11 Things You Should Know about Kenpo

I’m often asked what the difference is between KENPO (what I teach) and (insert martial art name here).  So, here are some things I wanted to share about KENPO to help inform what makes it a rather unique martial arts system.

Naturally, there are more than 11 things, but will at least get you started.

1. Built on Common Sense
KENPO is about teaching you how to think about and execute self-defense in street wise manner. Not only is KENPO built on common sense, it also is guided by logic. Questions such as:  “What is the most likely follow up attack that will be thrown?”, “how can my moves be countered”  and “What is the  closest most vulnerable target is available?” are asked to make sure things are built from a strong and practical base.

2. A Modern Approach
KENPO is based on today’s environment, not what things were like 2,000 years ago in another country. In this way, we teach an American martial arts system.

3. Is Tailored to You
When you learn KENPO, everything you do will be adapted to your height, weight, reach, flexibility, strengths and more (instead of the other way around). In some martial arts schools, whether you are 6’5″ or 4’7″ you all have to do your stances the exact same height and is an example of how you are tailored to the art instead of the art being tailored to you.

4. Principles of Motion
KENPO is governed by principles of motion. Like ingredients, these principles help you to understand how to combine them to hit harder, faster and more accurately than you ever thought possible. We use principles such as “point of origin,” “marriage of gravity,” “body momentum,” and “rotational torque” to not only make our students  hit harder and faster, but also so they know specifically what to work on to improve. In this way, they learn why we do what we do instead of just mimicking our instructors.

5. Rearrangement Concept
Once you learn a sequence of moves in one particular order, you also learn how you can add, delete, insert, rearrange and more so you can adapt to the task at hand. This helps you become more adaptable and spontaneous so you are better prepared if you have to protect yourself. For example, if you learn four moves you learn how you can create 24 versions of those moves where you never do the same move twice.

6. Based on Universal Motion
KENPO teaches you empty hand self-defense that simultaneously teaches you how to use a stick, knife and more. Our stand up defenses are also possible from sitting positions, kneeling positions and when on the ground. Rather than learning multiple arts to accomplish this, our martial arts system is multi-dimensional and can all be learned in one system.

7. A Martial Arts System, Not a Style
KENPO is a martial arts system and not a martial arts style. The difference is that a system gives  you a comprehensive foundation of basics, self-self defense moves and drills while a style only shows you a personal preference on what someone likes to do; which may or may not be guided by logic or principles.

8. Get Proficient, Faster
Every aspect of the KENPO system we teach (which can only be found in AKKI KENPO) is 100% built around internalization patterns, speed patterns, power patterns and more. Every facet of the system incorporates these so everything you do gets burned into your subconscious. Not only that, but you will also learn how to tap into your natural born, built in reflexes to better help you respond to a threat more spontaneously and effectively.

9. Its Practical
We don’t care how pretty a move looks, all we care is that it works. We work on speed, surprise and simplicity to make sure we’re not over complicating things.

10. Four Ranges of Self-Defense
Many martial arts are primarily focused on one range of self-defense (like grappling).  KENPO gives you a comprehensive system incorporating them all; as all ranges can occur in the flow of a self defense situation. We cover everything from kicking to striking to trapping to grappling ranges.

11. Simple Everyday Motion
If you can throw a frisbee, hammer a nail or saw a log then you can do this martial art! We focus our efforts in showing you how everyday motion you already make can help you become a highly proficient martial artist.

For those in KENPO, what would you add to the list of things people should know about KENPO?

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Two New Paul Mills AKKI Kenpo Video Clips!

Mr. Mills just released two new video clips. Enjoy!

Paul Mills AKKI Kenpo – F=MV

Paul Mills Kenpo – Magnetic Pull & Energetic Conversions

Like these video clips? Share you thoughts in the form of a comment below!

20 American Kenpo Principles of Motion You Shouldn't Ignore

What makes American Kenpo different from all other martial arts systems is the use of principles of motion. Think of principles of motion as ingredients to make the perfect recipe for performance.

Each of our techniques, forms, sets, freestyle, and drills are designed to help us understand, explore and internalize proper action through the use of principles.

As a student of the Art, I would encourage you to learn, incorporate, and apply these principles in everything you do. The difference between an average Kenpoist and a great one, often lies in their use and understanding of the principles of motion.

Here are some core principles you should unequivocally incorporate into your training, in no particular order:

1. Logic – If there were one principle to rule them all, this would be it.
2. Point of Origin – John Wayne could’ve used this one and refers to moving any natural weapon from wherever it originates rather than cocking it before deploying it. Helps to eliminate telegraphing your moves.
3. Economy of Motion – Make sure every move counts and is efficient.
4. Centerline – Learn how to minimize yours and maximize your opponents.
5. Margin for Error – Build this into everything you do both offensively and defensively.
6. Tea Kettle – Exhale at the proper moment for maximum effect.
7. Simplicity – If it’s too complex, you’ll never be able to pull it off.
8. Engagement – Have your mind, body, emotion, and spirit ready.
9. Anchoring – Get your butt under you and drop your elbows.
10. Black Dot Focus – Be aware of everything going on around you, not just in front of you.

11-20 I want to hear from you!

What other principles would you add to the list and why? Add your comment below by clicking the “Add Your Comment Here” link now and help me get to 20 core American Kenpo Principles!

Ed Parker Kenpo Karate Demo Team Video (circa 1979)

Here is another great video of the founder of American Kenpo, Mr. Edmund K. Parker. You can see that Mr. Mills doesn’t fall too far from the tree!

Mr. Ed Parker 10th Degree American Kenpo Black Belt Video Clip

For those who have never seen my instructors instructor move, here is a great reel of footage of Mr. Ed Parker:

Also, here is an article I wrote in 2001 timeframe about Mr. Parker. I hope you enjoy both the clip and the article…

Mr. Ed Parker was the President and founder of the International Kenpo Karate Association (I.K.K.A.). He was also the creator of the now famous International Karate Championships (IKC’s) where Bruce Lee made his historic first public appearance. Mr. Parker was also considered the “Father of American Karate” as he opened the first commercial karate studio in the U.S. in Pasadena California in 1956. He achieved the rank of tenth degree black belt – the highest level within the art.

Mr. Parker began his studies in Judo and boxing then found his way into Kenpo, under the instruction of Professor William K.S. Chow while living in his native land of Hawaii. In addition, through exchanges and interactions with other martial artists such as Bruce Lee, Dan Inosanto, and James Lee was Mr. Parker able to experiment and formulate his ideas that would later become American Kenpo.

Ed Parker was the original developer of the art of American Kenpo Karate. Through 40 years of experience, he built his system on principles of motion that included “Opposite and Reverse Motion”, “Tailoring”, “Focus” and the use of Logic. He developed many tools to aid his teaching with the creation of the “Universal Pattern”, the “Equation Formula”, training manuals, books and video tapes.

His system incorporates linear and circular motion, with intermittent spurts of speed and power when and where necessary, with both major and minor moves. His idea was to learn motion and principles and then tailor it to fit your body. Later you create your style of moving, governed by principles.

He taught many celebrities over the years including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Billy Idol and David Lee Roth – among other celebrities. He also taught a man by the name of Paul Mills from Evanston, Wyoming – whom he would later call his “Secret Weapon.” Mr. Parker passed away in 1990 at the age of 59.