The evolution of Kempo Karate continued until the first
Kenpo style self-defense school under Professor James Mitose opened in Hawaii
in 1942. Since that time, Kenpo and Kempo style schools have multiplied as instructors, students,
and their generations of students have opened schools of their own.
Many prominent instructors were involved in the development of the Kenpo and
Kempo systems; and many are actively promoting the art today. Only those professors
and instructors, which had a direct influence on the Universal Kempo Karate
Schools Association family history, will be addressed.
Professor James Mitose brought the Kosho-Ryu Kenpo (Old Pine Tree Style) to
Hawaii during the formation of the Official Self-Defense Club in Hawaii in 1942.
The Kenpo influence was blended with jujitsu, and the system was divided into
the physical and spiritual arts. Kenpo techniques were improved through the
influence and exchange of ideas among Professor Mitose, Grandmaster William
Kwai-Sun Chow, and Professor Thomas Young. Eventually, Professor Chow left the
self-defense club to develop the Kara Ho System.
Professor William “Thunderbolt” Chow developed the Kara-ho Kenpo System and
continued to develop Chinese Kenpo over the years. Professor Chow trained many
prominent martial artists including Professor Adriano Emperado, and the world
famous Edmund Parker.
Professor Adriano D. Emperado is given credit for founding the Kajukenbo Self-Defense
System in Hawaii, between 1947 and 1949. Kajukenbo was developed through the
influence of five martial arts experts during this period to create the ultimate
street fighting art. The co-founders of the system were Walter P.Y.Y. Choo (Tang
Soo Do), Frank Ordonez (Jujitsu), Joseph Holek (Judo), and Clarence Chang (Chinese
boxing). The original Kajukenbo was a blend of Korean Karate (KA), Japanese
Judo and Jujitsu (JU), Kenpo (KEN), and Chinese boxing (BO). The Universal Kempo
Karate prayer that instructors and students say today was devised by Frank Ordonez,
which reflects the traditions maintained by Professor Buell.
Professor Emperado trained many prominent martial artists.
