KENPO KARATE
Kenpo Karate is a martial art with roots in both Chinese and Japanese traditions, developed through centuries of adaptation and innovation. The term Kenpo (拳法) can be translated as "the law of the fist," reflecting a flexible and pragmatic approach to self-defense.

Historically, Kenpo has been influenced by both Chinese Kung Fu and Japanese Karate, resulting in a system that emphasizes speed, strategy, and adaptability. Rather than adhering to rigid patterns, Kenpo focuses on efficient movement, continuous development, and practical application in self-defense situations. In the 20th century, Kenpo began to spread internationally and evolved in several different directions, particularly in the United States, where the system was adapted for modern combat and personal protection. Today, various schools and branches of Kenpo exist, each with its own methodology and strategic approach.
At our club, we teach Kenpo Karate with a modern approach, emphasizing practical self-defense, fluid combinations, and strategic movement. The training is adaptable for both beginners and experienced practitioners, offering physical and mental skills for handling conflict situations. Kenpo Karate is not just a martial art—it is a philosophy of continuous development, where tradition and innovation merge to create a dynamic and effective training system.
At Sanchin Budokai, we practice two distinct styles of Kenpo Karate:
- American Kenpo Karate – Developed by Ed Parker in the United States, this system is known for its fast and fluid combinations, logical structure, and adaptability. American Kenpo is a dynamic and methodical martial art that emphasizes economy of motion and maximum efficiency in self-defense. This is the primary system practiced in our regular training sessions.
- Dragon Kenpo Karate – A streamlined and easy-to-learn system with roots in Kenpo and boxing, founded by Ed Hutchinson in the early 1990s. Dragon Kenpo focuses on simple, natural movements and a smooth combination of strikes, joint locks, throws, and weapon defenses. The system is designed to be intuitive, quick to learn, and easy to apply in motion. Dragon Kenpo is offered through our online platform (only available in Swedish).