American Kenpo is oriented toward street-wise self defense. It is a martial art based on a rapid succession of strikes in sequential flow, which involves taking advantage of every conceivable natural weapon during the execution of a technique. American Kenpo blends circular motions and evasive movements with linear kicks and punches. It is similar to most Karate styles in its training mechanisms.

American Kenpo was developed by the late Master Ed Parker who took the more traditional Chinese Kenpo as taught to him by the late William Chow and modified it to suit the modern day needs. It is based on geometry and physics and not just history and tradition.