Developed by Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker, American KENPO is the most comprehensive martial arts system in the world today. Recognized as the undisputed "Father" of American Karate, Mr. Parker and his pioneering efforts were vital in introducing Karate to America, over forty years ago.
The relationship of Martial arts systems - their differences, similarities, etc. - are somewhat obscure. However, the fact remains that clarification is needed for those who are unaware of the relationships between the systems. Although differences remain between the three, Judo, Jiu-jitsu and Aikido have one common factor - they are all Oriental means of WRESTLING. On the other hand, Karate, Kung-Fu, KENPO, Tae-kwon-do, Tang-so-do, and other similar styles are Oriental forms of BOXING.
Karate, meaning empty hands, is a term used by the Japanese to describe the systems of Japan and Okinawa. Their movements are primarily linear with a greater emphasis placed on power. Tae-kwon-do and Tang-soo-do are Korean terms used to describe their methods. They specialize in high kicks, flying kicks, and also believe in power. Kung-fu is a term used by Western Chinese to describe the systems of China. Kung-fu systems are graceful, flowing, circular in movement, and are very flexible. Most Chinese systems place stress on speed rather than power.
The exact history of Kenpo has been lost in the antiquity of time, and consequently no definite date can be established as to when it actually began. Many of the records that exist today are obscure and incorrect. We cannot tell how many writings have been destroyed or how many developments have never been recorded. Bits of information seem to indicate that Kenpo, as it is known today, may have been practiced in India and China as long as five thousand years ago.
Writings on turtle shells tell us the Chinese did in fact practice the art as
far back as 21 B.C.
Although its true origin is obscure, a popular story that prevails gives
credit to the Indian priest,
Daruma
or Bodhidharma in about 525 A.D. However, other great men such as Hu'a To
(190-265
A.D.), a brilliant doctor, and Yeun Fei, a popular general (who lived during
the Sung Dynasty 960-1279 A.D.) are considered the forefathers of modern-day
Kenpo. Kenpo means "fist law" (a term used by the Okinawans to describe the
Chinese systems). From China, it crossed over to Okinawa where, known as "te",
it consisted primarily of blows, chops and rips with the hands and fingers. Thus
originated the Karate method of Kenpo.
In 1923 the Okinawans changed the character of Karate, which was then Chinese to that of a Japanese character. Thus the meaning changed from "hands of China" to "empty hand." This change assuredly brought deeper meaning in which the spiritual overcame the physical. From Okinawa two experts, Kenwa Mabuni and Gichin Funakoshi, lifted the veil of secrecy in 1915 to introduce their techniques to Japan. Their aim was not promote karate as a martial art, but as a sport throughout Japan.
Long before the Art was ever introduced to Okinawa, many styles of the Art existed in China. Each style or system was noted for at least one distinct feat such as the development of the tiger claw, butterfly kick, panther punch, etc. In addition, many members of the various systems guarded their secret ways of training.
Among the systems of Southern China stemming from the Shaolin or Shorinji
Temple, the most well known were the following five: Hung Liu, Ts'ai or Choy in
Cantonese, Li, and Mo. There are other Cantonese as well as northern systems.
The northern systems placed great emphasis on floor rolling,use of the foot, and
jumping movements. Because of this, not as much emphasis was placed on strong
stances. The southern styles place great emphasis on stance work as well as hand
work.
There are basically five known styles of karate in Okinawa: Kobayashi-Ryu,
Shoreiji-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, and Uechi-Ryu.
In the last five decades since the Japanese took up karate, the techniques
have been modified so that they too claim styles of their own, such as:
Shoto-Kan, Wado-Ryu, Chito-Ryu, and others.
The Koreans have also modified their techniques claiming such styles as:
Tae-kwon-do, Moo-do-kwon, Tang-soo-do, and others.
Regardless of national modifications that were developed and suited to
individual environments, we
can say that four systems exist in the orient today -- Chinese, Okinawan,
Korean, and Japanese.
In comparison, the Chinese styles are graceful, flowing, circular, and are
much more flexible than
the Japanese styles (which utilize powerful punches and kicks), Okinawan
styles (which stress breathing exercises), and Korean (which specialize in high
kicks and the breaking of boards and bricks). These other styles are basically
rigid.
Unfortunately, many of the classical Chinese styles along with the Japanese, Okinawan, and Korean styles are impractical as a modern means of self-defense. This stems from the fact that many of these system were originally designed for exercise. In addition, most of these styles today do not recognize the need for change, especially in our environment. While some offer excellent ideas on unarmed fighting, a number of their methods are outdated theories unfit for present day fighting in the United States or any part of the world for that matter.
These same arts, influenced by the Chinese, were brought to the Hawaiian
Islands. It was there that Mr. Parker, a native of Hawaii, learned these arts
from one of the world's leading Black Belt holders and American innovators of
the art, the late Professor William K.S. Chow.
In addition to Professor Chow's modifications, Mr. Parker has also realized
the need to revise the old methods to cope with modern day fighting. Thus the
system he now teaches is unique, practical, realistic, applicable and
encompasses sound logic, reasoning, and theoretical innovations not yet employed
by other systems.
Through Mr. Parker's innovations, a fifth system has emerged-- the American System--to be more specific "The Parker System of Kenpo."