Kenpo History
Kenpo defined as "Law of the Fist" was introduced in Hawaii by James Mitose, as the Kosho Shorei Kempo system. This system was already very progressive compared to many traditional methods. It was one of the first to teach self defense outside Kata.
Kenpo Karate stresses attack to vital areas by punching, striking, chopping, thrusting, and pokes, as well as throws, locks, and take downs. Kenpo teaches how to maneuver your opponent unknowingly, placing himself in a precarious and vulnerable position. Kenpo is known for its repertoire of fast multiple hand strikes. The philosophy of Kenpo is simple 'ATTACK BY COMBINATIONS'.
During the early years of Kenpo, Mitose's senior student William Chow received permission to teach on his own. Upon forming his own school, Chow enlisted one of Mitose's "underbelts". His name was Adriano Emperado. Chow was impressed with the skill and creativity of Emperado. Much of this skill came from Emperado's detailed knowledge of the Filipino Martial Arts passed to him from Alexandro, Isaac, and Alfredo Peralta.
Teaching as Chow's senior student, Emperado conducted many classes and played a great role in forming the structure of this "new" Kenpo. A very exciting time in the history of the system. Professor Chow incorporated many Chinese attributes ( learned from his father) to Kenpo. Emperado added the speed and angular attack of the Filipino Arts. Many new self defense techniques, line drills, hand drills, and combinations were developed by Emperado and adopted by Professor Chow. Numerous methods of entering, trapping, and striking used in Kenpo are typical methods used in the Filipino Arts. Years later, Adriano Emperado formed the "Black Belt Society". This was a formulation of different styles that would later be referred to as "KAJUKENBO". This style included Tang Soo Do, Judo, Jujitsu, Kenpo and Chinese Boxing. The name Kajukenbo KA for Karate, JU for Jujitsu and Judo, KEN for Kenpo and BO for Boxing. These Black belt members were Joe Holck of Jujitsu, Peter Choo of Tang Soo Do,, Clarence Chang of Gung Fu, and Frank Ordonez of Judo.