Mastering Kempo (Mastering Martial Arts Series)
by William Durbin

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Book Review: Embu - Kempo Training (Excellent History, Ancient Kata)
Summary: 5 Stars

Anciently, the fighting monks practiced kempo to improve personal security against bandits. It is very doubtful these monks would have engaged in actual fighting to practice the martial art. Monks regarded injury to an another human being as unacceptable. Often after a real confrontation, they would administer relief to the injuried attackers, when possible. The monks sought peace and esteemed themselves as pacifist. So, how did they obtain fighting skills second to none?

The monks practiced kempo using the philosophy called embu. Embu in Japanese means "Martial exercise." The first Embu method has two partner moving simulateously, without any prearrange techniques. They move softly and slowly maintaining safety. The one punch pull is required to avoid contact and serious injury. The flow between defense and offense is expressed during the exercise. To the viewer, it seems like the practitioners are engaged in a dance: weaving, entering, blocking, and striking. The use of hand and foot skills is encouraged. As the skill levels increase, vitals areas become the pin point targets. Embu should appear effortless and direct.

The second embu method requires coreograph or a set of moves to be practiced. A group of four students work together with one student defending against the other three. Each student has a set of moves to perform, whether it be an attack or an defense. As students masters the old movements they can begin to create new movements. The new movements usually are created after a few years of study with the teacher. At first the student learns how to perform each movement. The movements are practice slowly at first, and the speed increased as their skill improves. Eventually, the practice increases in speed and power. The attacking students measure their response after each defense technique is performed by the defending student. The flow of motion can increase in speed and power until it closely approximates real combative environments. The one inch pull punch or kick is encouraged, to avoid serious injury, and allow for continueous training. If injury starts to occur during training, students are required to examine levels of control, slow the techniques down, and apply an softer application of the technique.

Eventually, the subtle mysteries of the technique are revealed, and as the student reflects on the technique a vast range of application are realized: joint turns, throws, cavity presses, blocks, strikes can be seen in the technique. Additionally, the use of chi and mental focus changes the techniques consequences. Kempo real power is understanding vital points and how mental focus increase the effectiveness of the strikes and block. The most powerful material breakers are often practitioners of kempo. Softer and more penetrating potential is realized by the defending student. The student begins to visual the physical consequences resulting from each techniques. The degree of reflection depends on the understanding of the student and their perspectiviness. Students are required to reflect on their practice and work together to improve each others perfection.

Kempo techniques are expanded to use grappling. Anciently and modernly, Chin na expresses itself within the philosophy of kempo. Throws, chokes, joint locks put the receiver down. Finishing strikes can be apply allowing the practitioner to clear the oppponent before moving to the next attacker.

During practice Kempo trains against a vast variety of weapons: knives, clubs, staff, sword, and hand to hand. Embu philosophy still applies regardless of the attack pattern and type. The goal is to blend and work harmously and effortless against a wide range of spacial patterns. Position, speed, power, and feel are developed during practice.

Embu does not encourage aggression. It allows realistic self-defense training. The result is a stronger feeling of calmness and control by the student. More importantly it enourages cooperation and control through a heighten sense of awareness. Movement can flow from one attacker to another, awareness of how space can be occuppied is anticipated. Vulnerabilities become traps with counters, locks, and strikes responding. In Kempo, embu is essential to proper training and development.

Summary of Mastering Kempo (Mastering Martial Arts Series)

Finally, a book that covers all aspects of the ?original martial art? is here! Mastering Kempo covers everything from Kempo's profound history to the techniques, tactics, and training needed to excel at any level of this art.

Mastering Kempo is an exposition of Kempo as the masters originally taught it, featuring their methods of training and wealth of technical knowledge?much of which has been forgotten or ignored in modern times. Mastering Kempo introduces these techniques, skills, and advanced training methods to enrich the Kempo of any stylist and contribute to an in-depth understanding of the many martial arts derived from Kempo?including judo, jujitsu, and karate.

This outstanding resource was written by William Durbin, a Kempo master and a premier martial arts historian with 30 years of training. As a soke (the highest ranking in Kiyojute Kempo) Durbin is considered one of the world's foremost authorities and historians on Kempo. The knowledge and insights he provides in Mastering Kempo will elevate you to your highest level, physically and spiritually.

With more than 130 photos as your guide, you will be able to improve stances, blocks, thrusts, strikes, kicks, and other defensive techniques. You will also be able to learn the keys to building a stronger mind and body with regimens that will empower you to maximize your abilities and advance quickly through belt rankings or competitive events.

Becoming a master of a martial art requires that you learn, practice, and incorporate all aspects of the form's history, technique, tactics, and training into your life. For Kempo, the one source for all this indispensable information is Mastering Kempo.

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