Kempo or kenpo is a martial art of Japanese origin. The term can be translated as “Fist Method.” Most people who study or are interested in the martial arts have heard, studied, or are studying a style called American Kenpo. This style was created by a man named Ed Parker in the United States after learning from a man named James Mitose. American Kenpo can be characterized as being a striking art with circular blocking, deflecting and striking. It’s very fast and teaches students to strike multiple times to different areas of the body to stop an attack.
Japanese Kempo is very different. There are two forms of Japanese Kempo that are very popular in Japan. The first is called Nippon Kempo. This style was created in the 1930’s by Muneomi Sawayama in Japan. This style can be seen in many universities in Japan and is practiced many times with protective gear called bogu. Kicking, punching, knee strikes, elbow strikes, joint locks and throws are taught. Blocking is taught like in other Japanese striking arts, however, dodging and slipping a strike are taught with equal importance. There are only a few schools in the United States that teach this style.
The second style is Shorinji Kempo, meaning Shaolin Temple Boxing. This style was created in the early 1940’s by Doshin So. Shorinji Kempo practices meditation every practice in order to calm the mind and increase concentration. Physically, the art comprises of strikes, kicks, throws and standing joint locks. There is randori, sparring, in the system but it is not one of the styles main martial exercises. Students are taught and eventually create two person exercises called Embu. Some embu are short demonstrations while others are much longer lasting several minutes. Embu is a safer way to practice the techniques of Shorinji Kempo and embodies the spirit of cooperation.
The style that I am licensed to teach is called Nanzan Kempo. This style was developed by my instructor and martial arts mentor, Dayn Derose. After years of practicing Kenkokan Karate and earning a high rank in Judo he decided to create his own system based on his experiences. Sensei Dayn was introduced to Shorinji Kempo by a relative of his judo instructor and was exposed to Shorinji Kempo as well throughout his 5 decades in the martial arts. Nanzan Kempo, meaning South Mountain Kempo, relies on evasive foot work, fast counter attacks, striking, throwing and grappling. Sensei Dayn is also an Honorable Master of Sport in Sambo and has added the grappling of that style to Nanzan Kempo. He has defined Kempo as being a striking oriented grappling system.
Till next post.