What is
Wu Shen Pai Kenpo Karate?
Rich in history and traditions, yet logical and practical
for use in a modern society, Wu Shen Pai Kenpo Karate is a unique and sophisticated
system of martial art.
Wu Shen Pai Kenpo is based in centuries old movements, yet has incorporated
the use of physics, kinesiology and physiology to create an alphabet of
motion. The movements of Wu Shen Pai Kenpo are at once
practical and effective, yet adaptable to the abilities of the individual.
The member schools of the International Kenpo Karate Society bring to their
students not merely a method of fighting, but a complete system incorporating
the use of mind and body to evaluate, adapt, and react to any confrontation.
Wu Shen Pai Kenpo contains internal and external disciplines and the study of the
healing arts. The physical aspects of the Kenpo system are divided into
four areas of study. These are Basic Fundamentals, Self Defense (Both
Hard and Soft Forms), Forms
or Sets, (Hard and Soft Forms), and Freestyle. Basics are the foundation of the system which
form the “alphabet of motion” from which can be built more complex “words,"
then “sentences," and finally “paragraphs” of motion. Basic Fundamentals
are originally learned phonetically through individual movements such
as stances, blocks, parries, punches, strikes, finger techniques, kicks,
and foot maneuvers. These basics are then combined into increasingly sophisticated
sequences of movement called “forms” or “sets." Self defense techniques,
which are themselves composed of basics, give definition and meaning to
the fundamentals. They provide the manner of applying the basic for maximum
effectiveness in a variety of pre-defined fighting situations. Finally,
there is freestyle training which allows for extemporaneous use of the
basics in a manner which emphasizes maneuverability, accuracy, and the
maintenance of proper distance. The progression of students through the
material is marked by the awarding of belts. The progression of ranks
begins with white, then Yellow, Advanced Yellow, Orange, Advanced
Orange, Purple, Advanced Purple, Blue, Advanced Blue, Green, Advanced
Green, three degrees
of Brown, and finally Black Belts. The various ranks are awarded to give the student a sense
of accomplishment and, more importantly, to give them a sense of where
they have been, where they are, and where they are going. Unlike many
systems, a Black Belt in Wu Shen Pai Kenpo requires a minimum of 4-6 years of serious
study in addition to a written thesis and formal testing before a
National board of examiners.
Regardless of age or physical limitations, everyone will acquire skills
which are both useful and practical. In a modern society, which is at
times both violent and dangerous, the knowledge of American Wu Shen Pai Kenpo can
be a valuable “life reassurance” policy. The goal of Kenpo is to be able to walk away
from a confrontation not
out of fear of what will happen to you, but rather out of fear of what
you might be forced to do to an aggressor. Combining mind, body, and
spirit, the study of American Wu Shen Pai Kenpo is a fascinating, rewarding, and enriching
experience.
MORE ABOUT THE ART OF WU SHEN PAI KENPO
Wu Shen Pai Kenpo is a further elaboration or evolution of American Kenpo. This further elaboration of American Kenpo we term American Wu Shen Pai Kenpo. This translates simply as "Warrior Spirit Family". Wu Shen Pai Kenpo Karate has its own traditional code of ethics or Wen Wu which are strictly adhered to. It is also an art which is based on the duality of opposites. Wu Shen Pai Kenpo is a combination of YIN (soft/circular movement) and YANG (hard/linear movement). The Wu Shu (martial aspects) of Wu Shen Pai Kenpo can be further explained in four distinct - though interconnecting - major paths of study.
Nei Kung
Deals with developing, controlling, and directing one's Ki, or internal
energy force, through breathing and meditation exercises in conjunction with
specific physical techniques.
Wai Kung
Wai Kung includes the offensive and defensive empty hand combative
applications. Combining elements predominantly tense and linear in nature
with those soft and circular, these techniques mesh to form a natural
fighting system. This phase includes full instruction in all hand strikes
and blocks (trapping and grabbing as well as deflection applications, using
the hands, wrist, forearm, elbows, arms and shoulders), 365 individual
kicks, throws and falls from any position and onto any surfaces, human
anatomical structure as it pertains to combat applications (knowing and
utilizing the body's weak points to effectively control the opponent,
regardless of their size), joint manipulation and breaking, finger
pressure-point application, prisoner arrest, control and transport,
grappling applications, forms, offensive choking and flesh-tearing
techniques, defense against multiple opponents, breaking techniques,
counter-attacks, and killing techniques.
Wu Xie Kung
Involves the offensive and defensive use of the over 108 traditional
weapons found within 20 categories of weaponry. By learning these various
weapon systems, the practitioner can most effectively utilize any available
object as a weapon as the situation demands.
Shen Kung
Is the study, development, and control of the human mind in order to
attain one's full potential and mental capabilities. Techniques are taught
to achieve an increase in one's total awareness, focus, and concentration
levels. Included are instruction in :controlling one's mind; development of
the "sixth sense"; memory recall; the study of human character and
personalities; practical psychology; visualization; the art of concealment
and stealth as utilized by special agents; as well as advanced, secretive
applications. Wu Shen Pai Kenpo teaches both the martial art (Wu-Shu) and
healing art (In-Shu) applications. If one is able to injure or worse,
then he/she should know how to heal as well, once again maintaining harmony
through the balance of opposites. First aid applications, revival techniques
are taught in conjunction with the traditional full studies of acupuncture,
Royal Family acupressure, herbal and natural medicines, and bone setting.
Wu Shen Pai Kenpo® is certainly one of the most comprehensive systems of self-defense and combative techniques in the world. This system has been developed in accordance with the ancient principles of Yin-Yang, which emphasize balance in life and harmony with others and nature. The study of Wu Shen Pai encompasses the following areas and types of study:
Hard Linear Movements Soft Circular Movements Foot and Hand Techniques Joint Manipulation / Joint Locks Takedowns / Throws / Sweeps Ground Fighting Traditional and Modern Weaponry Internal Energy Development Meditation and Breathing Techniques Healing Arts Philosophy and Ethics
What attracts many Westerners to
the Eastern Martial Arts in the first place are the traditional values of
respect, honor, integrity, and loyalty. It is the presence of ceremony and
etiquette which displayed humility and maturity. It is the Eastern
philosophies of harmony with nature, strong disciplined character, honoring
elders and seniors with respect, inner peace, and the balance of juxtaposing
forces of nature which permeates into every aspect of the physical and
intangible (Yin/Yang). The traditional Kenpo emphasis on concepts and
principles of motion, physics, and biomechanics remains. However, Wu Shen
Pai Kenpo has retained the character building aspects of traditional martial
arts training. We feel that you will find this both practical and
fulfilling. 