The BEKC studies a martial art style known as Kenpo. Specifically, we learn the Tracy System of Kenpo. Kenpo is a Chinese martial art that is strongly oriented to self-defense. All techniques and katas teach self-defense against a variety of attacks, including punches, kicks, full nelsons, tackles, pushes, grabs, knife attacks, etc. Basically, if you can think of an attack, there is a Kenpo technique you can use to defend yourself!

The belt ranks in our system are, in ascending order: white, yellow, orange, purple, blue, green, 3 degrees of brown, and 10 degrees of black. In order to earn rank, you must demonstrate that you can successfully perform basic kicks, punches, and blocks; self-defense techniques; and kata(s) commensurate with the level for which you are testing. Once you obtain your Purple Belt, you will be required to demonstrate fighting techniques to earn your upper belts. This is accomplished through sparring. The typical student acquires their Yellow Belt within 6 months of joining the Club. At this belt level, the student has already learned the basics of self-defense, including 10 techniques to defend oneself against punches, kicks, hammerlocks, wrist grabs, double-lapel grabs, and two-handed chokes!

Lately, our instructors have been incorporating aspects of Jujitsu and Pressure Point fighting into our learning system.These styles have been added to augment our learning but they are not the main focus of our training.  Since moving to World Arts of St. Louis, we have also had the opportunity to join in the Thursday night Isshinryu classes taught by David Holcomb.  Club members are encouraged to learn the self-defense techniques and katas in order to obtain their belts. 

By combining both "hard" and "soft" styles of karate, as well as placing equal emphasis on the use of kicks and punches, Kenpo provides a solid basis for self-defense, as well as a well-rounded, low impact aerobic workout. Once you have earned your yellow belt and have demonstrated sufficient control to the instructors, you may participate in light-contact sparring. Sparring provides additional conditioning as well as the opportunity to sharpen your reflexes and apply learned skills in a controlled environment. The sparring sessions are held after class when desired and through the Thursday group class offered by World Arts of St. Louis. Adults and children are separated for sparring. Sparring is not required to be a Club member, nor is it required to obtain your lower belt ranks (yellow, orange, and purple). However, once you obtain your Purple Belt, sparring is an important aspect of earning your upper belt ranks.

Since this is light contact sparring, protective gear must be worn at all times.