The Shaolin Kempo Handbook: A Guide from White to Black Belt of the Shaolin Kempo Training Center

By Marlon Anthony Wilson

This handbook can guide and point. It cannot replace a good solid teacher. At times, I read it and think that I might have written too much; other times it seems far too general or too cryptic; yet, overall, I feel as though I have done good and it gives more than enough for a martial artist to grow and develop in body, mind, soul and martial skill. In the end it is for the reader to decide. This Handbook for the student of Shaolin Kempo holds key aspects and guidance to serve anyone seeking practical self-defense and to unlock the power of their Shaolin Kempo. I urge you to read, enjoy, question, test and practice well the material of these writings. Along the way, remember to enjoy and regularly have fun. Training is truth!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796069082

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Copyright © 2019 by Marlon Anthony Wilson. 805019

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Cover design by Justin Roszkowski

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ISBN:   Softcover   978-1-7960-6909-9

             EBook        978-1-7960-6908-2

Rev. date: 01/13/2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Acknowledgements

My Journey to the Martial Arts

The Rules of the Dojo

Some History of Shaolin Kempo

To the East Coast of the United States

The Five Animals of Shaolin Kempo

Training

CONTACT IS GOOD KEMPO

Principles of Kempo from the Bubishi

Recommended Readings

The Curriculum:

The Kata

The Combinations

Record of Testing

Disclaimer: Please note that the publisher and author of this instructional book is NOT RESPONSIBLE in any manner whatsoever for any injury or legal action that may result from practicing the techniques and / or following the instructions given within. Martial arts training can be dangerous, both to yourself and others, even when practiced with caution. You should always consult with and train with qualified martial arts instructors. The use of the martial moves/theories and strategies in this book may lead to legal issues depending on the laws of the land you are in. We strongly suggest that each reader inform themselves of the laws governing self defense and the use of force wherever they are and govern themselves accordingly. As the physical activities described herein may be too strenuous in nature for some readers, it is also recommended that a physician be consulted prior to training.

INTRODUCTION

I wrote this handbook for my students and for myself. I love Shaolin Kempo Karate, I love books, I love to learn and what I love even more is to share ideas and knowledge. After 30 years of the practice and study of Shaolin Kempo, I have achieved the rank of rokudan (6th degree black belt). Combining my studies in other martial arts which covers more than 36 years, I can honestly say with ease and humility that there is still much more to learn, and this is a wonderful truth!

At first, my journey began seeking something other than mere self-defense or a better way of fighting. I was focused on increasing my capacity as a human being and for personal evolution, if you will. While it remains a debate within myself and likely to others whether or not I have made gains on that front, I am deeply stirred by what the martial arts have to offer each of us on so many levels. I have studied and practiced Judo, Kyokushin Karate, Shotokan. Adding to some brief studies of Sil-lum Hung Gar, Kosho Ryu Kempo, Aikido and Taiji. But it was my introduction to Shaolin Kempo that fulfilled the most out of all of these excellent systems. Shaolin Kempo is my base and almost everything I’ve learned from other styles together with the many awesome masters who have taught me some of their art, I take and seek it in my Kempo. By this method I have deepened my understanding and effectiveness of Shaolin Kempo and enriched my ability to teach.

This handbook can guide and point. It cannot replace a good solid teacher. At times, I read it and think that I might have written too much; other times it seems far too general or too cryptic; yet, overall, I feel as though I have done good and it gives more than enough for a martial artist to grow and develop in body, mind, soul and martial skill. In the end it is for the reader to decide. This Handbook for the student of Shaolin Kempo holds key aspects and guidance to serve anyone seeking practical self-defense and to unlock the power of their Shaolin Kempo. I urge you to read, enjoy, question, test and practice well the material of these writings. Along the way, remember to enjoy and regularly have fun. Training is truth!

Sifu Marlon Wilson can be reached at [e-mail] or www.shaolinkempo.ca

The Shaolin Kempo Handbook also proves to be an excellent complement to Shaolin Kempo Unveiled that I co-authored with my Shaolin Kempo Karate master and friend Prof. Thomas Ingargiola.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I want to first thank my lady, Katarzyna for her unfailing support, determination to have me see this work through, her critiques, patience and love throughout this process. Without her this handbook may never have come to fruition.

