Combat pit official logo black
Back to Glossary
Home
Search
Martial Arts Culture and History
Gear and Equipment
Personalities
Skill Development
Mind and Body Connection
Weapons and Traditional Tools
Martial arts map
Complete blog posts directory
Contact

American Kenpo

What is American Kenpo?

American Kenpo, also known as Kenpo Karate, is a martial art characterized by its practical self-defense techniques, fluid movements, and adaptability. It was developed by Ed Parker in the mid-20th century, drawing from traditional martial arts, including Japanese Karate, Chinese Kung Fu, and Western boxing, among others.

Key features of American Kenpo include:

  1. Self-Defense Focus: Emphasizes real-world self-defense techniques that are designed to be practical and effective in various situations.
  2. Fluid Movements: Utilizes a combination of linear and circular movements to create a continuous flow of motion, allowing practitioners to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
  3. Striking Techniques: Incorporates a wide range of strikes, including punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes.
  4. Principles and Concepts: Heavily emphasizes principles such as economy of motion, balance, and timing to maximize effectiveness.
  5. Forms and Sets: Includes structured patterns of movements (forms or katas) and sets that help practitioners develop their skills and understanding of techniques.
  6. Belt System: Uses a colored belt ranking system to signify the progression of students through different levels of proficiency.

American Kenpo is known for its emphasis on personal development, discipline, and respect, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking both physical and mental growth through martial arts training.

Related Article: American Kenpo: The Modern Martial Art with American Roots

Personal greed and egoism are things that cause human beings to forget respect for others and to violate rules that have been established for the sake of peace and friendship.
Mas Oyama

Check out the latest blogs

See all articles

Other Glossary terms

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Seiryoku Zenyo
Seiryoku Zenyo is a fundamental principle in Judo, developed by its founder, Jigoro Kano.
S
Shintoism
Shintoism, or Shinto, is an indigenous religion of Japan that focuses on ritual practices and beliefs centered around kami, which are spirits or deities associated with natural phenomena, objects, and ancestors.
S
Striking
Striking in the context of martial arts and combat sports refers to the use of various techniques to hit an opponent using different parts of the body.
S
Hikiwake
Hikiwake is the fifth stage in the Hassetsu, the "Eight Stages of Shooting," in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
H
Zanshin
Zanshin is a fundamental concept in Japanese martial arts, referring to a state of relaxed alertness and total awareness. Practitioners cultivate zanshin to maintain vigilance before, during, and after combat.
Z
Qi
Qi (pronounced "chee") is a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine, often translated as "life force," "vital energy," or "breath."
Q
Olympic-style tae kwon do
Olympic-style Taekwondo, also known as World Taekwondo (WT) Taekwondo, is a dynamic and fast-paced martial art that focuses on high, fast kicking techniques.
O
Straight Lead
The straight lead is a fundamental striking technique in Jeet Kune Do (JKD), the martial arts philosophy developed by Bruce Lee.
S
Vovinam
Vovinam, also known as Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo, is a Vietnamese martial art that was founded by Nguyễn Lộc in 1938. It incorporates a wide range of techniques, including striking, grappling, throws, and joint locks. Vovinam also includes the use of traditional Vietnamese weapons.
V
Katame-Waza
Katame-Waza refers to the grappling or groundwork techniques in Judo.
K
Muay Boran
Muay Boran is an ancient martial art from Thailand, known as the predecessor of modern Muay Thai. It encompasses a wide array of techniques used for both self-defense and combat, with an emphasis on striking, clinching, and grappling.
M
Wing Chun
Wing Chun is a traditional Southern Chinese Kung Fu style that emphasizes close-range combat, quick strikes, and efficient movements.
W
Plyometric exercise
Plyometric exercise, also known as "jump training" or "plyos," involves explosive movements designed to increase power, strength, and speed.
P
Tai Chi
Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), is a traditional Chinese martial art that is practiced both for its defense training and its health benefits.
T
Dojo
A Dojo is a term used in Japanese martial arts to refer to a formal training hall or place where practitioners gather to train, study, and practice their martial art.
D
No Items Found