Martial Arts - Kempo

Throughout the world of martial arts, the style known as Kempo is one of the best forms of self defense and attack. Kempo uses speed, especially extremely fast strikes, which is what it is most known for. Kempo has been around for many years. Originating in Japan, it was devised and tested on ancient oriental battlegrounds, where it made extensive use of punches, kicks, with very little grappling involved.

Kempo employs other tactics as well, including disarming techniques against opponents who are using weapons.

What those who only know a little about Kempo may not realize, is that it is actually an older form of Karate. Kempo actually uses the so-called forbidden techniques of sport karate and kickboxing to create a devastating means of self defense. In the training of this deadly martial art, stylists will be taught that every block is a counter, and every counter is a block. Instead of simply blocking an attack, Kempo stylists are taught how to block in a manner which actually becomes a strike.

Like Krav Maga, probably one of the most well known aspects of Kempo has to be its speed.

If you've ever seen it demonstrated by someone who has been studying for many years, you will understand what I mean. In Kempo, the hand speed of the stylist is simply amazing. Those that have been practicing for many years, are able to execute formidable techniques with blinding speed. It's not uncommon for a Kempo stylist to complete many strikes before an opponent can get the chance to counter - or even block.

The hand speed common in Kempo comes from a technique known as "speed striking". Although Kempo can make use of weapons, and includes weapons training, it is more of an unarmed martial art that teaches students how to defend themselves in any situation. This martial arts style isn't about just going around and hurting people, however, as stylists learn a lot of the discipline found in other martial arts, such as self control, and, like students of Kung Fu, only to react when they are given no other option.

Obviously, the speed striking in Kempo takes many years to master. 

Students of the art must practice forms on a daily basis, which helps with the speed.  By practicing a certain movement over and over again, students get faster and faster. They will practice with other students, the instructors, and also with equipment such as punching bags.  Over time, students will get amazingly quick and able to execute strikes with amazing speed and precision.

Shadow boxing is also essential to developing speed with Kempo.

Students will spend quite a bit of time shadow boxing, learning their own movements. As a result of shadow boxing, students will learn physical resistance while improving their levels of fitness. This also helps with technique as well, as students will be engaging in practice with themselves.

The main exercise where speed striking will really come into play is with sparring. 

When sparring, students will test their knowledge and skills against other students. The instructors will pay close attention during this exercise, to see just how well the students are learning. Sparring can be very fun to watch, especially when there are two black belts squaring off.  As a rule, the more time a student spends in sparring, the faster he or she will develop their skills in the art of speed striking.

Throughout the years, Kempo has proved to be a martial art with very fast strikes.  It is one of the fastest striking martial arts in existence, although it teaches students self control and how to avoid confrontations.  Kempo is taught all around the world, making it an excellent martial art for children as well.  From adults to children, the martial art known as Kempo can teach self defense, harmony, self control, self confidence - and how students can help others in the world live a better life.

Martial Arts