Kenpo facts for kids
Kenpo (also spelled kempo) is a cool type of martial arts that comes from both Japan and China. It's a bit like karate, but Kenpo often uses more quick punches and kicks. It doesn't focus as much on holds or wrestling moves.
What Makes Kenpo Special?
Kenpo is unique because it mixes styles from both China and Japan. This means that Kenpo artists often use moves that are both smooth and flowing (like Chinese martial arts) and quick and direct (like Japanese martial arts).
Because of its Chinese roots, Kenpo moves can be very fluid. And thanks to its Japanese side, Kenpo also uses shorter stances and faster movements. This combination makes Kenpo known for its super-fast, close-range attacks that can be hard for an opponent to even see!
Different Styles of Kenpo
Just like there are different types of dance, there are many different styles of Kenpo. Each one has its own special moves and ways of teaching. Some of the well-known styles include:
- American Kenpo
- Kajukenbo
- Seishindo Kenpo
- Shorinji Kenpo (which means "Kenpo of Shaolin")
- Kempo Tai Jutsu
- Tracy Kenpo
- Kenpo Jiu-Jitsu
- Kenpo Kai
Kenpo's Home in Hawaii
Kenpo has a very strong presence in Hawaii. Many of the Kenpo styles you see in the United States today started there. This shows how the Chinese and Japanese influences kept mixing and growing over time in these islands.
See also
- In Spanish: Kenpō para niños
