If Kenpo is Chinese, why does Kenpo wear Japanese Gis and Belts?
A. Kenpo is a Japanese word for a martial art that has its roots in China. The system is, however, uniquely Japanese and Okinawan with a tradition going back to the 13th century. The Gi and belts are, therefore, part of the tradition of Kenpo heritage and quite appropriate. The belt, however, is always crossed in the back and tied in the front with an overhand square knot. The more recent creations of Kenpo styles, such as Kara-Ho Kempo, Shaolin Kenpo, American Kenpo and the other systems all claim to be Chinese. Yet those systems not only wear the Japanese Gi, but use the Tracy Colored Belt System for white belt ranks and the Japanese Belt System of Brown and Black Belts. To this, many add tips on the belts, that have no meaning. There is only one reasonable answer for why a Chinese system does not wear Chinese Kung Fu uniforms and sashes: It’s easier to “sell” belts and tips than give knowledge and develop actual ability.
Related Questions
- If Tracys Kenpo is Japanese, why do you have an American "T" and Chinese looking dragon for an emblem, instead of using the Kosho Shorei Ryu Mon of James Mitose?
- If you are a traditional Chinese style of martial arts, why do you wear Japanese style gis (uniforms) and belts?
- Why do Shaolin-Do students wear seemingly "Japanese" uniforms to practice Chinese Kung Fu?
