Kenpo means "fist law" (a term used by the Okinawans). From China, Ken means fist and po means law.  Kenpo means fist law in Chinese characters.  It crossed over to Okinawa where, known as "te", it consisted primarily of blows, chops and rips with the hands and fingers.  Thus originated the Karate method of Kenpo. In 1923 the Okinawans changed the character of Karate, which was then Chinese to that of a Japanese character. Thus the meaning changed from "hands of China" to "empty hand." This change assuredly brought deeper meaning in which the spiritual overcame the physical. From Okinawa two experts, Kenwa Mabuni and Gichin Funakoshi, lifted the veil of secrecy in 1915 to introduce their techniques to Japan. Their aim was not to promote karate as a martial art, but as a sport throughout Japan.

Karate, meaning empty hands, is a term used by the Japanese to describe the systems of Japan and Okinawa. Their movements are primarily linear with a greater emphasis placed on power. Tae-kwon-do and Tang-soo-do are Korean terms used to describe their methods. They specialize in high kicks, flying kicks, and also believe in power. Kung-fu is a term used by Western Chinese to describe the systems of China. Kung-fu systems are graceful, flowing, circular in movement, and are very flexible. Most Chinese systems place stress on speed rather than power. Kung-Fu has various types of styles such as Dragon, Snake, Crane, Monkey, Preyamantis, Tiger, Drunken Monkey and Wing-Chun.

The oldest known system is the Kenpo system which was taught in the Shaolin Monastery in the Hunan Province of China by Tamo in 517 A.D. It was from this system that the Ed Parker Kenpo System descended. The Korean system of Tae Kwon do is generally believed to be the youngest or newest system of Martial Art according to historical accounts.