Kenpō

Kenpō (拳法?) is the name of several Japanese martial arts. The word kenpō is a Japanese translation of the Chinese word "quán fǎ". This term is often informally transliterated as "kempo", as a result of applying Traditional Hepburn romanization,[1] but failing to use a macron to indicate the long vowel. The generic nature of the term combined with its widespread, cross-cultural adoption in the martial arts community has led to many divergent definitions.

GENERAL HISTORY OF KENPO (CHUAN FA) AND GM/SR. PROF RAY FISHER

One of the first references to martial arts in China is of Kuao Yee (200 AD), a commoner who created a style called Chang-Shou Ch’uan (long arm or long fist). Another reference is to Hua-To (190-265 AD), a physician who studied the animals of the forest. He created a series of exercises to increase his patient's health through copying the movements of the animals he saw. However, there were no classical schools, and the early exercises of the Buddhist temples were tightly guarded and kept secret.

Thus, before the 6th century, we can find only legends and hints of martial arts. The root of modern martial arts can be found in 525 AD. Bodhidharma (Da Mo) was the son of royalty in South India. He was the 28th patriarch of the Buddhist faith. It is said he was summoned by Emperor Liang Wu Ti to China to spread the Ch'an faith (509-549 AD). When he arrived and was called to the court of the Emperor Wu, his answers to the Emperor's questions were met with displeasure. Because the Emperor felt threatened, Da Mo was dismissed and he began his journey homeward.

His travels lead him to Hunan province in southern China and to the Shaolin temple located there. Upon his arrival, he found the monks incapable of meditation and study due to their poor physical condition. The head abbot (Fang Chang) feared the reformist's knowledge of Ch'an Buddhism, which stated that enlightenment could be found in many forms. This threatened the strict classical teaching of the Shaolin Temple (created in the late 5th century AD). Because of this fear, Da Mo was turned away. Unable to accept this, Da Mo retreated to a nearby cave and searched for a way to reach the monks.

Da Mo watched the animals of the forest and analyzed their movements. He then developed fighting motions based upon his observations. Unable to directly train the monks, he trained in the forest knowing that the Shaolin were watching him. Thus, by example, he was able to influence the Shaolin monks. He also practiced sitting meditation twice daily for two hours at a time. The monks were impressed with his dedication and the strength of his will. After nine years of seclusion, he was welcomed back to the monastery, returning with two Chi Kung classics: (1) Muscle and Tendon Changing Classic, and (2) Marrow Washing Classic.

n order to strengthen the monks enough to accept his Chi Kung teachings, he also began to instruct them in a series of military exercises known as the 18 hands of Lo-Han. The goal of these exercises was to allow the monks to obtain mind and body harmony. The system Da Mo developed was designed to promote mind/body unity. Without the body, the mind cannot learn; without the mind, the body cannot be controlled.

Out of this system evolved the system of Kung-Fu (well-rounded man). The principle tenet of Kung-Fu is time. It is only through time and practice that one is able to achieve this mind/body unity. The primary focus of the monks was their enlightenment (Buddha hood). Self-defense at this stage was a secondary issue to the monks.

Within the Shaolin lineage of Martial Arts, there are many styles that can trace their roots back into the temples. Most styles are either hard or soft in their emphasis. There are three main internal styles of the Shaolin temples. These are Tai Chi Ch’uan, Hsing-I Ch’uan and Pa Kua Ch’uan.

Chang San-Feng (approximately 1200 AD) is believed to have created Tai Chi Ch’uan, which means "Grand Ultimate Fist". He is said to have blended the movements of the snake and the white crane styles with the internal focus of Chi Kung meditations.

A military general named Marshal Yeuh Fei (1127-1279 AD) created the style of Hsing-I Ch’uan, which means "Form of Mind". He also is claimed to be the founder of the Eagle style of the martial arts. In addition, it is said he created the "Eight Pieces of Brocade" to improve his soldiers' health. Pa Kua Ch’uan, which means “Eight Trigrams”, was created by Doong Hae-Ch’uan sometime in the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). It stresses circling and linear stances. Many of its motions are named after animals. Of the three internal styles, it is the most concerned with the physical aspects of martial arts.

