Kenpo (American - see also Kajukenbo) - (Contributor: Stephen Kurtzman)

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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