One the most well known Kenpo practitioners is film actor and 7th Degree Black Belt, Associate Professor Jeff Speakman. Mr Speakman has since gone on modify the Kenpo system which he calls Kenpo 5.0, it is the hybrid of the last generation version of American Kenpo taught directly from Senior Grand Master Ed Parker to Jeff Speakman and ground fighting brought into the equation by Mr. Speakman’s senior student Trever Sherman. Mr. Sherman has brought this type of combat back to Kenpo so he and Mr. Speakman could create Kenpo answers to defending against an opponent with these skills in the street.
He has modifyed the existing Kenpo system while remaining completely within the combat models and thinking of American Kenpo to address this increasing and prevalent void in the Kenpo world. By keeping within these models of Kenpo he has been able to develop a system combining the best of these two worlds to give our students the maximum ability to deal with the very real possibilities of becoming involved in these kinds of altercations.
Jeff Speakmans many accomplishments include the Black Belt Hall of Fame award for Instructor of the Year and his induction into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Associate Professor Jeff Speakman founded American Kenpo Karate Systems of which Associate Professor Jaki McVicar is the UK Director.
The Perfect Dummy!
WHAT TO EXPECT
When faced by a real attacker [s], it is crucial to dispense with him/them immediately. In order to achieve this you need a marital art that, not only, emphasizes speed and power, but teaches effective self defense techniques as well.
ENTER KENPO!
The Kenpo system is a practical, logical, realistic system, and contains self defense techniques which are designed to demonstrate principles which can be used or adapted to work in self defence situations on the street. The techniques are fast and powerful, and are designed to overwhelm an attacker quickly and effectively. Practitioners are known for their incredible hand speed and explosive power.
Our system teaches punching, kicking, joint manipulation, throwing, footwork, and timing.
The self defence techniques are at the core of the Kenpo curriculum, but as well as these we have many other aspects of training such as pad work, sparring, improvisation, weapons
The end result is a martial artist who is fast, powerful, and is actually capable of defending themselves, if the need were to arise. Kenpo Karate, simply stated, is designed to work.
The most important skill you will learn is how to avoid confrontations. However, should you ever have to protect yourself, we will make sure you are ready
New members find that they warm to the style very quickly, and this is helped by a friendly and relaxed training atmosphere at the Academy. Don't worry if you have never tried Martial Arts before, there will be very capable instructors on hand to guide you through your first steps. Nobody is going to shout at you if you do something wrong!
At the Academy we welcome people of any skill level, from absolute beginners to people coming from other arts who wish to try Kenpo. Our system is suitable for both men and women; in addition we also have a separate Kenpo Junior program for children from the age of 6.
Mission Statement
To provide a positive experience and awareness of the benefits of Martial Arts training. To help each individual strive to reach their goals and be the best that they can be while instilling Self Confidence, Self Control, Self Esteem and above all Courtesy and Respect for each other.
"Its not who's right, but who's left that counts."
Ed Parker
Kenpo is a comprehensive martial art system focused on self defence and designed with one purpose in mind, "You are your Welfare".
Kenpo Karate was developed by 10th Degree Black Belt, Senior Grand Master Edmund Parker 1931 - 1990.
Ed Parker learned Karate in Hawaii the place of his birth, an experienced street fighter he realised the need to update the oriental fighting arts for the modern environment of America and spent the rest of his life developing a fighting system that is practical and logical for self defence.
Parker’s Kenpo is scientifically structured into 4 areas of study: Basic Movements, Self-Defence Techniques, Sparring (competition and street) and Forms/Kata, and is thought of by many as the thinking mans fighting system due to its concepts, theories, principles and innovations. Founded on logic instead of tradition, Kenpo students know not only how to perform certain movements but why they are performed.
Kenpo employs linear as well as circular motion and is primarily a striking art but with the addition of joint manipulation and grappling, practitioners are known for there incredible hand speed and explosive power.
We teach our Kenpo system to all ages (adults/kids) and levels of physical capability.
We encourage an environment of mutual respect, co-operation and discipline that helps build your confidence. Kenpo is a self defence system first and foremost. We focus on streetwise self defence teaching each individual to utilise their own body structure to be as effective weapon as possible. Kenpo employs the use of concepts and principles of motion like physics, geometry and mathematics to assist with learning the system.
Kenpo provides a strong integrated syllabus for adults and children. The depth of knowledge within the system means that the learning never stops for the student. We teach Kenpo to all ages and levels of physical ability.
Kenpo is a self defence system first and foremost. We focus on street wise self defence, teaching each individual to utilize their own body structure to be as an effective weapon as possible. Kenpo employs the use of concepts and principles of motion such as physics, geometry and mathematics to assist with learning the system.
We encourage an environment of mutual respect. Self esteem develops in students as they gain self confidence in their strengths and abilities. Team work and discipline are central to the 'Kenpo' family.
We welcome you to take a class yourself to see what this exciting practical martial art has to offer.
Torquay Kenpo Karate Academy