Kempo

Summary

Kempo is a Japanese form of unarmed martial arts. The style originated in China and was brought to Japan 700 years ago. Though it is a fighting style, Kempo places little to no emphasis on the fight. The Kempo practitioner gets a feel for their opponent and, once their opponent strikes, attempts to end the fight as quickly as possible. Unlike many forms of martial arts, Kempo is strictly a defensive form of fighting. Most Kempo schools do not teach their students how to attack their opponents.

History / Origins

ETYMOLOGY

Kempo is the transliterated version of the original term “Kenpo.” The difference in spelling and annunciation are caused by the application of Traditional Hepburn Romanization. The word Kenpo means “Fist Law” or “Law of the Fist.” The generic meaning of the term, coupled with people using it as a blanket term for martial arts, has led to many divergent definitions.

BEGINNINGS

Kempo was brought to Japan 700 years ago by the Yoshida Clan. It was soon learned and practiced by the Komatsu Clan. During this time, the two clans developed the style to be specifically tailored for Japanese combat. Kempo was used mainly for self-defense against the many Japanese fighting arts from the 12th century. Many changes would occur throughout time and eventually, the style of Kempo practiced by the Japanese would have little in common with the original style brought over from China. Kempo became such an effective form of defense that many schools would later claim that their style of fighting was derived from Kempo, even when they had nothing to do with Kempo. Some schools even claimed their masters received formal training from Kempo masters.

PRESENT DAY

Present-day Kempo is practiced all over the world. Many variations sometimes differ greatly. Some Okinawan groups currently use the term “Kenpo” as an alternate name for their martial arts systems, as with the International Shorin-Ryu Kobudo Federation. In 1920, Kempo was brought to Hawaii and quickly spread. This migration is responsible for the present-day form of American Kempo. It was brought to the American mainland by Ed Parker, a Hawaiian practitioner, in 1957. American Kempo mixes many styles and has been influenced by Kempo practitioners from China, Japan, Okinawa, and Hawaii. The modern style of American Kempo blends circular and linear movements.

FOLKLORE

According to legend, the Chinese monks who developed the Five Animals in Shaolin Kung Fu (and later in Kempo) had begun by practicing breathing and exercise techniques known as “Chi Gung.” Bodhidharma, the legendary Indian monk, supposedly taught it to them. The point of the exercises was to develop one’s inner power as opposed to using external strength. In times of war, soldiers seeking refuge were thought to have stayed with the monks. To repay them, the soldiers would teach them the fighting styles they were taught to use in war. Blending these styles with their exercises and techniques, the monks developed their brand of Kung Fu that would later influence Kempo.