.com)
Note: In the Japanese language, the consonants "n" and "m" have
the same symbol, thus the English spelling can be rendered either
"Kempo" or "Kenpo". There are several arts in this family, but
the spelling of "Ken/mpo" is not of significance in distinguishing
between them.
This art is also called Kenpo Karate. American Kenpo is an eclectic
art developed by Hawaiian Ed Parker in the 60s. The art combines
the Kara-Ho Kenpo which Parker learned from William Chow with
influences from Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiian, and Western Martial
sources.
American Kenpo blends circular motions and evasive movements
with linear kicks and punches. The art is oriented toward street-wise
self defense. A big emphasis on basics, sparring, and kata. It
is similar to most Karate styles in its training mechanisms.
The Tracy schools of Kenpo teach Parker's style, but are a "politically"
separate organization.
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