HISTORY OF CHINESE. AMERICAN .& EUROPE KENPO AND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STYLES SALUTATION THE SCHOLAR AND WARRIOR GO FORTH TO DO BATTLE, FIGHTING BACK TO BACK TO PULL THE NATION TOGETHER.WE ASK FOR SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE AND PRAY THAT IF WE KILL WE WILL NOT BECOME SAVAGES. The exact history of Kenpo in the antiquity of time, and consequently no definite date can be established as when it actually began. Many of the records that exist today are obscure and incorrect. We cannot tell how many writings have been destroyed or how many developments have been recorded. Bits of information seen to indicate that Kenpo, as it is known today, may have been practiced in India and China as long as five thousand years ago. Writings on turtle shells tell us the Chinese did in fact practice the art as far back 21 B. C. Although its true origin is obscure, a popular story that prevails gives credit to the Indian priest, Daruma or Bodhidharma in about 525 A. D. However, other great men such as Hu’a To (190-265A. D.), a brilliant doctor, and Yeun Fei, a popular general (who lived during the Sung Dynasty 960-1279 A. D.) are considered the forefathers of modern-day Kenpo. Kenpo means "fist law"(a term used by the Okinawans to describe the Chinese systems) From China, it crossed over to Okinawa where, known as"te", it consisted primarily of blows, chops and rips with the hands and fingers, thus originated the Karate method of Kenpo. In 1923 the Okinawans changed the character of Karate, which was then Chinese to that of a Japanese character. Thus the meaning changed from "Hands of China" to "empty hand." This change assuredly brought deeper meaning in which the spiritual overcame the physical. From Okinawa two experts, Kenwa Mabuni and Gichen Funako, lifted the veil of secrecy in 1915 to introduce their techniques to Japan. Their aim was not to promote karate as a martial art, but as a sport throughout Japan. Long before the Art was ever introduced to Okinawa, many styles of the existed in China. Each style or system was noted for at least one distinct feat such as the development of the tiger claw, butterfly kick, eagle claw, panther punch, etc. In addition, many members of the various systems guarded their secret ways of training. Among the systems of Southern China stemming from the Shaolin or Shorinji Temple, the most well known were the following five: Hung Liu, Ta’ai or Choy in Cantonese, Li, and Mo. There are other Cantonese as well as northern systems. The northern systems placed great emphasis on floor rolling, use of the foot, and jumping movements, Because of this, not as much emphasis was paced on strong stances. The southern styles place great emphasis on stance work as well as handwork. There are basically five known styles of karate in Okinawa: Kobayashi-Ryu, Shoreiji-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, and Uechi-Ryu. In the last five decades since the Japanese took up karate, the tecniques have been modified so that they too claim styles of their own, such as: Shoto-Kan Waddo-Ryu, Chito-Ryu, and others. The Koreans have also modified their techniques claiming such styles as: Tae-kwon-do, Moo-do-kwon, Tang-soo-do, and others Regardless of national modifications that were developed and suited to individual environments, we can say that four systems exit in orient today- Chinese, Okinawan, Korean, and Japanese. In comparison, the Chinese styles are graceful, flowing, circular, and much more flexible than the Japanese styles (which utilize powerful punches and kicks) Okinawan styles (which stress breathing exercises) and Korean (which specialize in high kicks and the breaking of boards and bricks) These other styles are basically rigid. Unfortunately, many of the classical Chinese styles along with the Japanese, Okinawan, and Korean styles are impractical as a modern means of Self-Defence. This stems from the fact that many of these system were originally designed for execise. In addition, most of these styles today do not recognize the need for change, especially in our environment. While some offer excellent ideas on unarmed fighting a number of their methods are outdated theories unfit for present day fighting in any part of the world.

HISTORY OF AMERICAN KENPO These same arts, influenced by the Chinese, were brought to the Hawaiian islands. It was there that Mr. Parker, a native of Hawaii, learned these arts from one of the worlds leading Blacks Belts the late William K. S. Chow. In addition to Professor Chow’s modifications, Mr., Parker has also realized the need to revise the old methods to cope with modern day fighting. Thus the system he now teaches is unique, practical, realistic applicable and encompasses sound logic, reasoning, and theoretical innovations not yet employed by other systems. Through Mr. Parker’s innovations, a fifth system has emerged-the American System-to be more specific " Parker System of Kenpo Although we should respect the various styles of Kenpo stemming from the Orient, we must not overlook their need for improvement. While the late Ed Parker’s system still retains traditional flavor to enhance ethical behavior, it has been designed to fit the needs and ability of the individual concerned.

HISTORY OF KENPO IN EUROPE John Mc Sweeney from Chicago was one of Ed Parker’s Black Belts. He was responsible for the introduction of Chinese Kenpo Karate to Ireland in 1962. When he was a young student at Trinity College Dublin. He opened the first Kenpo Karate School in Fitzwilliam Street in Dublin. Some of John Mc Sweeney’s Blacks Belts stayed teaching Chinese Kenpo. Others moved over to Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate. James Rice and John Conway were two Black Belts who changed. John Conway was Ed Parker’s first Professor in American Kenpo Karate and help to modify the Kenpo system. Some instructors stayed with the old style Chinese and other moved on to the new. I myself (George Alexander Maughan) having trained with Tommy Jordan in Chinese Kenpo. Decided to move on with John Conway and James Rice. John Conway and James Rice went to the U.S.A. to further their knowledge in the art of Kenpo Karate. James Rice returned to Ireland where he taught in the Fitzwilliam Street and Baggot Street schools. John Conway stayed in the U.S.A. where he set up very successful schools in L.A. He also returned to Ireland twice yearly in order to up date the instructors and the students in Ireland. I took many private classes from John Conway during these trips home. The late John Conway became Ed Parker’s first Professor in the Kenpo in the U.S.A. Ed Parker and John Conway collaborated in the up date of the Kenpo system. Each instructor I had throughout the years helped me to achieve my goal. I became friendly with Ed Parker who was very impressed with my skills in Kenpo. I went to L.A. to work out with Larry Tatum. Who was one of Ed’s Parker Back Belts? I worked out through the complete syllabus with Larry six to eight hours a day. Which was good for both of us. Larry remarked that the only guy that could remember the names of the techniques like me was the late Elvis Presley. He also was very impressed with my speed and power. I continue to train daily and to update my New Modern Day American Kenpo Kenpo Karate & Self-Defence syllabus. With the introduction of the new modern Kenpo Karate by Master George Alexander Maughan. An 10th degree Black Belt & International Black Belt Hall Of Fame. Due the huge success of the release of his New Modern Day American Kenpo Karate on instructional Dvd's & VideoTapes. GrandMaster Maughan is now teaching on Martial Arts Today on American TV and in demand for seminars all over the world." At a recent seminar in London where I was guest instructor, over 360 instructors and students from all over the world and from different disciplines participated. Instructors and students from all over the World fly to Ireland to take instruction and to be graded in the most up to date new modern day American Kenpo Karate & Self-Defence and weapons training from Master George Alexander Maughan.