What is Kenpo?

Kenpo is a Chinese martial art. However, the word "kenpo" (sometimes called "Kempo") is a Japanese word. Kenpo basically translates to "Law of the Fist". And that is a very apt description of Kenpo as Kenpo is known of its quick and hard strikes.

According to Will Tracy, "Kenpo is a Japanese unarmed fighting art that was brought from China to Japan about 700 years ago by the Yoshida Clan and was quickly adopted by the Komatsu Clan."

Much later Kenpo made its way to Hawaii where it was further developed by William K.S. Chow (Professor Chow). One of Prof. Chow's student's was a man by the name of Ed Parker. It would be Parker would popularize Kenpo (and marital arts in general) in the United States. Indeed, Senior Grandmaster Parker is known as the "Father of American Karate".

SGM Parker's influence is still felt in Kenpo today as most American Kenpo styles trace the their lineage back to him. Parker also played a role in the starting of Bruce Lee's Hollywood career and Parker also counted Elvis Presley as one of his students.

For more on SGM Ed Parker click this link.

I come to you with only Karate, empty hands, I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong; then here are my weapons, karate, my empty hands. (SGM Ed Parker. Kenpo Creed)