Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get a black belt?

The average time for most students to achieve Shodan (first-degree black belt) is two to three years. Individual results will vary. The more time a student invests in lessons and self study with homework, the sooner black belt status can be achieved. Let's face it; achieving black belt is the goal. You are either a black belt or you're not. Also, if you already have marital arts experience, you should advance in Kenpo even faster.

2. What happens at each lesson?

Every lesson begins with some light stretching. Followed by instruction in the stances, hand weapons, foot weapons and blocks of Original Kenpo. Every lesson includes instruction in Original Kenpo self defense techniques. These techniques are scenario based and apply to real street fight situations. Thirty techniques are required for advancement to each belt rank.

3. How should I train outside of class?

Between classes, students are encouraged to study the written material that is given to each student. Video material is also available for student reference. It is also recommended that students review each class's material on their own.

4. Why Kenpo? How does it compare to Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, Karate, etc.?

Simply put, kenpo is the most effective and practical martial art there is for self-defense in real world street fight situations. Original/traditional Kenpo is a self-defense against an attacker whose intent is to kill you. In Kenpo the emphasis is on stopping a fight as soon as possible by disabling your attacker. This is the opposite of boxing or movie fights where the opponents fight for a prolonged time until one gives up or is too weak from exertion to continue. Because Original Kenpo is an ancient art it predates Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Aikido. In fact, most other martial arts can either trace their roots to kenpo or were directly influenced by it. Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, and Karate all have sport versions, however because of the extremely violent and deadly nature of Original Kenpo; there is no sport version. Also, kenpo is a relatively simple style to learn and Original Kenpo is not affiliated with any particular religion and all classes and terminology are in English. Because of this the students can devote themselves entirely to martial study without time spent learning another language or religious customs.

5. How fit do I need to be?

Anyone can begin the study of Original Kenpo who is in good health.

6. Will we be doing any sparring?

Yes, tournament competition is popular among some students. Those students who wish to compete in tournaments may receive instruction in this area. In the 1970's the Tracy System of Kenpo Karate brought in Joe Lewis to be the National Director of tournament competition and training. Mr. Lewis is considered by many experts to be the all time greatest martial arts tournament fighter. Mr. Lewis also studied with and trained with Bruce Lee in Jeet Kune Do for two years. Mr. Lewis taught Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do fighting methods to Tracy System of Kenpo Karate competition fighters. The result was the dominance of Tracy's fighters on the national tournament scene. More recently a Tracy's System of Kenpo black belt Bart Vale developed an Ultimate Fighting style system called "Shoot Fighting." This system has won Ultimate Fighting Championships, even against Gracie Brothers Jiu Jitsu.

7. Are there weapons?

Yes. Original Kenpo is by definition Chinese in origin notJapanese. Weapons include but are not limited to butterfly swords (a kind of short broad sword), staff, and spear.

8. What extra gear is required?

Initially no extra gear is required. Only omfortable, loose clothing and a desire to learn. As the student progresses a uniform or "gi" with belt will be supplied to the student at discounted rates.

9. Do I have to wear a gi?

Yes. As the students progress through the system a black gi will be supplied to the student at a discounted rate. The student will find that the gi is very practical, because it will allow increased freedom of movement. The Original Kenpo gi is black instead of white. This is to remind us that our system is deadly and not "sport" karate.

10. Where do I go to take lessons?

Because Original Kenpo is orientated towards close in, hand-to-hand combat, only about six to eight square feet of space is needed to train. All lessons are taught at the World Gym in Marietta.

11. What do I get when I earn a black belt?

Besides the advanced skill and knowledge you will have achieved, you will also receive a diploma and be registered at Tracy System of Kenpo Karate Headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky. Your effort to achieve black belt status will be rewarded with the pride and honor of joining an elite society of fellow black belts in Original Kenpo Karate.

12. Is this just another cardio karate course?

There are many physical benefits of studying Original Kenpo Karate. These include improved flexibility, speed, strength, balance, and hand-eye coordination. Instruction does include some drills that directly increase the student's stamina and metabolism. The difference between "cardio kick boxing" and Original Kenpo Karate is that "cardio kick boxing" is first and foremost aerobics in a martial art style. Whereas Original Kenpo Karate is a true martial art with aerobic benefits.

13. What other benefits come from Original Kenpo Karate?

Besides the physical benefits already mentioned, the student will notice a gradual increase in poise, posture, self confidence, as well as an increased awareness of the student's surroundings and improved insights into human anatomy and psychology.

