Gomaru Ryu Kenpo
Definition
Gomaru Ryu Kenpo (Five Circles School Fist Law) is a system combining "unarmed"
techniques of Japanese, Okinawan, and Chinese Martial Arts. Kenpo is often
presented in styles representative of a wide range of Karate and Kung Fu type
technique.
The Goal
Kenpo focuses on combining fast strikes, vital point targeting, and body manipulation
to create a highly adaptive and highly effective self-defense methodology.
The Method
Kenpo students begin with a strong focus on basic techniques. In fact, approximately
80% of the basic techniques found in this system are learned at white belt.
Additionally, Kenpo White Belts do extensive training of stances and footwork.
This provides the superior foundation from which all technique comes. After
learning most of the basics, students move through a progressive method of
combination and application training. This begins with simple block/strike
combinations and progresses through a great number of combinations including
block/block/strike, block/strike/block/strike, block/block/strike/block/block/strike,
etc. Additionally, low, disruptive kicks are given preference over higher,
fancier, high-risk, low success kicks.
Open Hand
Striking
While Kenpo does employ a number of "close-fisted" techniques a
greater emphasis is places on open-hand striking and blocking. By keeping
the hands open practitioners excel at controlling the opponent's position,
trapping, entering to in-fighting range, and grappling transitions.
Trapping
Trapping techniques are used to control the opponent's position to prevent
counter attack and open clear lines for strikes or entries. Trapping is different
than grappling in that trapping is generally characterized by using one hand
to press on the hand or arm, effectively holding it down, while grappling
typically involves grabs, throws, and takedowns.
Additional
Elements
Pressure Points are used to create pain or other effects to enhance control
of the opponent. Kenpo incorporates a study of many of the most effective
and accessible points on the human body.
Kenpo also incorporates the use of some jujutsu grappling technique in order to establish higher levels of control over the opponent. These are usually continuations from block/strike/entry combinations and self-defense techniques.
Additionally, Kenpo students transition to weapons training in the Black Belt ranks, easily incorporating single stick, double stick, and knife techniques into their Kenpo combination methodology.
Click below for more detailed information about a given Modal Art
Gomaru
Ryu Bukendo
Japanese Swordsmanship
Gomaru
Ryu Jujutsu
Grappling and Joint Manipulation
Gomaru
Ryu Kobudo
Weaponry
Gomaru
Ryu Gojukido
Ki Development and Movement Training