Traditions
Traditions of Kenpo
When James Mitose returned to Hawaii in 1937 from his Kosho/Kenpo training with his Grandfather, Sukuhei Yoshida (20th Great Grand Master) in Japan, he knew that people would assume his "Art" was just another Japanese/Okinawan martial art.
He immediately wanted to send a message to all the other martial artists in Hawaii that this was not the case. He did this by wearing a "Black Gi," which was contrary to the nature of the "Traditional" Japanese martial arts! James Mitose wanted all to know that while there were some similarities to other martial arts, Kosho/Kenpo had taken a different path of development and was a style of its own - not to be considered Japanese in nature or origin!
The Japanese government recognized this when they did away with the Samurai as a class and outlawed the traditional wearing of swords. At this same time the Japanese Government's edict went out: when the sanctity of human life was affirmed, Kenpo was made an illegal art. Jiu Jitsu was allowed to be practiced because it was more scientific. Meaning: Kenpo was a "killing art" that had its true origin in China!
Originally most Kenpo practitioners had to use unbleached Judo uniforms (bleaching to make them WHITE weakened the material) to hold up to the grabbing and throwing. Early Kenpo as taught in the 50's was very much Kenpo-Jiu Jitsu: realistic grabs and hard throws.
This is where the main break would come between "Traditional Kenpo" and "American Kenpo." When quality black uniforms became available (usually from one of the Kajukenbo sources), black uniforms became the accepted standard for all students.
Ed Parker and American Kenpo took another path: Only instructors were allowed to wear a "Black Gi."
The wearing of a "Black Gi" also had a great "psychological" effect. I remember reading a article by Chuck Norris when he related that as a "brown belt" what concern him most were those "Kenpo fighters in black uniforms" . . . if they wore a beard, as Ralph Castellanos did, it was even worse!
For over 30 years the "Black Uniform" gave Kenpo its unique identity; Kenpo and Kajukenbo were the only styles wearing the "Black Gi'! Today so many are wearing "Black Gi's" you can't tell if they are Kenpo or Kajukenbo stylists, until you see them fight! (We are the ones disqualified for excessive contact). Just wearing a "Black Gi" does not make you a fighter.
The Black Gi is part of our Kenpo/Kempo/Kajukenbo heritage and distinguishes us from all other Martial Arts. It states to the entire world: "We are a fighting art"!
If you want to play it as "Sport," wear a "White Gi!"
Today most Kenpo schools will allow the wearing of either a black or white Gi, or even a combination of the two: black top, white bottom; white top, black bottom.
Today the trend from the "Business Guru's" is to get us out of our "Traditional Gi." Why? So they can sell you on their "New Age Martial Arts": No uniforms; no belts; no Sensei/Sifu (replaced by the "program director"); no history; no tradition! Where "aerobics" have replaced "Self Defense" - where EVERY health spa and gym has "certified" kick-boxing instructors ($295) who have never been hit in their lives, nor have they ever landed a real kick or punch! Where Tae Bo is passed off as "True Self Defense." Almost makes you want to have the "Ninja Turtles" back as "Role Models" for the martial arts!
For most Kenpo/Kempo/Kajukenbo stylists, they will have to be "rip our Black Gi's off our backs!" before we will ever buy into their "designer sweats" and "Nike" approach to "Feel Good Karate" !
Masters of Kenpo and also the true masters of jiu-jitsu number their arts, in the order of their importance, as follows:
1. Punching
2. Striking
3. Kicking
4. Throwing and locking
The reason for this order is that punching, striking and kicking are faster than throwing or any other art. If it is possible to grab the lapel, or any part of the body, of an opponent for the purpose of throwing him, it is also possible to punch, strike or kick him, and not only is it possible, but it is much more practicable since it is easier and faster.
Punching, striking and kicking are the best methods of self defense. A person who is attacked should strive to preserve his physical resources and to use his strength and energy economically; in actual combat he should not risk exhausting himself by attempting to grab and throw his opponent. For a person to use throwing tricks and thus leave his vital spots exposed to his opponent, is very dangerous; and this danger is multiplied if he is faced with more than one opponent.
Locks should be used only when the opponent is not dangerous. They maybe used on intoxicated person, for example. On a friend who has attacked in a fit of anger it is permissible to use a lock.
It may be well to note here that a Kenpo student, before using dangerous tricks on his opponent such as breaking a joint or at-tacking his opponent's nerve centers should gently ask his attacker's name, if he does not know it and the, reason for the attack. In speaking to him gently, it might help to calm down the attacker. This rule should apply, especially, in the evening or in the dark where neither the student nor the attacker can be recognized. The attack may have come because of some word misunderstood, or because of a mistake in identity.
Kenpo is similar, in some respects to boxing, but it differs in the fundamentals. Kenpo is purely an art of self-defense. It should not be treated as a sport or game.
Boxing, in the Japanese language, is Ken-to. Ken means fist; To means fight. Thus Kento means fist fight. In Kenpo, Ken means fist; po means law. Thus Kenpo means fist law. Law is a divine commandment or a revelation of the will of God, so Kenpo must be practiced according to the command of God.