The roots of kenpo karate can be traced back and may have been practiced in India and China as far back as 5000 years ago. Exercises were developed by mimicing the movements of specific animals. These exercises were developed into forms (pre-arranged movement) which could be practiced to maintain good health and used as self defense for protection. In China, the Shaolin Kempo was developed by people who had few weapons other than their own bodies and some simple farming tools.

Many of the Asian fighting systems have their roots in the Chinese Shaolin temple, and over the centuries, the fighting arts have been practiced and modified by many cultures and many people. The Martial Arts spread through Okinawa, Japan, Korea, and made its way to Hawaii where American Kenpo began to take shape through the efforts of James Mitose, William K.S. Chow and Edmund Parker. Using old as well as new disciplines, American Kenpo was designed as a scientific method of self defense to cope with todays streets. Kenpo offers explosive action with minimum target exposure.

The curriculum at Cromwell Martial Arts offers the practice of many forms from the Shaolin kempo that incorporates the movements of the 5 animals: Dragon, Tiger, Leopard, Crane, and Snake. We also incorporate a very wide variety of specific self defense techniques from American Kenpo against numerous assaults such as punches, kicks, grabs, chokes, gun and knife. Elements of Ju-Jitsu and Modern Arnis are worked into our curriculum, offering well rounded and interesting classes.

Martial Arts training has become far more than strictly learning self defense since you will find that as you develop skills in martial arts, other areas in your life improve. The skills that are necessary to become good in Martial Arts are the same skills that are necessary to succeed in other areas of your life. You will develop improved discipline, confidence, physical fitness, positive attitude and focus. Our curriculum is about self development as well as about learning effective self defense.

Sensei Shekosky & GM Huk Planas	Sensei Shekosky & Prof. Lee Wedlake	Sensei Shekosky & GM Tony Cogliandro

"I come to you with only Karate, empty hands, I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong; then here are my weapons, Karate, my empty hands."
-Ed Parker