Kempo is the core martial art that is taught in my martial arts school. Kempo loosely translated means "fist law".
The art of kempo (kenpo) was brought to the United States in the 1940's by James Mitose. Mr Mitose is a direct decendent of the Kosho Clan. The Kosho clan traces it's roots to the Shaolin Temple.
Kajukenpo (kempo) broke off into two main branches after reaching mainland United States. One branch took William "Thunderbolt" Chow as its head. This art developed into American Kempo. Another branch was under the leadership of Edmund Parker. This branch of Kajukempo is known as American Kenpo. Elvis Presley was one of Ed Parkers most famous students.
The current world leader of Kajukempo is Sijo Adrian Emperada. Mr Empearda resides in Hawaii and is universally accepted as kajukempo leader. I had the honor of meeting and conversing with Sijo a few years ago.
Many sub-branches and breakoffs of kempo exist today. But many still use the core kajukempo katas and training methods to pass and teach their art.
A new Alliance on Long Island has recently been formed, called The Long Island Kempo Alliance. Their reason for being is to bring independent schools who teach the art of kempo together to better serve their art and to be a positive force in their local community.
For further information on The Long Island Kempo Alliance visit their website. I have provided their link below. Seminars tournaments and Special Events are already being planned by Long Island Kempo Alliance. Visit their website at
LIKempo.com
A teacher can only open the door, It's up to the student to walk through.