International Kenpo Karate Society

The primary purpose of the International Kenpo Karate Society is to continue the teachings of American Kenpo Grandmaster Ed Parker through the further evolution and expansion of his teachings where necessary. This further elaboration of American Kenpo we term American Wu Shen Pai Kenpo®. This translates simply as "Warrior Spirit Family". Wu Shen Pai Kenpo® Karate has its own traditional code of ethics or Wen Wu which are strictly adhered to. It is also an art which is based on the duality of opposites. Wu Shen Pai Kenpo® is a combination of YIN (soft/circular movement) and YANG (hard/linear movement). The Wu Shu (martial aspects) of Wu Shen Pai Kenpo® can be further explained in four distinct - though interconnecting - major paths of study.

Nei Kung
Deals with developing, controlling, and directing one's Ki, or internal energy force, through breathing and meditation exercises in conjunction with specific physical techniques.

Wai Kung
Wai Kung includes the offensive and defensive empty hand combative applications. Combining elements predominantly tense and linear in nature with those soft and circular, these techniques mesh to form a natural fighting system. This phase includes full instruction in all hand strikes and blocks (trapping and grabbing as well as deflection applications, using the hands, wrist, forearm, elbows, arms and shoulders), 365 individual kicks, throws and falls from any position and onto any surfaces, human anatomical structure as it pertains to combat applications (knowing and utilizing the body's weak points to effectively control the opponent, regardless of their size), joint manipulation and breaking, finger pressure-point application, prisoner arrest, control and transport, grappling applications, forms, offensive choking and flesh-tearing techniques, defense against multiple opponents, breaking techniques, counter-attacks, and killing techniques.

Wu Xie Kung
Involves the offensive and defensive use of the over 108 traditional weapons found within 20 categories of weaponry. By learning these various weapon systems, the practitioner can most effectively utilize any available object as a weapon as the situation demands.

Shen Kung
Is the study, development, and control of the human mind in order to attain one's full potential and mental capabilities. Techniques are taught to achieve an increase in one's total awareness, focus, and concentration levels. Included are instruction in :controlling one's mind; development of the "sixth sense"; memory recall; the study of human character and personalities; practical psychology; visualization; the art of concealment and stealth as utilized by special agents; as well as advanced, secretive applications. Wu Shen Pai Kenpo® teaches both the martial art (Wu-Shu) and healing art (In-Shu). If one is able to injure or worse, then he/she should know how to heal as well, once again maintaining harmony through the balance of opposites. First aid applications, revival techniques are taught in conjunction with the traditional full studies of acupuncture, Royal Family acupressure, herbal and natural medicines, and bone setting.

Training:

A typical training session includes Focus and Concentration (beginning and end of class). Total body stretching and warm-up exercises. Basic punching and kicking practice. Ki power exercises. Combination drills which vary by belt rank. Two-man countering techniques which vary by belt rank. Open session which may include: sparring, tumbling, grappling, sweeps, or advanced techniques. Self-defense techniques. Cool down exercises. Wu Shen Pai Kenpo® code of ethics.

Wu Shen Pai ® Kenpo is certainly one of the most comprehensive systems of self-defense and combative techniques in the world. This system has been developed in accordance with the ancient principles of Yin-Yang, which emphasize balance in life and harmony with others and nature.

Hard/Linear Movements
Soft/Circular Movements
Foot & Hand Techniques
Joint Manipulation/ Joint Locks
Takedowns, Throws & Sweeps
Ground Fighting
Traditional & Modern Weaponry
Internal Energy Development
Meditation & Breathing Techniques
Healing Arts
Philosophy & Ethics (Wen Wu)

What attracts many Westerners to the Eastern Martial Arts in the first place are the traditional values of respect, honor, integrity, and loyalty. It is the presence of ceremony and etiquette which displayed humility and maturity. It is the Eastern philosophies of harmony with nature, strong disciplined character, honoring elders and seniors with respect, inner peace, and the balance of juxtaposing forces of nature which permeates into every aspect of the physical and intangible (Yin/Yang). The traditional Kenpo emphasis on concepts and principles of motion, physics, and biomechanics remains. However, Wu Shen Pai ®Kenpo has retained the character building aspects of traditional martial arts training. We feel that you will find this both practical and fulfilling.

Our Wu Shen Pai ® system allows for our members to refer to a standardized base of teaching while allowing personal preference and variable expansion to be explored. It is our intention to provide a solid base to teach and learn from, and to act as a Kenpo organization for the direct students of Professor Robert L. Jones. It is also the purpose of the organization to provide a home for those who wish to embrace the comprehensive martial system of Wu Shen Pai Kenpo® Karate. As such, it will serve as the rank registration and certifying body for all affiliated students and instructors.

Within the I.K.K.S. structure, members will have the opportunity to learn and study a diverse range of skills related to our training in Kenpo. These skills include Kenpo ground fighting, Pressure Points and Cavity Presses, and Contact Manipulation / Control Maintenance. We welcome any who embrace our vision of the art and wish to pursue it. We strictly eschew the negativity which has denigrated our art over the last 15 years. The art of Kenpo Karate is wide spread and diversified. Realizing the enormity of information and the rich history of our art, we welcome the many qualified people who were exposed to these teachings.

Furthermore, through a direct association with the I.K.K.S. a broad range of marketing and promotional opportunities are provided to our qualified members. The I.K.K.S. intends to build a solid structure of responsible leadership, administrators, and qualified instructors. The International Kenpo Karate Society is about providing a structure that accommodates today's needs with tomorrow's solutions. Requirements for testing and advancement are clear, concise and strictly adhered to. The quality of your advancement in the art is not in the Diploma, but in what it represents. Further, as the International Kenpo Karate Society continues to grow, our list of representatives and directors will be expanding. There are opportunities for qualified individuals to become state, regional, and national directors of a new and exciting organization.

It is time, we feel, to consider the direction of Kenpo and the martial arts in general. We should consider what we wish our community and our world to become. We stand at a crossroads with respect to our art. If you share our vision of the art, and wish to join us, we welcome you. We welcome your participation in helping us to build the organization of tomorrow, today.

Training:

OUR PHILOSOPHY

OUR VISION