All three of these internal styles have disputed roots that trace back into the Shaolin temples. Because of the closed teaching system of the Shaolin and the attitudes of the Chinese culture which emphasize strong family roots and a general lack of trust of outsiders, clear records were not kept on the actual lineage that influenced these three teachers. However, there are references in ancient texts that indicate their basis and origins are in the Shaolin monasteries.

The five main external styles of the Shaolin temples are represented by the five classical animals in Shaolin style Kung Fu. These are the tiger, crane, leopard, dragon, and snake. As mentioned previously, the monks of the Shaolin spent many hours watching the animals. Incorporating the animal movements into the Chi Kung knowledge that existed from Da Mo, other styles of fighting arts began to develop. The bear, deer, mantis, boar, and badger are but a few of the other animal styles.

It was observed by the monks that man moves subjectively in his world. His actions and reactions are dictated by his thoughts and interpretations of the world around him. Animals move in objective response to their environment, without prior thought. It is the goal of the five animal system to allow man to move without thinking in proper response to the dangers around him. The monks practiced the fighting arts not to enhance their egos but to retreat from an egocentric view of the world by learning to move with and to know their opponent.

In 1644, the Manchurians invaded China. Many different styles of martial arts had evolved by this time. Some of the more common were the Red Eyebrow Society, the Ming Eternal Society, and the White Lotus Society. The White Lotus Society was one of the largest non-Shaolin styles. Its main branch concerned with fighting was I-Ho Ch’uan, "the Righteous and Harmonious Fists."

Acting as an umbrella for the rebels who resisted the Manchurian invaders, it incorporated all styles and knowledge into a super-style. The elements and beginning basics of such future styles as Choy Li Fut, Hung Gar family style, White Crane, and Money styles were blended together within I-Ho Ch’uan. These were the foundation for the unification by the I-Ho Ch’uan into their super-style of martial arts.

As pressure from the Manchurian invaders increased, the I-Ho Ch’uan were welcomed into the Shaolin monastery. Perhaps this was because the monks saw the value of the I-Ho Chuan's martial skills; perhaps out of respect for fellow Chi Kung martial artists who were resisting the Manchurians (who at this time were beginning to threaten the area around the monastery). No one can say for certain why the monks would allow the "non-Buddhists" to live and study at the monastery. From the union of the I-Ho Ch’uan and the Shaolin, the roots of Kenpo (fist law) began.

In December of 1644, the southern Shaolin temple in Fukien province was burned in response by the Manchurian soldiers. There are 3 possible reasons why this happened:

1. The Manchurians tried to press taxation upon the Shaolin monastery and the monks refused. The first delegation of the Manchurians were beaten and turned away when they came to demand taxes.
2. The Manchurian Emperor felt threatened by the great skills of the Shaolin monks and was frustrated by the Manchurians' inability to capture or control any of the monks.
3. The monastery was possibly attacked because of the political refuge the Shaolin monastery had extended to the deposed royal family and the I-Ho Ch’uan fighting society.

Which of these three reasons holds the most truth is unknown. Probably, each of these reasons are partially true. The results were that the Shaolin priests were scattered amongst the general population and began to teach the art as a means of defense. They exchanged knowledge for food and shelter. It was during this time that the self-defense aspect of the art became the primary focus. The art of Kenpo (fist law) or Chuan Fa (fist arts) arose out of the struggle with the Manchurians and was spread throughout the countryside. However, some of the deeper knowledge of the art was kept from the general public. This was reserved only for certain students.

A Japanese family by the name of Mitose (late 18th century) learned this blended art of Kenpo from the Shaolin monks. By using a rotation of family members in a "tour of duty" at a family trading post in south China, they were able to learn from multiple teachers. Each teacher stressed different elements of the old Shaolin knowledge. They kept this knowledge as a family secret for six generations.

