WELCOME! I would like to introduce myself. I am Eric Gilbert, Head Instructor at the American International Gilbert Kenpo Schools of Self Defense. I have been a student and practioner of Kenpo Karate since 1983. Learning Kenpo to 4th Degree Black Belt has been a rewarding journey full of discovery and growth as I have trained with and learned from very knowledgable instructors, such as Grand Master Al Tracy, Dr. John M. Latourette, Master Larry Tatum, Jim White, and Ed Hutchison. I have studied all available information, learning from their trial by passage, developing as I stayed on the path continuing to practice the Art, while seeking out advice from the Masters anyway possible either in person or even through video presentation. As others have done, it is imperative in my growth as a Kenpo Karate practitioner, that I continue to learn from these great scholars, the Art of Kenpo, by tapping into their vast knowledge of practical application.As written in his book "Secrets of Kenpo Karate", The mental sciences state that when you are truly ready for a Master he will appear to you. On the path to enlightenment, we often come in contact with people who have a lasting effect in our lives. Having had the ability and fortunate circumstance to come in contact with Dr. John M. Latourette, has given me a deeper understanding of Kenpo Karate. This has taken my Evolution in Kenpo well beyond the physical realm of development. This mental training aspect of Kenpo Karate takes my knowledge well beyond normal thought and practice to a higher plain of consciousness, in areas such as speed training / speed fighting, closing gaps, poison hand nerve cavity pressure point strikes, color codes of combat through mental awareness, street effective fighting skills against one or multiple attackers, weapons training and defense, as well as internal energy training.
Turning the other cheek to violence and intimidation is wrong. Kenpo Karate is a progressive street oriented system that focuses on true self defense in both empty hand and with weaponry. It utilizes both linear and circular movements that can incapacitate your attacker(s). Kenpo is defined as an art of never ending interconnected strikes, breaks, and manipulation to vital parts of the human anatomy against one or multiple attackers. The real purpose of self defense is to protect our loved ones as well as ourselves. Kenpo Karate looks at scientific concepts not used by other systems which include correct body posture and mechanics, flow, leverage, timing, footwork, angles, as well as target areas on the human body. To walk down a street today, you must be functional in hand to hand combat. Kenpo Karate is comprehensive, practical, real, and can be utilized in todays world. Kenpo encompasses training at all angles and range of fighting. Being an all inclusive, highly practical martial art, this system prepares you to defend against grabs, tackles, punches, kicks, hugs, locks, chokes, weapons, and multiple attackers. Kenpo addresses as well the angles associated with these attacks such as from the front, rear, and even from the flanks. Each Kenpo self defense technique is very fast and each move flows into the next move so every block is a strike and every strike is a block. Kenpo students come to understand how the body functions and what happens when you hit a certain point on the human body. You learn the target areas, what to hit that target area with, and how to set yourself up for the next shot. Forms (Kata), training drills and sets that are introduced and practiced, promote speed, balance, coordination, accuracy, mental and physical conditioning. Weapon study includes the staff / Bo, gun, knife, club, nunchuku, fist-load, sword, escrima sticks, and sai.People from all walks of life can study Kenpo; children and adults, men and women who want to exercise to get or stay in shape while learning a true effective self-defense. Kenpo helps people to achieve self-confidence, improved coordination, increased self-esteem, improved flexibility, increased strength and stamina. Kenpo in offering a life long benefit, does not take a life time to learn. From the very first lesson, you will learn self-defense moves that you can instantly put to use.
We here at the Gilbert Kenpo Schools of Self Defense feel that it is best to learn a martial art through one on one interaction with an instructor. Through these private lessons, you advance at your own pace, with the instructor devoting the entire lesson to meet your needs, allowing you to learn and advance at a quicker pace based on your individual abilities. With everyone's physical makeup different, your training can be customized to fit your method of learning.In providing kinestetic feedback in learning the true benefit of Kenpo, we offer and encourage group classes as well. In interaction with others, you are able to experience through safe practice, the feeling of a grab, choke, or even a strike. Sparring with others allows you to improve and hone your fighting skills and physical conditioning, through actual combat. In a combat situation, those who prepare to survive, deserve to survive.