ohana Self Defense
Kenpo
Kenpo, also spelled Kempo, is a traditional martial art that originates from Japan and also has roots in China and is closely related to Karate. These days, the most common form of Kenpo is referred to as ‘American Kenpo‘ as it is often taught in the US, and is stylistically similar to many forms of Karate.
Grandmaster James Mitose
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Born in Hawaii to Japanese parents on December 30, 1916 - March 26, 1981
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Trained in Japan from age 4 to 21
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Began teaching Kenpo in 1936
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Author of What is true Self Defense? ISBN#9781981584666
Grandmaster Thomas Young
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Born in 1915 and died in 1995
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GM James Mitose' first black belt student
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When Mitose stopped teaching in 1953 he left his dojo in Hawaii to Young.
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His teaching philosophy centered around avoidance of conflict and violence.
Grandmaster William K. S. Chow
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Born in Honolulu, Hawaii on July 3, 1914, died on September 21, 1987
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Coined the term Kenpo-Karate
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Incorporated circular movement with linear movement
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Also trained in Kung Fu
Grandmaster Ed Parker
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Born in Hawaii on March 19, 1931 and December 15, 1990
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Father of American Kenpo-Karate.
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Began his training in Kenpo with Frank Chow, William K.S. Chow's brother.
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Opened his first school on the campus of Brigham Young University
Grandmaster Al Tracy
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Born in June 24, 1935, died on October 31, 2017
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Ran the Kenpo-karate Association of America with his brother Jim Tracy.
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Co-founded Tracys kenpo with his brother.
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Created the first belt manuals with his brother.
Grandmaster John Bain
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Born in Bowie, MD
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Holds black belts in Tae Kwan Do, Kenpo, Arnis.
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Worked 29 years for Kick Start Kids
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Developed the Connected Teaching Method
Grandmaster Darrell Sarjeant
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GM Sarjeant was born January 25, 1961 and passed away December 26, 2021.
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GM Sarjeant inherited Dei Bi Su Ryu Ju Jutsu from GM Billy Davis.
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GM Sarjeant studied directly under GM Billy Davis, GM John Bain, and CGM Rico Guy.
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GM Sarjeant opened multiple schools on the east coast and throughout the midwest during his teaching career.
Grandmaster "Hanshi" Jason Davis
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Hanshi Davis started training in Karate at the age of three and has over three decades of experience in various martial art styles.
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Hanshi Davis is currently serving as the WV district director for AAU Judo, Tae Kwon Do, and Karate.
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On March 31, 2022 Hanshi Davis was recognized by the International Escrima Kenpo Arnis Associates as the founder of his own system, Davis Kenpo Arnis Ju Jutsu, and was awarded the title of Principal Instructor and Headmaster.
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Hanshi Davis studied directly under both GM Bain and GM Sarjent and has been recognized by multiple martial arts associations and halls of fame.
