The exact history of the fighting styles of oriental martial arts is unknown but they are believed to have been practiced in India and China as far back as five thousand years ago.   Training in the martial arts became an integral part of Chinese culture and family clans swore never to divulge the methods they were taught.

The martial arts, along with other cultural influences, spread throughout the region but were often practiced in secrecy as periodic subjugation by invaders brought prohibitions on the local culture. This secrecy also led to technical differences and the emergence of a variety of styles.

The United States was first introduced to martial arts with the importation of Chinese labor in the early 1800’s but was kept strictly within their own communities.

The origins of American Kenpo Karate are in the Japanese martial arts that were brought to this country during World War II. Initially taught to the Hawaii Territorial Guard after Pearl Harbor it eventually made its way to so- called “Self Defense Clubs” and lost much of its secretive aspect. The emphasis on punching rather than kicking (as in Tae Kwon Do) and exploiting the weaknesses of an opponent were similar to boxing and so paved the way for the “Americanization” of the sport.  Innovations reflected modern American methods and style rather than classical oriental techniques.
 
Ed Parker is credited with transferring Kenpo Karate from Hawaii to the mainland when he opened his first studio in southern California in 1956. He attracted various celebrities and demonstrated Kenpo on television and in the movies. Two celebrities in particular, Elvis Presley and Bruce Lee, brought attention to Mr. Parker’s American Kenpo Karate and helped elevate martial
arts awareness throughout the United States. Today, Ed Parker is known as the “Father of American Karate”.

The art continues to evolve, however, and black belts must develop an original self-defense move. While emphasizing self-defense, American Kenpo Karate also emphasizes the development of character, independence and leadership.

American Kenpo Karate International (AKKI), the professional association, has affiliated schools and clubs in all fifty states and four European countries.