KENPO KARATE

The modern iteration of Kenpo Karate was developed in the United States during the 1950s by Edmund K. Parker Sr., who adapted and modernized traditional Chinese and Japanese martial arts techniques to create an effective and dynamic self-defense system.

Parker trained under William K. S. Chow in Hawaii, where he learned traditional Kenpo from both Chinese and Japanese influences. By incorporating Western scientific principles of movement and timing, Parker created a unique style that emphasizes speed, precision, and continuous motion patterns. Since then, this modern form of Kenpo has spread globally and continues to be an integral part of modern self-defense training.

Our curriculum in Kenpo is based on traditional techniques from the style's founder, Parker, as passed down through Bernie Gorak II, who studied under Parker's student Larry Tatum. The program is also strongly influenced by Shawn Armstrong, who trained under Ed Hutchinson, a student of Jay T. Will, who in turn was a student of Parker. Armstrong's influence brings a modern and pragmatic approach to self-defense, offering our students the opportunity to develop their skills in a versatile and realistic self-defense system.