Kempo / Chi Lin
Kempo is an ancient Chinese term that literally means "fist law" or using your whole body and mind as a weapon while obeying the laws of nature. It is a term that predates "Karate" and "Kung-Fu." The ancient kanji for kempo/kenpo is the same no matter which spelling you use, its a matter of trying to translate it to English. Chinese people were the early settlers of Japan, and therefore brought much of china's culture and language with them (much like Europeans in America). Kempo referred to Chinese martial arts in ancient times, but Kenpo is the more popular spelling, especially in Japan. The specific type of Kempo we study at the Virginia Beach Academy of Martial Arts is Chi-Lin.
What is a Chi-lin?
A Chi-lin is a
mythical Chinese animal that appears to guard and to carry out the sentences
of righteous judges and rulers. In the West, the Chi-Lin is often referred to as
a Chinese unicorn; chinese scholars often refer to the creature as a vegetarian
tiger. Both references call to mind a creature of strength and ferocity, coupled
with a gentle nature, predispositioned toward restraint and defending just
causes. It is said that evildoers are slain upon the horn of the Chi-Lin, yet
the creature prefers to fly through the air, lest it bruise the grass upon which
it would walk. The Chinese view the Chi-Lin as a creature of good
fortune.
The Chi-Lin can magically change form to resemble a number
of different creatures upon need. The Chi-Lin can become a Tiger, a Dragon, a
Monkey, a Bear, a Beautiful Crane, or an Eagle. In its natural form, the Chi-Lin
is often pictured with the body of a Dragon, the head of a Tiger, the limbs of a
Bear, the talons of an Eagle, the wings of a Crane, and the tail of a Monkey.
Male Chi-Lin are often pictured with a single horn, like the western Unicorn;
Female Chi-Lin are often portrayed with twin horns, resembling the antlers of a
deer. Continue to > Chi Lin Fist Way > Chi LIn Boxing
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