Kenpo legends trace its origins to the Shaolin Temple, in my opinion this is most likely southern shaolin, or perhaps styles from the Guangdong and Fukien provinces in China, as many elements of these styles can be seen reflected in Kenpo.
To understand Dragon Kenpo we need to look at the roots of its origin and where it comes from. Regardless of who approves.īy Ed Hutchison (Founder of Dragon Kenpo Karate).ĭragon Kenpo was organized by Ed Hutchison and has been continued and evolved by various practitioners today and there are several offshoot styles that owe their roots and lineage to Dragon Kenpo. We have only two choices are martial artists and as human beings: To be ordinary or to be explorers to be followers or leaders. The methods taught begin the process of endless discovery.
There are no rules in total combat, so the Dragon Kenpo way is the path of free expression. Choosing to cross boundaries, or even erase them, means coming into conflict with the imposed order. Those who choose growth and expansion should not be surprised to find resistance from those devoted to tradition. A lot of folks have a lot invested in the status quo. To the "Masters" of the traditional styles, an unlimited mind is a dangerous thing. By banishing the unknown the traditional martial artist advance by learning more and more about less and less. Yet to adopt that order is to close out everything not included within it. Their primary task is the creation of an imposed order and the production of conformity. The traditional arts are in the business of setting limitations. It is there, in the mystery, that new discoveries are found. Greatness, after all, is not achieved by thinking within limits prescribed by convention.
The techniques taught are guides that develop greater skill, not boundaries that no one may cross. The Dragon Kenpo way, however, is the way of never ending learning and discovery. None may transcend, or even question the institution's unbending view of reality because of its sacredness. A shrine to the fixed knowledge is created, complete with ceremonies, rites and masters. Laws are laid down, rituals are set in stone and rigid patterns are put in place. Yet the underlying premise is the same for each, in that a narrow system is presented as not only superior but holy. This one emphasizing kicks, that one specializing in punches, the other takes each opponent to the ground and wrestles. The classical martial arts present themselves as rivals.
The methods and techniques of Dragon Kenpo are only a guide to illustrate various principles and scenarios only real practice and the experience you gain will teach you how to use your hands and feet in such a manner that you will be able to defend yourself from an armed or unarmed opponent. They gain a new way of thinking and acting which can guide them in all areas of life so that you will be happier, healthier, and wiser. As individuals advance in the art they realize that Kenpo is a way of life. Moreover, you will find that Dragon Kenpo stresses development of individual character, integrity, and respect for others. The instruction in Dragon Kenpo is designed to provide you with the ability to coordinate your mind, body and spirit into an efficient weapon. The art of Dragon Kenpo is a method of empty hand and foot fighting based on the scientific use of the body in self-defense.