Summary:
Kempo is a Japanese form of unarmed martial arts. It is also an umbrella term that is used for a tree full of disciplines. This is why those not studying the art often find the words kempo and kenpo confusing. The style originated in China and was brought to Japan over seven-hundred years ago. Though it is a fighting style, it places little to no emphasis on the fight. The kempo practitioner gauges their opponent’s range, ability, and technique and then aims to end the conflict as quickly as possible. Unlike many forms of martial arts, it is strictly a defensive form of fighting. Most schools do not teach their students how to attack their opponents. Descended from China, it has kung fu roots. However, on reaching Japan, it evolved into numerous branches of karate, occasionally with a flavor of jujutsu.
One of the burning questions answered in this martial arts book...
Who taught the Shaolin monks?
Beyond this book, keep an eye out for my future release on kempo itself, where I delve deeper into its history, origins and folklore. Sign up to the mailing list to be notified when it is published.
Which martial arts are in the "way of the 69 Fists"
Way of the 69 Fists is not at all dissimilar from a quick reference martial arts encyclopedia. At least, this is how it was intended when written. Inside its pages, you will find sixty-nine different martial art disciplines. I summarize their history and origins, their standing today, with an additional glance at interesting folklore and effects on popular culture. The following martial arts are covered:
Aikido, Bokator, Boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Bushido, Capoeira, Chess boxing, Chuck Norris System (Chun Kuk Do), Close quarters combat, Defendu, Eskrima, Fencing, Filipino martial arts, Grappling, Greco-Roman wrestling, Han mu do, Hand-to-hand combat, Hapkido, Hwa Rang Do, Hybrid, Jeet kune do, Jieishudan, Judo, Jujutsu, Kajukenbo, Kapu kuialua, Karate, Kempo, Kendo, Kickboxing, Kino mutai, Krabi krabong, Krav maga, Kuk Sool Won, Kuk Sul Do®️, Kung fu, Kyokushin, Mixed martial arts, Moo Duk Kwan, Moo Yea-Do, Mounted combat, Muay Boran, Muay Thai, Ninjutsu, Pankration, Sambo, Sanda, Sanshou, Savate, Self-defense, Shootfighting, Shooto, Silat, Stick fighting, Submission wrestling, Sumo, Sword fighting, Systema, Taekkyeon, Taekwondo, Tai chi, Tang soo do, Thaing, Tricking, Vale tudo, Wing chun, Wrestling, Wushu, Wu Shu Kwan, Xtreme Martial Arts.
