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Kempo and Kenpo
History
Philosophy
Principles

Organizations - In Japan
Organizations - Rest of the World

Emblems

 

 

 

I

Introduction

Essential information on Nippon Kempo



Generally speaking, Kempo is a no-holds-barred fighting system of offensive and defensive methods, with equal emphasis on striking techniques with hands and feet, immobilization and controls, projections and take-downs. Kempo is a defensive art that does not restrict students in methodology.

The origin of Kempo traces back to India over 4,000 years ago, and the origin of Nippon Kempo can be traced back to Nomi no Sukune and Taema no Kuehaya, legendary founders of Suma Style Wrestling during the Yamato period in Japan. But it was not until 1932 that Master Muneomi Sawayama actually founded Nippon Kempo in Japan. Nippon Kempo has gradually developed through the years and has become widely known and popular – especially in Japan and Europe.

From a technical point of view, Nippon Kempo is a Martial Art System based on techniques of striking and kicking, (ATEMI-WAZA), blocking (UKE-WAZA), throwing (NAGE-WAZA), reverse joint locks (KANSETSU-GYAKUTORI WAZA) and ground combat (wrestling and submission holds). The Nippon Kempo practicioners fight and practice these techniques with protective gear. Kempo is a full-contact art, and therefore MEN (headgear), DO (chest protector), KUROBU (gloves), and a MATA ATE (groin protector) are strongly recommended.

Nippon Kempo considers “legal” many techniques that cannot be performed in “foam sparring” divisions. Grabbing a kick, a punch, or locking a joint is allowed; knees and elbows to the body or to the face are “legal” and score points. “Headhunting” is a common practice in Nippon Kempo – and for this reason the Nippon Kempo practitioner quickly learns and develops head and body movements to avoid, deflect or counter many punching and kicking combinations.

In Japan, Nippon Kempo is practiced in Universities, High Schools, and Elementary Schools. It is also part of standard Army and Police Force training.

There are three different Nippon Kempo Federations in Japan (Nippon Kempo KAI – Osaka, Nippon Kempo RENMEI – Tokyo, and Nippon Kempo KYOKAY – Tokyo). The Italian and the Mexican Nippon Kempo Federations were established in 1970, followed later (in the 80’s) by France, England, Germany, Spain, Switzerland. At the time of this writing, it is still very much unclear if an official United States association exists and when it was established.