In Parts 1 & 2 of American Kenpo Origins Explored we worked our way from Master Ed Parker back to ancestors in the arts with evident ties to the Shaolin Monastery. Let’s take a moment to recap what we know so far.
In Part One of American Kenpo Origins Explored, we investigated the recent history of Master Ed Parker’s American Kenpo and how it found its way into America’s Martial Arts history. We also discussed how, the further we go back in history, things can easily become convoluted and the accuracy of the information comes into question.
Pioneers of Marital Arts took the initiative and started spreading their systems nationwide. This wave of influence began to take hold around the time of World War II. However, there are differing opinions over who deserves what credit in advancing the Marital Arts.