Kirves Posted January 15, 2003 Posted January 15, 2003 American and Okinawan kenpo don't have that much in common, at least nowadays. They are as different as if you went to some other art altogether.
Red J Posted January 16, 2003 Posted January 16, 2003 One advantage is that if you move for a job, you are likely to find a kenpo/kempo school in most major areas. I had to lose my mind to come to my senses.
magikchiongson Posted January 17, 2003 Posted January 17, 2003 Hmm is it Kenpo that you like or Kenpo's Philosophy? Several people have told me that Kenpo was just a name slapped on to Kuntao because too many people were annoyed that Kuntao was being taught openly. Never taken Kenpo, so I don't know how they deliver those rapid strikes. Our philosophy is to punish the opponent all the way down to the ground. We also like to destroy the opponent's outermost extremity, like if someone was punching, we not only block it but we kill that hand then work our way up the wrist, the elbow, the shoulder, the neck the head. But I'm kinda confused, I go to school with some people who have taken Kenpo, and one guy says, Kuntao is nothing like it, another tells me its like compressed Kuntao. I've seen some Kenpo techniques, one teacher showed me how to slap aside a punch and backfist and opponent, and another teacher showed me the same movement cept now it was ended with a head wrenching neck break. =) Be careful, make sure you find a teacher that will show you how to hurt people. That's what Kenpo is for. I own you.
Pacificshore Posted January 17, 2003 Posted January 17, 2003 Or also known as Ed Parker's American Kenpo, has a philosophy based on scientific principles/concepts. They use terminology such as marriage of gravity, anchoring, economy of motion, cancellation, checking, and the list goes on. The art itself like many other Kenpo/Kempo arts are self defense oriented. They do possess katas that are made up by many if not all of their defense techniques. The kicks in Kenpo/Kempo tend to be low-lined for practicality. The work on speed which can equate to power. The self defense techniques do have a multitude of strikes, which sometimes is seen as "overkill". However, I see this as a postive thing. Why? Because if you hit a moving target, your first strike may not land right and you may need additional follow-up. If your first strike does the job then great! American Kenpo I would say is "modern" in terms of how long it has been around. However, they do have their traditions in the art just like many other martial arts. If Kenpo/Kempo is what you are interested in, then just like anything else, do your homework, ask questions of the instructor, students, and parents of students. Make sure you are comfortable in your environment, and if not look for the same art with a different instructor or something all together new. Whatever art you take, remember that it is a journey. Quick Pro/Con: Teaches you self defense against many different situations. Some incoporate the ground fighting and/or weapons. Con: Not necessarily ground friendly. This is a stand-up striking art. Well hope this is of some useful information. Di'DaDeeeee!!!Mind of Mencia
ThePerfectWeapon Posted January 19, 2003 Author Posted January 19, 2003 Thanks everybody, I appreciate it!
Bentonh84 Posted January 20, 2003 Posted January 20, 2003 Well I think Kirves really summed it up. Took the words from out of my mouth. But I am totally oblivious to "American" Kenpo. I studied Kenpo from and early age. But i guess you learn something knew everyday. I think you are making a wise choice in choosing kenpo; but I think that you may want to look into grappling. I say that because you mentioned you are both stong and quick, these attriubtes are deadly while on your feet and superior when it gets to ground work. good luck! ben
HongKongFooey Posted January 26, 2003 Posted January 26, 2003 Hmm, I see. I'm not sure if I can take an art for 3 years or more, being that I'm graduating college soon, and might be all over the place finding work. Hopefully I'll manage to find a job close to home. Do you or anyone else have any more thoughts on American Kenpo? I haven't found any opinion based web pages about it. Thanks! Weapon, American Kenpo is a self defense based system. You will learn effective self defense from white belt up to 3rd black, and it doesn't take three years to be able to execute it. I f you do decide to join, be prepared to work on your basics and lots of self defense practice. There is also contact in many Kenpo schools. It usually starts light, then becomes harder as you progress. The way that the self defense is layed out is pretty cool. In the belt ranks you will learn defenses against, punches, grabs, kicks, pushes and shoves, joint locks, tackles, headlocks, weapons, etc... The best way for you to find out is to watch a few classes and the participate in a few before you sign up. ASK QUESTIONS!! LOTS OF QUESTIONS! Try this link. https://www.pcwood.com Welcome to McDojo's! One supersize blackbelt coming right up sir!At Mcdojo's, your ability to succeed is only limited by the size of your wallet, and we back that up in writing!
Recommended Posts