Welcome to Our Website!

Since 1999, Martial Arts & Me has been providing instruction in Kenpo and the martial arts in the Johnstown, NY area.

We hope you enjoy our website and will stop by and visit us if you are in the area. This site is designed to give you information about our facility, our style of martial arts, our staff and provide you with information on how to contact us as well.

Martial Arts & Me (It's Meaning)

What is Kenpo?

Kenpo is a style of Karate developed in the west. The only difference between Kenpo and Kempo is in the translation of the Kanji to its English form. The words Kenpo and Kempo are both pronounced the same and both mean "Law of the Fist." However, the more "traditional" forms of Kempo use the "Kempo" form, while the more non-traditional modern or contemporary versions use the term "Kenpo."

Kenpo is a martial art that teaches self-defense and self-control through three primary methods: self-defense techniques, forms, and sparring. However, Kenpo diverges from traditional Karate in several important respects. Students are encouraged to change and adapt the techniques. Kenpo emphasizes vital point attacks using punches, strikes and kicks. Throws are also important in Kenpo.

Self-defense techniques help Kenpo students develop their skills by allowing them to practice with different threatening situations and experiment with what-if scenarios. Initially, forms and katas help students to develop mental concentration and mental discipline. As they progress, the forms and katas help them to develop self-awareness and self-expression. Kumite (also known as freestyle or sparring) is an exercise in which students test their skills, self-confidence, and self-control in a friendly competition among other classmates. It gives students the opportunity to develop their reflexes and timing in a controlled environment while engaging in a sport activity.

Kenpo also teaches students how to use weapons to increase their understanding of self-defense. In Kenpo, defense against knives and clubs are taught from the yellow belt and up. Weapon training often begins at the green belt level, although some schools restrict it to those of the black belt level and higher.

The Kenpo style strives to maintain a balance between "martial" and "art." The "martial" aspect is expressed by effective efficient self-defense concepts and techniques. The "art" is expressed by creativity, self-expression, and presentation of form.

Martial Arts & Me

Martial Arts & Me … Honesty, Loyalty, Fortitude, Live the Life You Believe In. Its Meaning & Purpose… The first thing you will notice in the name of our school is there is no mention of the art in which we study. The logic behind this was to peek curiosity, and remind people that no one art is the answer to all our questions. They all have something special and unique to offer, reminding us of the importance of open minded and receptive of all styles. The idea or thought that went into the title of our school “ Martial Arts & Me –Honesty, Loyalty, Fortitude, “Live The Life You Believe In !” was based on many years of training, and personal experiences of enlightenment. When you break down the title and translate each word by its own definition, you will begin to understand. The first word “Martial” can be interpreted as warlike or combative which is the very essence of what we do. The word “Art” can be defined as ability, skill or dexterity. Karate is an art, and when you begin your journey you will discover that it will always demand the highest level of attention and imagination from you. Always compelling you to maintain the edge ! Honesty Loyalty, Fortitude- Live the Life You Believe In ! Honesty this teaches us not only to tell the truth to others, but in martial arts it also teaches us how to be honest with ourselves. This directly applies to how we train as well as how well we apply what we have learned always remaining humble and willing to learn more. The Loyalty we should have for our instructors and those who came before us should not go unsurpassed. Another word for loyalty is faith, and we should always have enough faith in our instructors to trust in the knowledge in which they have unselfishly passed onto us, for it comes from hundreds of years of tradition. Fortitude refers to having the determination to finish what we have started, even though we are not always certain of the outcome! Being like a pillar of firmness that never sways for all eyes to gaze upon and ponder. Most importantly though fortitude is what gives us the courage to Live the Life You Believe In !!