In the 1880s, the family moved to Hawaii. It was not until the 1930s that James Mitose first began to teach the art to the military personnel stationed at Pearl Harbor Naval Base. He taught a classical form of Shorin Ji Kempo Jujutsu, meaning "Shaolin Style - Kempo Jujutsu".

At this time, Grandmaster Mitose accepted a student named William K.S. Chow, who was nicknamed "Thunderbolt" because of his incredible speed and power. Master Chow had already studied martial arts from his grandfather who was a Shaolin priest. He re-introduced a classical Shaolin Kung Fu bloodline into the blended Kenpo style and taught this combination to a Hawaiian by the name of Edmund K. Parker.

Master Tomas Connor began his studies of the martial arts at the age of seven. He learned an art called Jujutsu, possibly from Hoshida Nisami. Jujutsu is the open handed art of the Samurai Warrior. When the Samurai would lose his weapon in battle, he used Jujutsu to continue to do battle with his opponent. Master Connor also trained in other arts. It is believed he studied Wing Chun with James Yim Lee (Bruce Lee's cousin). It is also rumored that he studied Hung Gar Kung Fu with Y.C. Wong and Choy Li Fut with Lau Ben.

Master Connor studied boxing as well, and he was a Golden Gloves champion at the age of 16. His other accomplishments include serving as a Ranger in the Army and being involved with the OSI, which later became the CIA. Other arts that he may have studied include Dim-Mak, the art of delayed death touch, which he might have learned from Master Ching. Master Ching was a member of a Chinese Tong family, which allowed Master Connor to study sword and other related Shaolin arts and weapons. He also studied Tai Chi Ch’uan and was allowed to learn the internal applications of this art. As previously mentioned, Chinese martial arts are shrouded in mystique. Many teachers are closed mouthed about their roots and the men who influenced them. We are unable to definitively state any of Master Connor's specific teachers with the exception of Master Parker.

In the 1950s, Master Connor met Edmund K. Parker, and because of his extensive training, was immediately promoted to 4th degree black belt. Although Ed Parker was Master Connor's senior in ranking, Master Connor was able to share with Ed Parker a unique perspective and the influence of other martial arts using a different emphasis. Thus, both men learned from each other and shared knowledge.

They went into business together, and they developed the colored belt system that we still use today, expanding beyond the original white/brown/black belt system. Each man brought different skills to the business partnership. Diplomas from this partnership listed certification from CO-PAR, as the certifying board. Master Connor was an excellent businessman who could apply the art of Kenpo as a personal self-defense system for the general public. Master Parker held skills as a great communicator and was able to get philosophy and concepts across to the average man off the street.

Master Connor left the Parker organization in the early 1960s due to business differences. Specifically, he didn't agree with the concept of franchising schools in order to expand rapidly. He preferred the concept of maintaining stricter control of the business and of the teachings on the floor.

Traco International was founded in 1963 in Phoenix, Arizona. Master Connor further expanded the Kenpo system with the knowledge he had from his studies in other styles. He felt Chinese Kenpo was a good basis for self-defense. He used the Kenpo system that Ed Parker had implemented and blended his knowledge of the other Chinese martial arts he had studied with it.

He also felt that students could benefit from a good, regimented weight training routine. His skills in boxing also attracted students interested in that type of self-defense or art. He began to develop Traco International into a martial arts school that taught many areas for students to learn in a step-by-step manner. He was the first to introduce the private class on a regular basis and was the first to allow women and children to learn the art.

Master Connor’s highest-ranking student ever was Mr. Bill Packer (deceased) from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Other senior students include Tomas Connor, Jr. (deceased) of Phoenix, Arizona, Sifu Gary McGhee of Kansas City, Missouri, Paul Hansen of Mesa, Arizona, Mark Lawrence of Phoenix, Arizona, and Peter Hill of Mesa, Arizona.

