Welcome to Our Website!

Mike Basher has been providing instruction in Ed Parker's American Kenpo karate and the martial arts for 12 years and is now located in the Covington, LA area.

We are the #1 Kenpo School on the Northshore All of our instructors are Adults and have training in the Art of Kenpo as well as Teaching. At Mike Basher's Academy of Martial Arts you don't just get a Black Belt, You become a Black Belt. come experience the difference for yourself.

Mr. Basher is the A.K.I. Director for the state of Louisiana (American Kenpo International) Any school owners interested in information about joining our organization please call and speak with Mr. Basher.

Founder-SCKKF-South Central Kenpo Karate Family

A member of BBSI - Black Belt Schools International

Mr.Basher is available to do Seminars for Martial Arts schools, Businesses, private schools, and private groups. Contact us for details.

We hope you enjoy our website and will stop by and visit us if you are in the area. This site is designed to give you information about our facility, our style of martial arts, our staff and provide you with information on how to contact us as well.

' BUILDING MIND BODY AND SPIRIT

What is Kenpo?

KenpoKenpo is a style of Karate developed in the west. The only difference between Kenpo and Kempo is in the translation of the Kanji to its English form. The words Kenpo and Kempo are both pronounced the same and both mean "Law of the Fist." However, the more "traditional" forms of Kempo use the "Kempo" form, while the more non-traditional modern or contemporary versions use the term "Kenpo."

Kenpo is a martial art that teaches self-defense and self-control through three primary methods: self-defense techniques, forms, and sparring. However, Kenpo diverges from traditional Karate in several important respects. Students are encouraged to change and adapt the techniques. Kenpo emphasizes vital point attacks using punches, strikes and kicks. Throws are also important in Kenpo.

Kenpo Self-defense techniques help Kenpo students develop their skills by allowing them to practice with different threatening situations and experiment with what-if scenarios. Initially, forms and katas help students to develop mental concentration and mental discipline. As they progress, the forms and katas help them to develop self-awareness and self-expression. Kumite (also known as freestyle or sparring) is an exercise in which students test their skills, self-confidence, and self-control in a friendly competition among other classmates. It gives students the opportunity to develop their reflexes and timing in a controlled environment while engaging in a sport activity.

Kenpo also teaches students how to use weapons to increase their understanding of self-defense. In Kenpo, defense against knives and clubs are taught from the blue belt and up. Weapon training often begins at the green belt level, although some schools restrict it to those of the black belt level and higher.

The Kenpo style strives to maintain a balance between "martial" and "art." The "martial" aspect is expressed by effective efficient self-defense concepts and techniques. The "art" is expressed by creativity, self-expression, and presentation of form.