SHAOLIN KEMPO KARATE

At Potomac Kempo we teach a proprietary version of Shaolin Kempo Karate. Kempo is a blended art that makes use of both Chinese and Japanese techniques and principles. Our system adapts these ancient techniques and principles by filtering them through modern understanding.

HISTORY AND LINEAGE

The roots of Kempo reach back in history more than 1500 years to the Shaolin Temple in ancient China. The art of Kempo then traveled to Japan approximately 700 years ago. From there it traveled to America where it was first taught in the 1940's by Grandmaster Mitose. Our system is influenced by this lineage through Grandmasters James Mitose, William Chow, Nick Cerio, Fred Villari, Charles Mattera, and Shihan Paul Taylor. Today we have come full circle and also trace our lineage directly to China through Grandmaster Steve DeMasco, 34th Generation Disciple of the Shaolin Temple. We are Certified Affiliates of Steve DeMasco's Shaolin Studios and our Headmaster trains with him personally.