Kenpo may also refer to the Constitution of Japan (憲法)

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Kenpo or Kempo (拳法; lit. fighting method) In Japan Kempo has a long history. Kempo itself is a common Japanese term for martial arts in general that is the translation of the Chinese ch'uan fa "fist principles." In the West, all Kempo styles (known by their use of the black uniform), can trace their lineage to James Mitose, a Hawaiian born Japanese who taught several students in the late 1930s and early 1940s. This version of Kempo falls into the category of mixed martial arts that have a basis in Karate, and incorporate Shaolin Ch'uan and/or Kickboxing.

It is said by its practitioners that Mitose's version of Kempo follows much of the same path as Chinese martial arts, but in order to shorten the amount of time to train a person, methods from Karate were used as the basis to quickly allow a person to learn the basics, and techniques. As it often takes 10 to 20 years of continuous effort to master one form of kung fu, Kempo practitioners often can be black belted in around 3 to 5 years, depending on the instructor.

Normal Karate usually focuses on linear attacks and blocks, or straight moves, with power being more important than learning separate techniques. Mitose's Kempo emphasizes more circular moves, such as the hook, or the uppercut as main attack methods. Western Kempo has more grappling and throws than Karate. Both Karate and Western Kempo use kata, but Kempo kata tend to have more techniques to them, with an emphasis on multiple hits.

Mitose's Kempo uses modern calisthenic techniques like push ups to build strength.

Partial List of Styles and Systems:

• Mitose and Chow Lineage:
  • Kosho SHorei Kempo also known as Kosho Ryu Kempo
  • Chi Lin Kempo
  • Shingon Kempo
  • Karaho Kempo
  • American Kenpo
  • SubLevel Four Kenpo
  • Shaolin Kenpo (Castro)
  • Shaolin Kempo Karate (Villari)
  • Kajukenbo
  • Tracy Kenpo
  • Karazenpo
  • Cerio Kenpo
  • CHA3
• Other
  • Shorinji Kempo
  • Ryukyu Kempo (Okinawan)
  • Shorinji Toraken Ryu Sogo Kempo Jutsu