How does one train in Kenpo Karate?

Kenpo Karate is a dynamic martial art with amazing potential. It is hard to describe and characterize it in a few words. For purposes of this particular post, I will focus on the amazing benefits that can be taken from by all people in a general sense.

First, it is an incredible exercise for the human body. It shows an individual how to move with efficiency and understand one's environment in an entirely new way. It shows how one cannot learn to move until they understand the base from which he/she operates, the legs and feet and the movements associated with the legs and feet. Kenpo teaches harmony of movement and gives greater understanding of how movement works for the average person, as well as the athlete. For example, at a recent seminar with Richard "Huk" Planas (the Grandmaster of our lineage and the one who oversees all of our training that follow the Parker/Planas Lineage), he spoke about "body control." Body control is something that all of us can relate to because we use it every day. Something so basic and useful comes through in our training from the very beginning.

Second, it creates community. When you train with others with a common goal, you create friendships and relationships that create a positive community. martial arts is a way of thinking about and looking at your environment and the world around you. Like any art, it provides a lens through which we can see the world. As a teacher, instructor, and student, I have found Kenpo is very useful in understanding much of the world around me. It also has given me great friends and reasons to gather with great people.

Third, it is a source of release when I train. It clears the  mind and lets you feel more in tune with yourself and your environment. I have found as I train in places of tranquility, like at the beach, the ocean, or in open fields, it helps me shed the cares and stresses of the day and week and helps me prepare for the coming challenges. The above photo from Fort Bragg was a wonderful experience where training in the sand and along side the crashing waves was an amazing experience.

Think about training with us, following this blog, and/or building a community through martial arts.

Jesse Brown
Instructor and Student of Kenpo Karate

Key words: Kenpo Karate, martial arts, Alameda, community