"I study the art of Kenpo, law of the fist. I prepare mind and body for self-defense and open my heart to seek for peace."
Five Animal Kenpo Logo is © Trevor Haines
"Kenpo" is a Chinese form of karate. Originally called "Chuan Fa" it means "law of the fist." Its roots trace back to the Shaolin Temple in China.
"Five Animal Kenpo" embraces this Shaolin heritage by organizing the curriculum using the metaphor of the five animals of Shaolin: Dragon, Snake, Tiger, Leopard, Crane.
Each of these animals are not only a style of fighting but more significantly are an overall strategy to self-defense. Much like the game "rock, scissors, and paper" the animals exist in a cycle of mutual control. This concept is an extension of the Five Element Concept (fire, earth, metal, water, wood) used in everything from Chinese medicine to architecture.
The Five Animal Kenpo System develops a well rounded martial artist trained in the micro principles of movement as well as providing a macro strategic overview of combat. In essence, we want a student to know the detailed mechanics behind throwing a punch; the athleticism to actually throw the punch effectively; the macro perspective to discern if that punch is a good strategic choice to neutralize the threat at hand; and the moral fiber to know when no strike should be thrown at all.
"Five Animal Kenpo" embraces this Shaolin heritage by organizing the curriculum using the metaphor of the five animals of Shaolin: Dragon, Snake, Tiger, Leopard, Crane.
Each of these animals are not only a style of fighting but more significantly are an overall strategy to self-defense. Much like the game "rock, scissors, and paper" the animals exist in a cycle of mutual control. This concept is an extension of the Five Element Concept (fire, earth, metal, water, wood) used in everything from Chinese medicine to architecture.
The Five Animal Kenpo System develops a well rounded martial artist trained in the micro principles of movement as well as providing a macro strategic overview of combat. In essence, we want a student to know the detailed mechanics behind throwing a punch; the athleticism to actually throw the punch effectively; the macro perspective to discern if that punch is a good strategic choice to neutralize the threat at hand; and the moral fiber to know when no strike should be thrown at all.
