Our Teaching Method
We believe that students should have FUN while they're training. We Love Kempo instructors feel it is their duty to MOTIVATE students to excellence through positive instruction. We have creative instructors who find interesting ways to apply techniques and to open students' minds to new possibilities. Students will learn practical self defense...if it doesn't work, we're not going to teach it! In addition, students will work on weapons defenses, weapons training, forms (Kata) and much more through the Kempo system.
While most martial arts studios have huge groups classes and students sometimes feel lost or pushed aside, students at We Love Kempo always feel that their needs in the Art are being addressed through our private lesson program. As an independently owed martial arts school, We Love Kempo has the freedom to offer students training in other Arts as well, as appropriate. Kung Fu and Tai Chi are just a couple of the practices we introduce to students in the hopes of creating the most effective, well rounded martial artist possible.
Our Kempo Curriculum
The We Love Kempo curriculum is a mix of traditional forms practice and practical self defense training. Our goal is for each student to develop their fighting ability to the fullest as well as finding ways to bring the Martial Artist's mindset into their lives. We believe that success lies not only in the ability to win a fight, but in the ability to manage stress, control emotions, and achieve goals.
Empty Hand Forms
One of the fundamental training elements in our curriculum and in many traditional Martial Arts systems are forms (also called Katas or Pinans). Forms are a set series of Martial Arts movements that are rank appropriate and help students develop timing, increase their ability to flow from one movement to the next, and build muscle memory. Forms are essentially mock battles in which the student mimics the movement and intensity of a real fight. However, forms can be done slowly to help students concentrate on breathing and prepare the body for more rigorous training.
Back to the Top
Weapons Forms
Weapons forms are also a set series of movements that assist students in learning how to properly wield the weapon. It is important for students to have a strong foundation in empty hand forms before introducing a weapon into the movement. Stances, footwork, balance, and Martial Arts basics must be at an intermediate level before adding the weapon(s) to the mix! We encourage all students to explore multiple weapons in an effort to create the ability to pick up any random item and use it effectively in self defense. We teach both Chinese and Japanese weapons in several disciplines including Tai Chi and Kempo weapons forms.
Back to the Top
Blocking Sets
There are many ways to block an attack! Thankfully, our curriculum includes various series of blocking movements organized into several rank specific blocking sets. These sets begin with simple movements and concepts at white belt and build to complex techniques at higher levels. In addition to enhancing a student's defense, blocking sets also assist in building arm strength and shoulder flexibility.
Back to the Top
Defensive Maneuvers
Defensive Maneuvers (DMs) are a series of techniques that make up the core of the Kempo System. These defense techniques respond to different types of attacks with unique concepts and with varying levels of damage caused to the attacker. Every student will have the same series of DMs, though these techniques can be modified to suit the need of the individual and situation. Back to the Top
Kempos
Kempos are a series of techniques that help the student create their own fighting personality and style. Some students are more aggressive and prefer Tiger style techniques, while others prefer to use the finesse and accuracy of the Snake.
Back to the Top
Weapons Defenses
All students practice defenses against weapons such as clubs and knives. Different rules apply when a weapon is involved in a self defense situation, so our weapons defense techniques offer students an appropriate way to assess and respond to these types of threats. Back to the Top
