Organizations - Rest of the World
Nippon Kempo organization in the world
Nippon Kempo has found fertile ground in Europe and, for unexplained reasons, in Mexico. Most European organizations are active, healthy, and remarkably stable
The AINK (Associazione Italiana Nippon Kempo) is possibly the largest organization outside of Japan. It was established in 1982 by Master Armando Santambrogio - who had first introduced Nippon Kempo in Italy (between 1969 and 1970). Today the association counts on more than 300 member clubs throughout Italy.
Since 1985 Nippon Kempo is being taught and practiced within selected Italian Army special forces (for example: the "San Marco" Battalion), and by the military police force known as "Carabinieri". Since 2001 Nippon Kempo is being taught and practiced by the Italian State Police under the technical direction of Armando Santambrogio.
The FMNK (Federacion Mexicana de Nippon Kempo) is the second largest Nippon Kempo organization outside of Japan, after the Italian association. Nippon Kempo was introduced in Mexico sometimes around August 1973 by Master Tohru Hayashi. Nippon Kempo spread gradually throughout Mexico, around 1979 or 1980, when a growing number of city police forces introduced Nippon Kempo in their training program (the first and most famous being the Dirección General de Policía y Transito del D.F in Mexico City.
The UK ANK (United Kingdom Association of Nippon Kempo) was founded in August 1986 by Luther De Gale, with a grand total of 3 executives. Strangely, and this phenomenon is apparently unique to England, a substantial concentration of clubs has developed and thrives around the cities of London and Liverpool
We should also mention, in no particular order, the associations in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Germany, and Sweden. And the list would not be complete without an entry for FENKA - Federation of European Nippon Kempo Associations.
FENKA was founded in 1998 by the Italian, UK, and French association - at the inaugural European Championship hosted by the Italian Association (May 16, 1998 - in the city of Cassano Magnago - see the reproduction of the rare, original poster, left sidebar). The main objectives of the federation are: to develop Nippon Kempo in Europe, based on the founders teachings; to develop methods, procedures and rules based on the founder's guidelines; and to form an international alliance with all the countries where Nippon Kempo is practiced and who wish to participate in international competition.
Nippon Kempo in the United States
Nippon Kempo is only recently encountering good favor with American martial art students, especially on the West Coast, but has never been adequately promoted.
Only fragmentary information is available: Nippon Kempo was presumably introduced in the U.S. by Master Goki Kinuya in 1932 in Los Angeles, CA.
It appears that the "American Nippon Kempo Federation" was formed sometimes later, thanks to the efforts of Master Jose Guerrero - who later renounced the group and was replaced by Luis Cobian. The American Nippon Kempo groups is reportedly affiliated with Nippon Kempo Kai, through the direct supervision of Master Takeda.
The confederation "Nippon Kempo USA" was founded when 3 of the 4 schools comprising the "American Nippon Kempo Federation" decided to break away from the original body. At this time, Master Jose Guerrero is reportedly the Chairman of "Nippon Kempo USA". Sensei Jesse Espinoza acts as President. No official affiliation with Japanese organizations is reported.
As more information and more detail become available and confirmed, they will be posted here. Check back soon for updates.