I also thank my master and friend Prof.Thomas Ingargiola for his relentless pursuit of perfection and for so openly and honestly sharing his incredible depth of knowledge with me while driving me to hone and better my skills as a martial artist, an instructor and a person all these years.

Thank you to Sensei Elizabeth Gilberg, my first Shaolin Kempo Karate instructor and Sensei Danny Mason who guided me to black belt and beyond. These wonderful instructors trained me and ignited my passion for this amazing art of Shaolin Kempo.

I am humbled by the generosity of Guru Bernard Langan in sharing some of the wealth of his teachings with me in the brief times we have met and communicated. His love of martial arts promoted him to help me become better and opening the path for me to grow into a superior martial artist. I am very grateful.

Thank you to Kyoshi Jeff Driscoll for encouragement and support during some difficult moments in the writing of this work.

I am still very much a work in progress and I have much to learn. Any and all errors in this work are mine alone and represent my failure to sufficiently grasp what I have been shown by these excellent martial artists.

Lastly, a heart felt thank you to my family (Jaeden, Joshua, Jerome, Sam and Kat) and to my family of students, past, present and future, for your trust, your questions and your passion to learn. This work is for you and because of you as much as anyone or anything. I am honoured that you have chosen me to teach you.

MY JOURNEY TO THE MARTIAL ARTS

My journey into the martial arts did not begin with Bruce Lee, the Karate Kid or even bullying. I was small, black and Anglophone in a predominately white Francophone neighbourhood. But what brought me to the martial arts was a comic book about magic; Dr.Strange, to be exact. In his origin story he needed to optimize his body in order to harness the powers that would course through him as Sorcerer Supreme. I, with my juvenile mind, understood that in order to be prepared to be more and to become a hero, I would need to study meditation and the martial arts.

Many years passed after my foster mother died, before my mother allowed me to take a martial art. At heart, my goal remained growing beyond what most considered human limitations…and I still love comics.

I grew up without a father and in a world that was unsafe and unkind. My heroes were superheroes and legends out of stories. My child like mind sought to emulate them. So, I needed to learn to fight and defend those weaker than myself; the simplicity of youth.

Ultimately, this is still what martial arts and the warrior ethos means to me: Protect and serve and become more.

Practicing and teaching Shaolin Kempo has given me the opportunity, the place and gift of continued growth and development for myself and others.

I share this Handbook as a continuation of these efforts, dreams and hopes for all students of the arts, including myself.

But that is me. Whatever your reason for entering the practice of the martial arts and Shaolin Kempo, know that your future and your growth is in your hands. Learn to defend yourself, protect those you love and grow into a warrior. Or, practice for health and personal achievement. The most important things are growth, development, service and having fun along the way!

Enjoy your every step and welcome to the venerable art of Shaolin Kempo Karate!

THE RULES OF THE DOJO

EFFORT - Effort begins before the class starts and continues on well after the class has ended. Excellence depends on the effort given. While many enjoy early success because of sheer physical talent, it can take them only so far. All instructors can recall the student with crazy skills. S/he could pick up a new move in a breath and execute it as though s/he had been born to it. At the advanced belt level, the demands went beyond mere mimicry and s/he soon, to everyone’s shock and dismay, quits. It can be difficult to reconcile the level of effort now needed as an advanced belt with an immature idea of what is a good martial artist. Discouragement sets in and the student leaves not only the school but martial arts altogether. When this occurs it is a failure on our part as instructors.

ETIQUETTE - Each training place follows explicit or implicit formalities. These range from dress code, acceptable and unacceptable language, chain of command, ritual…First and foremost etiquette is about a mindset. The essentials of

Reviews for The Shaolin Kempo Handbook

[RaulMedinaJr. · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Great information if you are into the art, but there is information missing like the Pinans. It's a better book to read to review on the curriculum, and works well if you are following along with the classes, videos and the other books on Shaolin Kempo.