What is kempo karate?

By Manny Lopez

There are many different types of martial arts. It can get confusing. Let me me if I can answer your question about kempo karate...

Do you like martial arts? While many of us don't actually take the time to learn self-defense, it is indeed a beneficial asset to have. The cool part is there are infinite martial styles to choose from. Whether you're looking for a good stand-up striking style or a more ground-based art, you won't have any trouble these days. One of the more popular martial arts now days is kempo karate, or as some folks call it, kenpo karate. This is a diverse style of self-defense that emphasizes a variety of ranges. Kempo offers striking, punching, kicking, grappling, controlling and throwing. If you're looking for a solid martial art to start your game of self-defense, maybe kempo is right for you.

I have been a martial arts nut as long as I can remember. The first style I studied was called Sanshinkai karate. It provided me with a wonderful introduction to the ways of self-defense. However, taking this martial art only increased my curiosity concerning all forms of self-defense. I wanted to know everything that was out there. I didn't care what country it originated from. Soon I began learning Tae Kwon Do as well. This style certainly increased my kicking abilities, but wasn't exactly what I was looking for.

Then one day when I was conversing with a buddy at school, he told me about his martial style of kempo karate. I have to admit I was rather intrigued. Well, after seeing a little demonstration of his art, I wanted to learn myself. It wasn't long before I adopted the style of kempo and steered away from my previous arts. I felt that kempo offered a much more effective approach to self-defense, and I simply loved the speed and devastation of the strikes.

Kempo Karate Resources

Mastering Kempo - A book that covers all aspects of the “original martial art” written by one of the world’s foremost authorities and historians on Kempo.

Stanford Kenpo Karate Club - Kempo FAQs.

If you are considering martial arts as a form of self-defense, or maybe just a confidence builder, you should check into kempo. I think you will be pleased with all this style has to offer. Aside from proper self-defense, you will also become conditioned and increase your health. I have always found some form of self-defense crucial in life. I know you may be thinking that you will never have to use it, but it's certainly good to have if the occasion should arise. Jump online today and see if there are good kempo schools in your area. It's time to learn how to protect yourself.

Manny Lopez is a free lance writer. While writing on many of the sports, he especially is into martial arts.

Header graphic courtesy of Digital Westex Gallary

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