Fullen’s School of Self Defense

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chinese Kempo Karate?

Chinese Kempo-Karate is a semi-traditional martial art that was developed for the purpose of self-defense and self-improvement. Kempo is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word ‘chuan fa’ – which means, “fist law.” Karate is Okinawan for “empty hand.” When placed together, the literal translation becomes, “The law of the fist, the way of the empty hand” – indicating that the style encompasses the full range of hard, linear punches and kicks as well as softer, more evasive techniques including parries, joint and limb locks, and throws. Chinese Kempo-Karate is an eclectic art that effectively synthesizes the more effective aspects of several arts, including karate, jujitsu, kung fu, and escrima.

What’s the difference between Chinese Kempo and other martial arts?

All martial arts share basic similarities and concepts. After all, there’s only so many ways to get your fist to someone else’s nose. To keep the answer short and simplistic, the primary differences that the uninitiated seeker should be aware of are in the areas of purpose and method. The purpose of training in some arts is to seek perfection of the mind and spirit. This concept is found in many classical Japanese and Okinawan styles. The purpose of some other styles is to foster competition and sport. Olympic style Judo and Tae Kwon Do are examples of this. A third purpose is self defense, as advocated by styles like Kajukenbo and the Kempo/Kenpo arts. Keep in mind that all styles contain elements of all three purposes… it’s just a matter of degree.

The methods – again, very simplistically – involve physical techniques that are either hard and linear (like a boxer’s right cross) or soft and circular (like a Matador side-stepping a charging bull). Neither method is easier or more effective than the other; it’s merely a matter of preference and philosophy.

Chinese Kempo blends facets of all of these concepts (with the exception of the sporting aspect) into a brutally effective, street-survival oriented martial art. At Fullen’s School of Self Defense we expect everyone who wears our patch to forge their ability to take care of themselves and to be respected for being a good member of the community.

Does their relatively smaller size put women and children at a disadvantage?

As in almost any sport or physical endeavor, superior size and strength will give one the advantage – if all other factors are equal. Chinese Kempo-Karate stresses the concept of working smarter, not necessarily harder. Training for perfection of technique coupled with a knowledge of the soft, vulnerable areas of the body makes Kempo ideally suited for the smaller practitioner. An emphasis on proper body mechanics, economy of motion, and striking the right target allows the Kempo student to defeat an attack by a larger stronger opponent.

Does this involve physical contact; am I going to get hurt?

Kempo is primarily a self-defense-oriented style of martial art (as opposed to sport or spiritual development oriented styles), so physical contact is necessary. Along with levels of physical conditioning, each student has an individual tolerance for discomfort that must be assessed during the beginning stages of training. However, since the purpose of training is not to hurt or injure your classmates, the level of contact is controlled and safeguarded by training in technique control and by established rules of conduct for all students and instructors. However, please keep in mind that although every effort is expended to maintain the safety and well being of the students, Kempo is a self-defense, hard contact art and the potential for injury does exist.

What are the Instructor’s credentials and what kind of experience does he/she have?

Head Instructor David Fullen received his black belt in 1992, and continued to train under his teacher, Chief Instructor Jesse C. Manegdeg, until he began teaching in Dallas in 1994. Prior to training in Kempo, Instructor Fullen studied Tai Chi Chuan and Tae Kwon Do. Instructor Fullen also earned a 2^nd degree black belt from Professor (9^th Degree) Richard Peralta in the style of Kajukembo. Mr. Fullen has taught Kempo at the Walnut Hill Community Center since 1996.

Are there separate classes for beginners?

No, classes are purposely kept small so that all students can train together. This way allows for the more advanced students to continually practice the basics as well as providing them the opportunity to learn from helping and teaching the lower ranking students. The beginning students profit from having a wider range of partners and skill levels to observe and practice with.

Do I need to start an exercise program before I start training in the martial arts?

Martial art training is itself a program of regular exercise, and Chinese Kempo-Karate emphasizes physical conditioning as one way to enhance the student’s self-defense effectiveness. Every student is started at his or her level and encouraged to gradually and safely build that level to their optimum potential. However, a regular routine of cardiovascular exercise is recommended as a supplement to martial art training, as is a regular schedule of resistance training. Cross training not only provides for a healthy lifestyle, it will enhance your Kempo techniques.

How long is the course?

There is no set time limit for training in any style of martial art. For the dedicated student, the martial art way becomes a lifestyle. For the purpose of ’periodic progress indicators,’ most styles use the colored belt ranking system – as does Fullen’s School of Self-Defense. The belt progression at Fullen’s School is white, purple, blue, green, brown (three levels), and black. Since each student will progress at his or her own rate – based on a multitude of factors including age, physical condition, amount of practice, etc. – a specific time frame is impossible to establish. An unofficial ‘rule of thumb’ would be to allow for six months at each level up to black.

What equipment will I need?

Training in loose fitting, sturdy exercise or street clothes is allowed for introductory or trial classes. Groin protection (athletic cup and supporter) is mandatory for all males. Once the student has decided to pursue training on a regular basis at Fullen’s School of Self-Defense, a black karate gi (uniform) is required within 30 days. Female students are required to wear a T-shirt under their uniform top. Head, hand, and foot protective gear and a mouthpiece are required for sparring practice. An equipment list will be provided to new students.

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