Okinawan Kempo vs. American Kenpo ?

Question

Need to choose which one, anybody who's studied both please express your opinion, Thank you

Answer 1

There are more than just Okinawan Kenpo and American Kempo/Kenpo.  There are a few styles that are known as Kempo that have no common roots with either Okinawan kenpo or American kenpo.  I studied one such system that started in China around 1300, then moved to Korea in the 1600's. Later it ended up in Japan. From there it came to the U.S.A. in the 1960's.  The system has had many names in the past. When it came to America it was know as Shorinji-Tetsu-Ken-Ryu Kempo. It's sister art is known as Kamishin-Ryu. Both use similar techniques but the emphasis is different. Kamishin-Ryu is 60% throwing and soft techniques and 40% hard or striking techniques. Tetsu-Ken-Ryu is 60% hard techniques and 40% soft techniques.

Neither style is widely known except in a few areas one of which is Charleston South Carolina. There were a few other dojo teaching the styles in other states.

Both are effective self-defense methods if you should find one of these in your area.

Answer 2

Actually Draygin pretty much has it on the head. Okinawan Kenpo is what Miagi did in Karate Kid. It's very traditional and EPAK is a modern art. Just the facts.

Answer 3

Check my site out at http://www.sover.net/~altpc/legend and go to the History section and it tells you the entire history of both. They are pretty much the same once you read it.

Answer 4

Okinawan Kenpo is a Traditional Martial Art and has little resemblance to American Kenpo. American Kenpo is a Hybrid art and has Chinese Kenpo, Judo, JiuJitsu, Boxing, Shotokan and many other arts absorbed into it. It is a Mixed Martial art and in my opinion much more effective in it's defense aspects It's an art that evolves and Okinawan Kenpo is more of a do as I say kind of art. If it doesn't work, do it anyway.

So if you want an effective street smart Martial Art, American Kenpo by far. If you want tradition, you have Okinawan. It depends on your final goal.

Answer 5

much of a muchness but i would choose american kempo because in my opinion it is more street defence orientated.

Answer 6

It just comes down to a personal choice and the one you first start learning may not be the right one and later you may make the switch, you can not go wrong here because the are both great forms of self defense.

Me, American Kenpo for 12 years and before that some 5 other Arts.

Answer 7

definitely American Kenpo