History of Kempo

It is very difficult to separate fact from fiction regarding the origins of the martial arts. Many of the more colorful martial arts legends either have no historical basis whatsoever, or exist in diametrical opposition to facts we can document historically. What we do know is that today nearly every martial art in the world traces its beginnings to the Shaolin Temple.   While the Shaolin temple undeniably played the most important of roles in the evolution of the martial arts there was in actuality already a long tradition of martial arts before the Shaolin Temple entered the scene in roughly the 6th century AD.

A stylized system of fighting existed in ancient Greece as long ago as 2,000 BC which was known as Pankration. Evidence exists of martial arts practice in India during the same time period. The martial arts appear to be rooted in both cultures much like many language groups. Historians can document the existence of trade routes between ancient Greece and India which would explain the cross cultural development of martial arts as well as language.

A stylized system of fighting existed in ancient Greece as long ago as 2,000 BC which was known as Pankration. Evidence exists of martial arts practice in India during the same time period. The martial arts appear to be rooted in both cultures much like many language groups. Historians can document the existence of trade routes between ancient Greece and India which would explain the cross cultural development of martial arts as well as language.
Evidence also points to the existence of early forms of martial arts in China as early as the third century BC. These systems were developed by Chinese doctors as a means of toning the body.   By the 5th century AD it is clear that various fighting styles had developed throughout Asia. Also by this time Buddhism had spread throughout much of the continent. The original Shaolin temple was built in the 4th century AD by order of the Emperor and functioned only as a religious center. The practice of martial arts at the temple did not begin until the 6th century AD with the arrival of the legendary Bodhidarma.

Bodhidarma (Ta Mo in Chinese, Daruma in Japanese) was a Buddhist monk from India who likely belonged to the ruling warrior class. The details of the story vary dramatically depending on which legend one chooses to examine but the underlying theme remains. Bodhidarma is credited with starting the practice of the martial arts at the Shaolin temple in addition to founding the form of Buddhism known as Chan.   Chan Buddhism, which is called Zen in Japan, teaches the concept of gradual practice and sudden enlightenment. Previous schools taught that the disciple of Buddhism practices meditation over a long period of time and achieves enlightenment in stages. Chan contends that while the practice takes place over a long period of time the moment of enlightenment occurs suddenly and spontaneously.