Martial Arts, Self Defense and Karate Classes in Dallas - PowerKenpo - American Kenpo Karate Studio in Carrollton, TX

What is American Kenpo Karate?

American Kenpo Karate (or Kenpo Karate) is a system of martial arts created by Ed Parker, characterized by the use of quick moves in rapid-fire succession intended to overwhelm an opponent. It was primarily developed by Parker as a self-defense system, and is derived from traditional Southern Chinese kung fu and other martial arts found in the cultural melting pot of Hawaii. Parker introduced significant modifications in his art, including principles, theories, and concepts of motion as well as terminology.

Ed Parker, the founder of American Kenpo Karate, spars with Elvis Presley

Ed Parker, the founder of American Kenpo Karate, sparring with his most famous student: Elvis Presley. Presley eventually earned an eighth degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate.

Martial Arts, Self Defense and Karate Classes in Dallas, TX

Parker revised older karate methods to work in modern day fighting scenarios, and heavily restructured American Kenpo's forms and techniques. He moved away from methods that were recognizably descended from other arts and established a more definitive relationship between forms and the self-defense technique curriculum of American Kenpo. Parker also moved away from esoteric Eastern concepts and sought to express the art in terms of scientific principles and western metaphors.

Parker took his art through continual changes — and he always suggested that once a student learns the lesson embodied in the "ideal phase" of the technique he should search for some aspect that can be tailored to his own personal needs and strengths.

Why Train in American Kenpo Karate?

Training in American Kenpo Karate offers multiple benefits, including:

Sifu Jim Dryburgh, a fourth degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate, and his staff teach classes in American Kenpo Karate, self-defense and other martial arts disciplines six days a week. Sign up below for a free introductory class and get started on your own personal martial arts journey today!