1. What is Kempo?

The term “Kempo” or rather “Kenpo” comes from Japanese and literally means: “boxer” or “fist fighter”. A more philosophical translation for this word is: “Away from the fist”.

There are many discussions about the spelling of this word, but in Japanese it is written as “Kenpo” because Japanese cannot characterize the combination “mp” in their writing. In Japanese, the letter “m” must always be followed by a vowel. However, the word is pronounced “Kempo” or in phonetic Japanese: “Kemupo”.

The correct spelling varies from language to language and from interpretation to interpretation and is less important than the meaning of the word itself.

In Chinese, the term “Kenpo” is translated as “Chuan Fa” and means the same as in Japanese.

2. Different Kempo styles

Kempo includes different styles of Kempo:

2.a Shaolin Kempo

2.a.1. Where does the term “Shaolin” come from?

The term “Shoalin” refers to the Shaolin monks and the Shaolin monasteries/temples in China and means “Young Forest”. Traditionally, Shaolin monks developed their expertise in self-defense arts in response to attacks from bandits, and as a way to maintain physical fitness, as well as mental and physical discipline. Shaolin monks often traveled extensively throughout the country to preach Buddhism, and were therefore regularly targeted in robberies.

2.a.2. What is Shaolin Kempo?

The Shaolin Kempo (Japanese) or Shaolin Chuan Fa (Chinese) of Prince Dschero Khan Tao-Tze (Sifu Tze G.K.Meijers) is very strongly influenced by the Yin-Yang (pa-kue) sign.

It is true that while performing self-defense, kumitie’s and techniques, circular movement is performed, just like the Yin-Yang. These are all exercises composed of a series of basic movements and mainly consist of attack and defense techniques. Sometimes we move in Yin and other times in Yang. Often clockwise, the movements are hard and soft.

In the Keun and Saifas there is often movement up and down like the branch of a tree playing in the wind. In this way, a student learns to fight against a number of imaginary opponents in various combat situations and the student gains the opportunity to perform numerous movements and develop his sparring techniques.

The Shaolin Kempo program does not only consist of basic movements without weapons. Within this style one also learns to use Bo, Jo, Kwan Dao, spear, etc.