Blanchard's Kenpo Academy is a traditional Kenpo Martial Arts school educating students in the ways of Kenpo and Jiu-Jitsu. By sharing our combined knowledge of the arts, the students develop greater self-confidence, higher self-esteem, and controlled, effective self-defense. Emphasizing courtesy and good sportsmanship, students grow in a disciplined environment at their own pace and skill level. First, students learn to develop the strength, coordination, and agility essential in executing self-defense movements. Then, as the students advance, the instruction focuses on mental development which is vital to the students in learning to control their knowledge.

Kenpo and Jiu-Jitsu teaches students the discipline and self-confidence that enables them to ignore threats of aggression which to lead to physical confrontation. Yet, when given no choice, students are more than capable of defending themselves.

Karate

Blanchard's Kenpo Academy teaches three types of Martial Arts. The first being Kenpo Karate. Kenpo (fist law) Karate was the term used by Professor Chow when he introduced Karate in Hawaii which was later brought to the Continental United States. It employs linear as well as circular motions using various methods of blocking, striking, and kicking. The second art is Jiu-Jitsu (gentle art). Jiu-Jitsu is the art of suppleness, flexibility and gentleness. Jiu-Jitsu can be traced back to the period between 1600 and 1650 where over 700 systems appeared in Japan. The third art that we teach is Weapons Training. Weapons are thought to be an extension of your own body and are a very useful tool in developing forms and techniques.

Etiquette

The following protocol is required at Blanchard's Kenpo Academy:

1. Entering the Dojo: Before entering the dojo, shoes must be removed. Bow entering and leaving the dojo.

2. Belts: Belts should be put on only after entering the dojo and only while kneeling. Belts are to be removed prior to exiting in the same manner.

3. Before Class: Students should arrive prior to class in an orderly fashion. Do Not disrupt ongoing classes, speak softly, and behave properly while in the dojo.

4. Class Time: When class begins, students should line up in an orderly fashion and await intructions from the sensei while remaining quiet. Students should speak when spoken to and follow the Sensei’s instructions. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

5. Post Class Time: Once dismissed, students will exit the dojo quietly. Please do not disturb the next class.

6. Addressing Senseis and Instuctors: Senseis must be addressed as Sensei, Sir, or Ma’am. Instructors are to be addressed as Sir or Ma’am.

Rank, Uniforms, and Patches

Rank: Belts are awarded to students who have completed the material needed to achieve the next rank in order, displayed the proper attitude, and demostrated both maturity and respect for others. Students are evaluated by their instructors and are then advanced in rank when their instructor sees fit and is authorized by the headmasters.

Uniforms: Standard Gi Uniforms are worn and the following protocol is followed: Ranks white belt to purple must wear white tops and white bottoms; ranks blue belt to brown belt can either wear white on white or black on black; ranks black belt and above may wear any combination of black and white. Summer Gi Uniforms: follow the same protocol but white or black Kenpo Academy T-Shirts may be worn instead of the Gi Top.

Patches: All students must wear the Blanchard's Kenpo Academy patch on the left lapel. Flag patches are awarded to outstanding students and are worn on the left arm on the top of the sleeve. Yin-Yang patches are worn below the flag. Black Belt Club patches are worn on the top of the right sleeve. Instructor patches are awarded to students rank brown (green for adults) and above that have demonstrated outstanding effort, skill, and determination. Sensei patches are worn by certified teachers chosen by the headmasters and are fully knowledgeable in the ways of the school and the martial arts.