Championship Kenpo

Rating:
Summary: Basic intro into BKF Kenpo
Review: I've tried so long to find a good book on Kenpo technique, and this may have the most info. The book starts off by giving a one-page history on the evolution of Kenpo, leading up to the influence of the Black Karate Federation. This style apparently has it's roots in the Mitose-Parker lineage, which is what most Kenpo styles in the US are based on. Following the intro are some conditioning excersises, which include some very explosive sit-up and push-up variations. Next, the book goes into "12 basic techniqes", which is a simplification of stance, striking, kicking, and blocking. The next chapter, "27 Nerves," is disappointing, as only 10 vital points are covered. The chapter does include a method for determining the best way to strike these points, which was refreshing. The are also chapters on speed and confidence, but I found only the first pages useful in each case. Then there is a self-defense chapter, which is mostly defenses for a couple of grabs. Many chapters include combinations of techniques vs. basic punches, but the movement doesn't look as fluid as I think it could be, and I never really understood why certain combinations were in the "Speed" and "Confidence" chapters. I think the people who could get the most out of this book are folks who have enough martial arts experiance to know the difference between a backfist and hammerfist; it's not for the beginner, and is barely applicable to most people in the self-defense arena. However, it is the only book I've found which shows authentic Kenpo combinations, and some of the principles are good to know. In conclusion, I'd say I liked the idea of simplifying the techniques and principles, but I thought the combinations just had too many strikes to be realistic.

Rating:
Summary: Basic intro into BKF Kenpo
Review: I've tried so long to find a good book on Kenpo technique, and this may have the most info. The book starts off by giving a one-page history on the evolution of Kenpo, leading up to the influence of the Black Karate Federation. This style apparently has it's roots in the Mitose-Parker lineage, which is what most Kenpo styles in the US are based on. Following the intro are some conditioning excersises, which include some very explosive sit-up and push-up variations. Next, the book goes into "12 basic techniqes", which is a simplification of stance, striking, kicking, and blocking. The next chapter, "27 Nerves," is disappointing, as only 10 vital points are covered. The chapter does include a method for determining the best way to strike these points, which was refreshing. The are also chapters on speed and confidence, but I found only the first pages useful in each case. Then there is a self-defense chapter, which is mostly defenses for a couple of grabs. Many chapters include combinations of techniques vs. basic punches, but the movement doesn't look as fluid as I think it could be, and I never really understood why certain combinations were in the "Speed" and "Confidence" chapters. I think the people who could get the most out of this book are folks who have enough martial arts experiance to know the difference between a backfist and hammerfist; it's not for the beginner, and is barely applicable to most people in the self-defense arena. However, it is the only book I've found which shows authentic Kenpo combinations, and some of the principles are good to know. In conclusion, I'd say I liked the idea of simplifying the techniques and principles, but I thought the combinations just had too many strikes to be realistic.

Rating:
Summary: Standard Martial Arts Primer - But Recommended
Review: This book authored by lesser known, but legends nonetheless, Steve Sanders (now Steve Muhammed) and Donnie Wlliams and compiled by Nigel Binns gives a brief introduction into the BKF (Black Karate Federation) and Kenpo karate. One of the reason for the brevity is the book was written in 1983 and the BKF was still a relatively recent organization (as most American organizations were, after all, they were longstanding if they had been around only 15-20 years at that time).

They quickly go into exercises, 12 basic moves, and the 27 nerves. The photos are clear and easy to follow. Their advice, though seldom given, is good advice for the novice. The best thing about this book is having something in print by two American martial arts pioneers.

Rating:
Summary: Championship Kenpo
Review: This is a hard book to find, but worth the search. It is probably the first martial arts book published by African Americans. The photos are excellent. Techniques are performed by Kenpo legend Steve Sanders (the man Bruce Lee once said had the fastest hands he had ever seen). Familiar techniques like 5 swords, thundering hammers are shown as well as old techniques like crossing talons, arm lock, bear hug pinned in back, etc...Very interesting to see how it was done in the early 80's. The Table of contents is as follows:

Preliminary Exercises pg 13 The 12 Basic Moves pg 23 the 27 Nerves pg 43 Speed pg 63 Confidence pg 93 Kenpo Self-Defense pg 111 Conclusion pg 127