Does Kempo have forms?
Many people think that because Kempo is a highly directed “self-defense” art, it contains no Kata or forms. This is very untrue. Kempo has many forms with a notable characteristic of having both circular and linear movements, as well as hard and soft techniques. Kempo forms are used to teach speed and coordination of strikes; as well as movement, projections and immobilizations, and various principles of fighting. Many Kempo systems utilize a numbering system for their forms making them simpler to remember. It is far easier to remember Kata #3 than Naihanci-dai. The American Kenpo and Shaolin Kempo systems use a numbering system for many forms. In American Kenpo, there are numbered Long Forms and Short Forms. Shaolin Kempo has numbered Pinion and Kata forms. Both systems also have “named” forms, such as Statue of the Crane, and Swift Tigers. These are typically more advanced forms. When James Mitose first taught Kosho-Ryu Kempo in Hawaii, he taught no formal forms. He taught only atemi
