Chinese Kenpo--A Brief Historical Outline

Due to the scarcity of authentic written records, the exact origin of the martial arts is obscure.  Most historians agree some form of the martial art was practiced in China as early as 1000 B.C.  In dealing with ancient martial art history we must rely partially on legend, keeping in mind that many legends, however exaggerated, have some basis in fact.  Our most reliable information comes to us from Buddhist inspired martial arts such as those practiced at the Shaolin Temples.  Records indicated that Bodhidharma, an Indian priest, travelled from India to China sometime around 525 A.D.  His purpose was to transmit the discipline of Zen to China and integrate those ideas with the already existing Buddhist doctrines.

Bodhidharma, the 28th descendant of the original Buddha, became Abbot of the Shaolin Temple in Honan Province shortly after his arrival in China.  Legend tells us that when he arrived at the temple he found the monks to be in a state of physical decay and unable to withstand the prolonged periods of meditation which was essential to the practice of Zen Buddhism.  Accordingly, Bodhidharma instituted a series of 18 exercises, similar in nature to Hatha Yoga, in attempt to improve the physical condition of the monks.  The exact nature of the "18 Hands of the Lo Han," is unknown.  The exercises consist of breathing, stretching, bending and reaching movements.  These were the catalyst for the creation of other physical disciplines used to further the spiritual development of the Zen Buddhists.  Prior to Bodhidharma's arrival, meditation was practiced as a purely mental discipline.  Afterwards it became much more successful as a combination of physical and mental in keeping with the Doctrine of Yin and Yang.

Bodhidharma probably never intended his exercises to take on a martial attitude.  This did not happen until several hundred years after his death.  The reason for this new attitude was probably attributable to political unrest together with increased lawlessness.  The next appreciable contribution occurred in the 16th century.  A Shaolin monk, Ch'ueh Yuen, expanded the original 18 exercises to 72.  This practice took on a self-defense theme.  Later he left the temple and travelled extensively throughout China in search of other Martial Art masters. Ch'ueh Yuen probably learned techniques and ideas from many different sources.  During his travel, he met two masters, Fong and Li Shao.  Together the tree returned to the Shaolin Temple and expanded the 72 movements to 170.  These new movements were categorized into five distinct styles: Tiger, Dragon, Crane, Serpent, and Leopard.  They also advanced a set of moral and ethical principles to govern the practice of this art.  These five styles formed the bases of the art of Shaolin Chuan Fa also known as the "Five Forms Fist."  Other styles were added later.

Many stories relate to the training procedures at the temple, which were apparently quite demanding.  In order to attain priesthood, an individual had to undergo a series of deadly test.   The last test was to move a heavy metal urn filled with burning coals.  A picture of a tiger and a dragon were etched on opposite sides of the urn.  The urn could only be moved by the disciple with his forearms, which would brand the images--the marks of a Shaolin Priest.

For many years the Shaolin fighting arts were practiced in utmost secrecy.  Matters were concerned that the techniques would fall into hands that would use the potentially deadly art for purposes other that what was originally intended.  Many factors contributed to the eventual spread of the martial arts.  Buddhist missionaries took their disciplines with them when they visited Japan, Korea, and Indonesia.  The main factor was the ruthless domination of the Manchu Emperor.  Secret societies were formed for the purpose of restoring the Ming dynasty to power and overthrowing the barbarian Manchus.  Most Chan Buddhists were anti-Manchu.  Many temples were training grounds for pro-Ming revolutionaries.  On several occasions, the Manchus destroyed temples in an effort to stomp out resistance.  Flee monks undoubtedly carried many secrets with them, which were eventually spread all over China.

Modern martial art history is much easier to follow.  During the 18 century, China and Japan were engaged in trade, both material and cultural.  At that time, a senior member of the Mitose clan of Japan traveled to China to study the martial arts at the Shaolin Temple.  He introduced the art of Chu'an Fa, which he called Kenpo, when he returned to Japan.  Kenpo means "Way of the Fist" in Japanese. 

This art was practiced and passed down in the Mitose family until James Mitose began teaching publicly in the 1940s.  One of his students, William Chow, who also studied martial arts from his own family, took over teaching the classes.  Chow taught a young Hawaiian, Edmund K. Parker, who eventually developed Kenpo into the art we know and practice today.  Mr. Parker taught for many years and is considered the Grand Master of the modern Kenpo system.  He died in 1990 without naming a successor. 

What is Kung Fu?

Kung Fu refers to a set of movements (which includes spiritual, mental, and physical exercises into one discipline) that were created, taught, and practiced in the Shaolin temples from 500 A.D.   Pronounced "gung fu" in Mandarin Chinese, its translations include: "to know what to do," and

"effort and skill from hard work."  The Shaolin style of Kung Fu is specifically known as Juan Fa or Juan Shu.  Kung Fu is more appropriately called Wu Shu in China.

Kung Fu's Purpose

The movements of early Kung Fu were intended to give its practitioners more energy and strength to facilitate their mediations and carry out the spiritual essence or philosophy that is at the heart of Shaolin Kung Fu. 

Are there belts rankings in Kung Fu?

Belts are usually associated to those learning to master Karate, a Japanese / Okinawan derivative of Kung Fu.  There were no black belts in traditional Shaolin Kung Fu.  In fact, there were no belts or levels at all.  The traditional goal of Shaolin Kung Fu is not competition, but the development of the total person -- mental, spiritual, and physical.  Western forms of Kung Fu

adopted the traditional belt structure.