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KENPO CREED "I come to you with only karate, empty hands. I have no weapons but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles, or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong, then here are my weapons, Karate, my empty hands." Benny Otaki Ed Parker |
SELF-DEFENSE CREED " I believe the right of personal defense exists. If I am forced to defend myself, my loved ones or my country, should I be attacked or have my principles violated, then I am ready, willing and prepared to defend myself with my natural weapons, the law of the fist and the way of the empty hand. This way, controlled by the mind, is a skillful weapon that can subdue, overpower or kill, depending on the forced combat situation. I will aggressively react to any infringement on my God given rights with speed, ruthlessness and precision. This is the way of Kenpo Karate, the law of the fist." Dr. John M. Latourette 10th Degree Black Belt American International Karate Kungfu Association |
Represents the development of spiritual strength which comes with seasoning. This mental attitude is attained during the individuals later years of training. A style capable of movement in every direction, usually using circular movements as these types of movements were difficult to break through. It is placed above earthly strength, a highest form of evolution, since the individual at this stage has learned to develop humility and self restraint. It's the intelligence that commands earthly strength.
The Dragon, a legendary animal, had the attitude that is the ultimate goal of kenpo. Armed with this attitude, graceful movements, and flexibility, an individual will not be afraid of the opponent but of what he can do to the opponent. It's developed alertness and concentration through mental awareness, he is able to turn his back and walks away from an unwarranted conflict confident that he could have been the victor. Proper internal breathing through the lower abdomen, helped to fuse the mind, body, and spirit.
A system that represents an aggressive attack with earthly strength derived from the early stages of learning. It focuses on a clawing and ripping style built on strengthening of the bones. This is the stage where the individual is more impressed with his own physical prowess.
This style showcased the development of strength with speed. It appears to be less powerful than the tiger, but that is a deception. The Leopard springs and leaps and has a developed waist with unsurpassed power in the thighs and legs. It is quick anD shifty, and attacks prey usually from a crouched stance. The closing gaps used in Kenpo are signified by this animal.
This style was based on exercises that promoted Chi or internal power. It shows a deeply and rhythmatic type of breathing that stresses a slow soft harmonious exhalation. The snake is filled with Chi, appears soft and without strength when it touches something, yet when attacked or grasped, it has instant strength like that of a samurai warrior. Movements are rippling and show an emphasis on the fingers, especially the index and middle fingers. This finger attack, that of a forked snake tongue, concerns itself to the vital spots of the human anatomy such as the eyes.
This style stressed the strengthening of the sinews. The power came from the roots of the feet but permeated through the entire body. The movements devloped balance both physical and psychological, character, and spirit. Though Humans tend to go to extremes, the Crane style stressed meditation and introspection while executing a one legged Crane stance. It taught understanding that there was nothing wrong in having some wants, or having some needs, yet to be satified, yet to be fulfilled.