American Kenpo Karate

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT IS KENPO KARATE? Kenpo Karate is a fascinating self-defense system of Chinese origin, rich in history, totally efficient in application. Kenpo has self-defense techniques (“empty-hand” and defense against weapons) and forms (katas). Kenpo Karate will train you to use your hands, feet, knees, elbows, fingers, heel of the palm, head butts, etc. as weapons that will defend you in self-defense situations. We practice joint locks and pressure points as well. You will leave each class feeling a little bit safer than before! See testimonials below.

AM I TOO OUT OF SHAPE FOR THIS? Fitness is not required to begin. Although many students report weight loss and increased physical fitness at the early levels, the beginner and intermediate classes are not strenuous workouts. See testimonials below.

DON’T I NEED FLEXIBILITY FOR ALL THOSE HIGH KICKS? Flexibility is not required as we do not practice high kicks. Kenpo Karate kicks are practiced to the waste level and below.

WILL I GET INJURED WHILE SPARRING? Kenpo Karate is pure self-defense – meaning – there is no “sport karate sparring”. Our Kenpoists do not put on hand and foot pads and “free spar” each other in a tournament style format. The focus in Kenpo is “street self-defense” – not “scoring points” for winning trophies in competition. Coach Robert emphasizes that Sport Karate (tournament style “point fighting” and/or kickboxing) offers many valuable benefits, but is taught as a separate program outside of the regular Kenpo class formats. As mentioned above, you will learn self-defense basics, then you will practice these basics in various combinations of self-defense techniques. We practice in the air to develop proper technique, on targets to develop speed and power, and with partners to develop accuracy – as well as get a feel for how Kenpo works in a real “street confrontation”. Safety and control is always of major emphasis, so that students are practicing in a non-contact, injury-free environment.

AM I TOO OLD FOR KENPO CLASSES? Not likely, as our “oldest” student to date was a happy 69 years old! And he loved Kenpo classes (so did his 63 year old wife)! Reno and Olide Bucci trained with us for 12 months, earning 1st Degree Blue Belts in the process. See testimonials below.

I HAVE NEVER BEEN VERY ATHLETIC… Kenpo Karate is easy to learn and highly effective. One reason adults love Coach Robert’s Kenpo classes is because they are so much FUN! And we have excellent assistant instructors eager to provide the highest level of service and personal attention to all of our students. You will learn how to defend yourself against all types of attacks, with a few examples being: punches, kicks, bear hugs (front and rear), chokes (front and rear), headlocks, hammerlocks, pushes, grabs, club attacks, knife and gun attacks, etc. The bottom line in Kenpo Karate is that we empower our students with the ability to defend themselves (and others) in dangerous, life-threatening situations – making our students feel safer and safer with each passing week they are training.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS:

“I have much more confidence, courage, and peace in my daily life. I really enjoy all the new friends I’ve made in Kenpo class!.” -- Chuck Johnson, 60 yr. young businessman

“After taking Kenpo Karate, my hands and feet are now weapons that are always with me wherever I go.” -- Reno Bucci, 69 years young

“I feel so much safer when I am out in the world.” -- Paula Howlett, 29 yr. old nurse

“I now feel like I can defend myself if someone attacks me.” -- Kaylon McCue, 14 year old High School student

“Not only are Coach Robert’s classes fun and entertaining, I am amazed to have lost 50 pounds – and it’s not even a strenuous workout.” -- Dr. Ed Byrd, 45 yr. old MD

“Kenpo Karate has taught me to have a lot of self-respect, and respect for others as well. During the past seven months I have learned to focus on studying for my tests and to do better in my school work. I like the feeling that I can defend myself if someone attacks me.” -- Tyler Lawter, 17 year old High School student

“I love basketball, and Kenpo Karate has really helped improve my balance and coordination. I control my body much better because of training here. Also, the classes here make me more motivated for physical fitness and conditioning. Kenpo has really helped my football skills as well – my speed and agility have really improved.” -- Vareck Gober, 12 yr. old

“Kenpo Karate is the first and only physical activity that I have been able to maintain any interest in for a long period of time. I enjoy it more and more. I am learning things that I never thought possible. The good thing is that I believe that I can do these things. Nothing else worked for me in my 65 years of looking. I not only feel younger and full of energy but I am enjoying myself doing it. My increase in energy has served as a great stress reducer, and consequently has improved my ability to allow myself pleasures not before recognized. It is a new found ability to enjoy more of life!” -- Bill Spooner, 65 years young

“Chris (10 yrs. old) was at the pool last summer. Two bigger boys started pushing him around – bullying him. They started holding his head under the water. I (Rose) went over to tell Chris to come out of the pool, but as one of them lifted him up, he turned around and smacked the boy with an Overhead Elbow Strike, and then proceeded to punch the other bully. That settled matters once and for all, and I was so happy that Chris had Kenpo skills to defend himself”. -- Mark and Rose Neal

“Kenpo is the highlight of my day! I really enjoy the stress relief it provides. All the instructors are great, and the classes are a lot of fun.” -- Luke Hancock, 32 yr. old Chiropractor

COACH ROBERT’S CURRICULUM:

The class curriculum for the William Wallace Kenpo Karate program consists of self-defense techniques and principles from several different martial arts systems. Our primary base is the Ed Parker System of Kenpo Karate. Filipino martial arts, primarily Serrada Escrima, and Russian martial arts (Systema) are also a part of the William Wallace Kenpo Karate program.

COACH ROBERT’S MARTIAL ARTS BACKGROUND:

Here’s a brief synopsis of my martial arts history. For those who are interested, I also have available a more in-depth history of my experience and training in the wonderful world of martial arts, personal growth, and addiction healing. As of September, 2006, I have been training in martial arts for 34 years, and teaching martial arts for 32 years – first as an assistant instructor in January 1974, then as a Black Belt lead instructor beginning in October 1976.

Sep 1972 – Dec 1979 Korean Tae Kwan Do (Jee Do Kwan system under Yoo Jin Kim)

Jan 1980 – present American Sport Karate (under Vernon Johnson, Keith Vitali, Ken McGuire)

Oct 1982 – Aug 1993 Tracy Kenpo and Parker Kenpo under Ken McGuire

Nov 1993 – present Ed Parker Kenpo under Lee Wedlake (and Huk Planas Nov ‘93 - 2002)

Oct 1994 – present Serrada Escrima and Russian Systema under Al McLuckie and Lee Wedlake

WHO’S ELIGIBLE: All males and females, age 8 yrs. to senior citizen

REQUIREMENTS: All you need to begin is an interest in learning a fascinating self-defense system of Chinese origin, rich in history, totally efficient in application. Kenpo Karate is pure self-defense that is easy to learn and highly effective. You can find out for yourself by trying a free lesson and experiencing the growth of self-empowerment within yourself as you learn Kenpo Karate – one of the most effective and easy to learn self-defense systems available.

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR: Robert Wallace, 34 years experience (as of September 2006) in Martial Arts with Black Belts in three different styles. (24 years in Kenpo Karate)

INTRODUCTORY PROCESS: Try a free private lesson, and then a free class! If you like that, you can try an introductory course. No obligation!

TIMES: Mondays/Wednesdays 6:30 pm Westside Studio (Blackstock Road, Sptbg)
Tuesdays/Thursdays 7:30 pm Westside Studio (Blackstock Road, Sptbg)

QUESTIONS? Call Coach Robert today for more info: 864-576-2525

www.williamwallacekenpo.com robertwallace@alltel.net

Kenpo Class Photos - Click on photo to view it larger.