The History and organs of all Kenpo Katas (Sets/Forms)
My advise: Print out this information - its the only place you will find it.
As I surf the WEB I cannot believer all the miss-information about Kenpo Katas.
The most miss leading I have seen are about the origin and history of the
"Book Set".
NOTE: This is a "Rough" draft - but I want to get this information on
the WEB.
Historical Background. I am the only person alive who was
there when all Katas were introduced into
Kenpo. (With the exception of Nihanchi 1-2)
Historical background
Kata is a Japanese term. The Chinese terms are Sets and Forms. Original Kenpo
did not have Katas but there were over 30 different Sets. Most of the sets
were very short and were used as "Drills" . . . be used for a specific
purpose. A classical example is the "Three Star Blocking Set"
which was used to toughen the arms. The most important of all the sets is the
"Speed Set". When you are looking down the barrel of a gun and it a
matter of life and death . . . this set may save your life. The 3-5 count blocking set
is used to
practice the 5 major blocks of kenpo. Every class at Ed Parkers would used many
of these set.
Below I have listed the of the Katas:
1. In the order they were introduced into Kenpo
2. The order they are now taught
3. The Katas taught by American Kenpo will be in Red.
4. Tracys teaches all of the Katas listed
History of Kenpo KATAS (SETS/FORMS)
Order Introduced and taught in Kenpo
Katas in Red are those now taught by American Kenpo
Historical Note: All original Katas were developed using tradition Kenpo Self
Defense Techniques. American Kenpo would not exist until almost 10 years
later
| Nihanchi 1-2 James Mitose
1937
Finger Set (First Kata/ Set created by
Ed Parker 1959 Book Set - Panther
Set/Bunji James Woo After these Katas were introduced into Kenpo the Katas to the Right were created . . . using many theories and movements from these classic Chinese (Forms/Sets). I have been giving Seminars around the US . . . Explaining and demonstrating the origin off all Kenpo Katas. I the future this information will be released on DVD>
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| Order Katas were Created and Originally Taught Short #1 (4 Shields) 10 Pattern Kata - Woo-Parker Short #2 (Cat Set) Star Pattern Short #3 (Single Escape set) Black Belt Set - Note: The above 4 Katas were the original Kata requirements for "Black Belt" Long #1 (Shield and Mace) Long #2 Continuous Set Long #3 (Double Escape Set) Long #4 (Definitive Set) Historical note of the above Katas (With the exception of the Black Belt Set) All of the Katas were jointly created by Ed Parker and James Woo Staff Set - Created by Chuck Sullivan Long #5 - Takedown or Transition Set Long #6 - Weapons Kate (There are several version of #6)
Historical Note: Ed Parker would created Long #5 and Long #6 in the Mid
1960's - after Ed Parker* and James Woo when their own Ways |
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| Since Kenpo lacked any weapon Forms I spend over 30 years
studying with many different Chinese Masters to enable me to add . . .
practical Weapon Sets.
Historical Note: When we first started Kenpo (!957) there was a complete lack of any real history of the origin of Kenpo. As it turned out our Heritage came from the Japanese Yoshida Clan and the Kenpo art was based upon the "RENZI" sect of "ZEN BUDDHISM": which was a self defense system that DID NOT ALLOW THE USE OF ANY WEAPONS. |
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| Japanese Sword Set 1964-65 Chinese Sword Set 1964-65 Wong Family Hand Set (Wai Wong) Dark Room Staff (Doi Wai) Skylight Staff - Doi Wai Skylight Spear - Doi Wai Chinese Set - Master Houng Little Tiger (Doi Wai) Butter Fly Knives - Doi Wai More history and information to be added later |