How would YOU describe Kenpo??

[Brother John]

Someone on Martial Talk recently asked how people would describe Kenpo to others, especially to the very uninformed.
Thought I'd reproduce my response here in the interest of asking everyone here the same thing: How would you describe it??
Here's what I wrote:
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A system of responses, motion refinement and response conditioning that covers a broad range of self defense needs yet remains adaptable to the needs of the moment and the characteristics of the practitioner. It's methods are, generally, to bring abrupt, overwhelming and relentless damage/pain to bear on the attacker as soon as possible in order to neutralize their ability and desire to harm you or others.

I'd also need to add: this definition is NO MORE than a starting point. It is woefully insufficient to describe "What is Kenpo"... but you've got to start somewhere.
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SO.....what are your ideas? How would you begin to describe Kenpo to a non-martial artist??
PLEASE: Don't quote others or give the general pat-answers. Say what YOU think.

thanks, I look forward to the thoughtful discussion
Your Brother
John
PS: Please feel free to critique what I wrote on this.... it'd help me form a better explanation.

[KenpoChanger]

I think, however, that Kenpo as a way of life could have a broader defenition.
Sean

[Brother John]

I think, however, that Kenpo as a way of life could have a broader defenition.
Sean

OK... you've piqued my interest; please.....elaborate.
can't wait to see what you say.

Your Brother
John

[Chronuss]

American Kenpo, created by Edmund K. Parker, is the utilization of economic motion, proper body mechanics, timing, anatomical knowledge, and the use of theories, principles, and concepts of motion. The end result: the ability to hit a guy so many times he can't hold all the places that hurt.

[Miyu]

I tell folks that "Its percussion, with people!"

Yeah, its a pat answer, but it usually leads into a bigger discussion and piques interest

[Rob Broad]

Kenpo is the tools to give you the ability to defend yourself in a street oriented confrontation.

Or what Miyu said.

[parkerkarate]

American Kenpo, created by Edmund K. Parker, is the utilization of economic motion, proper body mechanics, timing, anatomical knowledge, and the use of theories, principles, and concepts of motion. The end result: the ability to hit a guy so many times he can't hold all the places that hurt.

LOL. I could not agree more.

[hemi]

I have been asked this a mess of times lately because of my gamer tag. I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone has to say.



(I pretty much send them here to read for themselves )

[Kosho Gakkusei]

I'm going to paraphrase how Mitose explained what Kempo is in his book What is Self Defense? Kenpo Jiujutsu as I beleive it is the best explanation of Kempo.

It is the rational use of offensive power thru the proper application of spirit, mind, and body.

When someone asks what that means? I'd say I train my spirit, mind, and body how to be aware and recognize a situation and the appropriate response. That ranges from recognizing a bad situation from a distance and avoiding it; to evading an attack and running away; to the use of throws and locks; to quick controlling strikes that take away the attacker's ability to continue the attack; and finally to the use of destuctive and potentially deadly force.

_Don Flatt

[sifuroy]

I don't think it requires a lot of words to explain it. Rob Broad said it pretty well.

I am Most Respectfully,
sifuroy

[unshackled-chi]

I tell folks that "Its percussion, with people!"

Yeah, its a pat answer, but it usually leads into a bigger discussion and piques interest

NICE!, I love this analogy

[Miyu]

NICE!, I love this analogy

You have permission to use it XD

[madeku]

Kenpo is a language to me.. a way of wording and defining martial knowledge and science. but thats how i define it.
--
Kenpo is a electic modern art that perpetualy adapts within itself to meet the current needs of society. like Jeet being more philosophical (as far as i know), Kenpo is more scientific. but both are intellectual.

[Dianhsuhe]

Devastating

[SPK,Grasshopper]

I don't think it requires a lot of words to explain it. Bad Ass

[hemi]

Devastating

I don't think it requires a lot of words to explain it. Bad Ass

LOL Nice

[kenpochrstn]

American Kenpo, created by Edmund K. Parker, is the utilization of economic motion, proper body mechanics, timing, anatomical knowledge, and the use of theories, principles, and concepts of motion. The end result: the ability to hit a guy so many times he can't hold all the places that hurt.

Here,here...


1stJohn1:9

[kenpotex]

I don't know who originally said this but I've heard Kenpo described as: "scientific principles applied to dirty street-fighting techniques performed at a high level of skill"

[kroh]

I don't get asked this too much as there is a martial arts school on every corner in this state. I guess people who don't want real jobs become martial arts teachers full time (don't get excited...it's a joke...Sheesh!).

A lot of people in my area know what it is because you can't throw a coin without hitting some one who has a five year old yellow belt in some kenpo competition in Rhode Island.

The one time I was asked this I was shocked. I guess kenpo/kempo is become increasingly more popular. However, when i discribe the kempo I did growing up (Shorinji) and people compare it to what they are doing now... they are usually very surprised at the differences in training (although the roots of both of the arts, Japanese and American come from many of the principles that everyone is describing.).

Regards,
Walt

[John Brewer]

I don't know who originally said this but I've heard Kenpo described as: "scientific principles applied to dirty street-fighting techniques performed at a high level of skill"

I like it!