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Kempo Karate Styles
Styles of KempoThis article does not purport to present a complete or exhaustive list of Kempo styles. Below are the Kempo styles in which I have collected some information. Some of the information may be vague. If you have information on a particular style of Kempo that is not listed in this article, do contact me so I can add the information to the FAQ. Below you will find a list of "unique" styles of Kempo. Please note that those versions of American Kenpo and such, while they bear different names, have not been included in this list.
Kosho Ryu Kempo
In the 15th century, monks visited the Mitose family and they brought this style of Kempo that was a form of Shaolin Chuan Fa. In the next few centuries, this Kempo style was combined and refined with other forms such as Jujutsu, Rinzai Zen philosophy, Kyudo and other martial arts. Kosho is the name of the Mitose clan and translates to "Old Pine Tree." The Kempo art of fighting is called "The Old Pine Tree Style." Bruce Juchnik is the current grandmaster of Kosho-ryu Kempo. Jechnik used the term Kosho Shoreiryu Kempu to describe Mitose's Kempo school. Thomas Barrow Mitose, Mitose's son, teaches the true form of his forefathers' martial art. Many consider him the true grandmaster of the Kosho-ryu style.
Kara-Ho Kenpo
A student of James Mitose, William K.S. Chow, founded Kara-ho Kenpo, an art that combines the techniques found in Kosho-ryu Kempo and the 5-animal Kung Fu of the Chow Family. Kara-ho Kenpo has many circular and linear techniques. In order to achieve a black belt in this Kempo style, one has to learn and master about 500 circular and linear techniques. To date, Kar-ho Kenpo is led by Sam Kuoha, who has added several new techniques and also 12 kata that are based on the original 12 base linear technique developed by Chow. Kara-ho Kenpo is today's fastest growing Kempo organization. It now has more than 5,000 practitioners.
Shaolin Kempo
Shaolin Kempo was founded by Fred Villari, an American and Shorinji Kempo systems student. Villari's Kempo style has elements of Kung Fu and extensively uses the techniques of the 5-animal Chuan Fa. This particular Kempo style also incorporates Chin na techniques and some Aikijutsu movements and immobilization techniques.
American Kempo
American Kempo is Kara-ho Kenpo's offspring. This Kempo style, which was developed by Ed Parker, is regarded as the biggest and most well organized Kempo system to date. Parker was Chow's student. After learning Kempo techniques, he took the techniques and movements and organized them into a format that could be broken down into levels for students to sequentially master. Parker estimated that the organization he did comprised at least 85% of the Kempo system and he was compelled to rename it American Kenpo Karate. The films, "The Perfect Weapon" and "Street Knight," which starred 4th dan, Jeff Speakman, showcase the American Kenpo art. Speakman is one of the leaders of the United Kenpo Karate Association. He is also a protege of Parker.
Nick Cerio's Kenpo
Founded in 1974, Nick Cerio's Kenpo gives credit to both Chow and Parker for creating the style of Kempo. Nick Cerio regards Chow as his "teacher" and Parker as his "coach." The Cerio Kenpo school teaches mostly Shotokan forms, Kung Fu and Kajukenbo forms, TKD kick, Japanese stances and Jujutsi because it stands by its belief in the old method of training. The Cerio Kenpo school also gives weapons training of both Chinese and Japanese systems.
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