Shaolin Kempo techniques date back many thousands of years, however the modern Kenpo that is taught today began when The late Grandmaster, Ed Parker, (widely recognised as the Father of American Karate) began his journey teaching modern Kenpo Karate back in 1954 in America.  This particular style is characterised by the use of 'quick moves' in rapid-fire succession.  These fast techniques serve a dual purpose:  For one, they may overwhelm the attacker, and secondly, it teaches the student that quick follow up strikes are going to be needed in case the first are not successful.

 

Growing up in Hawaii, Ed Parker began learning Kenpo from local Masters James Mitose and William Chow.  After Ed moved to mainland America he began to study at University and during this time opened his first training studio in California.  After realising that the traditional art he had been taught needed some development to deal with modern day fighting situations, he decided to get rid of all of the traditional methods that were no longer realistic for street fighting or real life attacks.   He added his own concepts, applications and theories that at the time, were unique to Karate.