is shaolin kempo an effective way of self defense? if anyone has any info on shaolin kempo or any advice please just leave a response. P.S. i would really like if a shaolin kempo practioner responded back and tell me if they like it.
As a martial art, Kempo is referred to as a
Do or a Way. A way of being and a path
towards enlightenment. "Mastering others
requires force, mastering the self requires
enlightenment." This phrase sums the full
circle of what Kempo strives towards.
Although on its surface Kempo can be seen
as a unique form of self-defense, hidden
beneath its physical exterior are levels where
characteristic centralization of mind and body
form. At this level, Kempo's practitioners
elevate from a simple form of fighting to a
higher level of ability and enlightenment.
Ying Kuchan, a Shaolin monk and master of
Kempo, after a lengthy period of meditation
in a Zen rock garden, spoke of Kempo saying
"Kempo is the power of adaptability and
yielding, the harmonyof all things
working together."
Kempo is a unique art form of spiritual
growth, health, and personal responsibility.
It is a comprehensive and diversified means
of unarmed self-defense, though it encompasses both an armed and unarmed systems of combat with techniques (applications) of varying appearances and methods.
On an external level, Kempo is a complete fighting system of offensive and defensive methods, with equal emphasis of striking techniques with the hands and feet, immobilization and controls, projections and take downs; as well as weaponry, various spiritual and healing arts.
Kempo, as developed in America, is a street wise defensive art that does not restrict its students in methodology. Clawing hands evolve into slashing feet. Cunning joint locks turn into devastating hip throws. Evasive blocks turn into breath closing chokes.
The Shaolin Kempo system we teach contains the 108 number combinations and the techniques of the five animals and the unique forms of Shaolin Kempo as well as the pinan series and weapons defense and weapons training. We place a strong emphasis on body mechanics and control allowing the art to be effective for us as our body grows older. The health benefits of the qi training inherent in the system are powerful, deep and lasting.
Shaolin Kempo provides endless possibilities. The only true fighting systems are those where there are no rules applied. From the books of the Han dynasty, we learn "Nothing is impossible to a willing mind." And it is from this saying that we can derive the upper principles of Shaolin Kempo. What sets Kempo apart from boxing, wrestling, and Sunday night football is an emphasis on spirituality of body and mind.
The Shaolin Kempo Training Center consciously focuses on maintaining a balance between the soft and the hard aspects of training in the martial arts while teaching and training the students a streetwise effective system. Our family class which allows children and adults to practice together presents a wonderful opportunity for mothers and fathers to enjoy an activity together where they can develop at their own pace and understanding. All adults signed up for the family class also have complete access to the adult classes as they like. The family atmosphere is not limited to the one class though. Marlon Wilson's teacher Shihan Ingargiola and Shihan's teacher Prof. Kimo are great examples of powerful and exciting martial artists who love to share and help people grow…regardless of rank.. Marlon Wilson studies tirelessly to learn from Shihan Ingargiola not simply the moves but also, how to teach, how to apply and how to develop true martial artists with Shaolin Kempo. His love for the art and for people permeates the classes and his training. Passionate to learn and teach, Marlon constantly seeks to improve him self and his students and be an example of the spirit of Kempo: “Kempo is the power of adaptability and yielding, the harmony of all things working together.” All the while never forgetting the maxim that there is nothing more harmful than to teach that which is ineffectual.
Many people are quite happy with only the surface value of Kempo, taking its studies for reasons of physical health, self-defense, or a Monday night hobby. Yet, Kempo tries to build a person's psychological persona and betterment. Kempo is not solely a means of felling an opponent by force, but it teaches an inner peace to one's life and to the universe around us.