14. Why have I never heard of this martial art "kenpo"?

Kenpo has existed in China for centuries as Chuan Fa meaning, "fist law". In Japanese, the written characters for Chuan Fa are pronounced Kem Po (spelled Kenpo). It came to Japan as early as 1250 AD when samurai of the Yoshida and Kamatsu Clans brought it back after travelling and studying in China. "Kenpo" is the Japanese version of the Chinese characters for chuan fa. The Yoshida clan kept this art secret, and only taught it to the members of their family or clan. In the 1920's, a certain James Mitose (Me-toe-see) whose mother was of the Yoshida clan was sent to Japan from Hawaii to learn his mother's family art of kenpo. Mr. Mitose has stated that this Yoshida Clan Kenpo was called Kosho Ryu Kenpo Jiu-jitsu. Kosho Ryu Kenpo Jiu-jitsu was in origin Shaolin Five Animal Chuan Fa. This was and is a pure Chinese system. In the 12th and 13th centuries the Yoshida and Komatsu clans introduced the first elements of their native Jiu-jitsu to the system. The Five Animal Chuan Fa is the backbone of the system, while the Komatsu Jiu-jitsu elements complemented and supplemented the system. In 1940, on his return to Hawaii, Mr. Mitose opened the Official Self Defense Club of Hawaii and for the first time began to teach kenpo karate to people outside his clan. One of his students became a black belt instructor. His name was William Chow. Professor William Chow taught Original Kenpo Karate unchanged just as he learned it from Mr. Mitose to several students that he promoted to black belt. These include Ralph Castro, Adriano Emperado, Sam Kuoha, William Chun, and Ed Parker. All of the above continue to teach Original Kenpo Karate unchanged. Will Tracy studied under William Chow and Fusae Oshita (Mitose's sister). Al and Jim studied under Ed Parker and were taught Original Kenpo Karate just as Mr. Parker had learned it from William Chow. This is confirmed by Will Tracy who has said that Mr. Parker's Original Kenpo Karate was the same as William Chow and Fusae Oshita's kenpo. Later, Mr. Parker would begin to develop a completely different martial art based on his unique theories of movement and call this new system "American Kenpo" to distinguish this entirely new system from his old system. In Mr. Parker's own words, his American Kenpo is "only 10% kenpo". This is in no way a slight to Mr. Parker. Rather a tribute to his genius for developing and marketing a "new" martial art. However Al and Jim Tracy have devoted themselves to promoting and preserving Original Kenpo Karate in its true and unchanged form. The Tracy's honor Original Kenpo Karate as a system that has proven practical and effective for centuries. From China to Japan to Hawaii to America Original Kenpo Karate has remained unchanged from Mitose to Chow to Parker to the Tracys. Others continue to teach Original Kenpo Karate as William Chow taught it; including Castro's Shaolin Kenpo, Kuoha's Chinese Kempo of Kara Ho Karate, Tracy's System of Kenpo karate, Emperado's Kajukenbo, Ibrao's Jun Bao Wu Shu Kung Fu, and Chun's Go-Shinjitsu Kai Chinese Kenpo System. Each of these systems has a complete web site which can provide additional information.

15. What if I want to train with my wife and kids?

Original Kenpo Karate is recommended for men and women as practical self-defense. Original Kenpo Karate is beneficial to women who wish to improve their physical abilities, increase self-confidence, and learn to protect themselves from potential mugging and rape situations. However, because of Kenpo's extremely violent and lethal nature, no students under 16 years of age can be accepted.

16. Can I take more that one lesson per week?

The minimum number of lessons required for students is two half-hour private lessons per month. It is strongly recommended that students take one half-hour private lesson per week to advance toward black belt. However students may schedule as many private lessons a month as they wish. The fee for half-hour lessons is $30. NO contracts are required.

17. What if I want to prepay for six months or one year of private lessons?

Students may prepay for lessons in advance and qualify for a discount as follows. For every four private lessons paid for in advance, the fifth private lesson is free. No contracts are required. Students may also study Original Kenpo Karate together under the "Buddy System." This course is designed to provide one hour of instruction to two students who study together. The discounted fee for this program is $50 an hour each. Also for every four one hour private lessons that are prepaid, the fifth private lesson is free.

18. Who taught you?

My instructors were Darryl Escalante and Frank Wood. Mr. Escalante recommended me for my Shodan. My Shodan is on record at Tracy's International Headquarters (#OB-0095). Mr. Escalante owned a Tracy System of Kenpo Karate franchise in Atlanta. Mr. Escalante was taught and promoted to Shodan by Mr. Al Tracy. Mr. Joe Lewis has also instructed me when I attended his seminars on Jeet Kune Do and its applications to tournament competition and street fighting.

19. Does anyone else teach kenpo in Atlanta?

As stated earlier, Original Kenpo Karate as taught by Professor William Chow is only being taught by a few organizations in Atlanta. Only myself as an Original Kenpo Karate personal trainer and Pat Munk in Austell, Georgia are teaching Original Kenpo Karate as promoted and preserved by the Tracy System of Kenpo Karate. Mr. Ed Parker's American Kenpo is also taught in the Atlanta area. But remember, Mr. Ed Parker's American Kenpo is only "10% kenpo".

20. Are there any videos or books that will help me?

There are videos available. Students will receive a free video with their first paid class. Other instructional videos and written manuals are available on request.

21. Who else besides Tracy's teaches Original Kenpo Karate?
Original Kenpo Karate as taught by William Chow is preserved in the systems of Master Sam Kuoha's Chinese Kempo of Kara-Ho Karate at http://www.Karaho.com and Master Ralph Castro's System at http://www.ShaolinKenpo.com

For more information on Original Kenpo Karate's history or course descriptions including belt requirements and promotions or more information on the Self-Defense Course send email to louiejiles@hotmail.com