GM/Sr. Prof Ray Fisher, the Head Instructor at the Arizona Ch’uan Fa Society, began studying the internal martial arts in 1977. His studies at this time emphasized Taoist and Tibetan Chi Kung as well as learning different methods of meditation and energy sets. He began his studies of external martial arts, Kenpo karate, in February 1982 at Traco International under the direction of Peter Hill and Tom Connor. While studying under Tom Connor, Mr. Fisher's training also included Boxing, and Kickboxing.

He achieved his Shodan (1st degree Black Belt) in Chinese Kenpo on June 28, 1990. His testing panel included Master Bill Packer of AKKA, Tom Connor, Jr., Steve Hansen, and Peter Hill. At the time of this publication (summer 2012) he is currently ranked Rokudan (6th degree Black Belt – Professor rank) in this style of martial arts.

During his studies at Arizona State University, GM/Sr. Prof Ray Fisher was introduced to Sensei John Takeji and the Japanese style of Aikido. After graduation from the University in 1985, he continued to branch out into other martial arts such as Tai Chi Ch’uan, Jujutsu, Hsing-I, Kajukenbo, and Kyusho Jitsu.

In April of 1992, he was recommended by two of his instructors (Richard Hurtado and Ben Lomeli) to attend a closed black belt seminar in Hsing-I Ch’uan and Kajukenbo hosted by Dr. Vincent Black in Tucson, AZ. At that time, he tested and was awarded the rank of Shodan by the United States Kajukenbo Association. His testing panel included two of the founding members of Kajukenbo: Adriano Emperado and Joseph Holke.

GM/Sr. Prof Fisher was introduced to the principles of Kyusho Jitsu in June of 1990 at a seminar, which featured Master Charlie Dean of Silsbee, Texas. He immediately recognized the value of this knowledge and saw that it was a missing answer to many of the questions he had in the martial arts. It was a link that would connect his various studies and it allowed him to deeper his understanding of martial arts.

Under the tutelage of Grand Masters Rick Moneymaker and Tom Munch of Waynesboro, Virginia, GM/Sr. Prof Fisher was able to blend together the various aspects of his training with an emphasis towards the hidden art of tuite. He was awarded his Shodan from the To-Ri Karate Institute on February 22, 1992. On February 5, 1994, he received his Sandan degree from "The Masters" (Grand Masters George Dillman, Wally Jay, Remy Presas, Rich Moneymaker, and Tom Muncy) in Houston, Texas at a national seminar. Professor Fisher, at the time of this 2nd edition, is currently a 5th degree black belt in this system.

Professor Fisher continued to branch out into other styles and was introduced to Soke Dave McNeill in the mid-nineties through Mr. Charles Stanley, his dojo brother from his days in the TRACO organization. Professor Fisher embraced the Goju Shorei Weapons System wholeheartedly and was the first long distance student promoted to Black rank by Soke McNeill.

Professor Fisher also earned the right to be the first person (outside of Soke McNeill’s home dojo in Minden, Nevada) to be able to test and promote students. GM/Sr. Prof Fisher is a 8th degree black rank in this system and he is the only student in the world, who has achieved all levels of this system under the direction and teaching of Soke Dave McNeill.

Note: Grandmaster Connor's most senior student in the Traco system was Mr. Bill Packer (deceased) of Albuquerque, New Mexico who went on to create the American Kenpo Karate Academies (AKKA). There are numerous high level students of Mr. Packer who have continued to teach and spread the Kenpo art. Some other senior TRACO students include Tomas Connor, Jr. (deceased) of Phoenix, Arizona; Sifu Gary McGhee of Kansas City, Missouri; Paul Hansen of Mesa, Arizona; Mark Lawrence of Phoenix, Arizona, Mike Shelton of Phoenix Arizona, Tim Cooper of Scottsdale, Arizona and Peter Hill of Mesa, Arizona. It beyond the intent & scope of this history piece to list every black belt & their individual ranks but much respect to those who came before me in the arts. My current Kenpo teacher, Sifu Gary McGhee, continues to preserve Grand Master Tomas Connor’s legacy and Sifu shares the teachings as he was taught.