Kempo is used both generally and specifically. Gichin Funikoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate, preferred the name "Dai Nippon Kempo Karate-do," or "Great Japan Fist Method Empty Hand Way." That's one example of a general use. Other styles use it more specifically to refer to their art as one distinct from Karate, often with more of a Chinese influence. In the U.S., it pretty much comes from James Mitose, who said he learned what he called Kosho Ryu Kempo ("Old Pine Tree School Fist Method") from his family in Japan. He said it was taught to his family generations ago by a monk from China. Nearly every art using the name Kenpo or Kempo in the U.S. ultimately traces back to James Mitose in Hawaii, e;g; Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate, Kara-Ho Kempo, Tracy Kenpo, Kajukenbo, Kajukembo, and on and on. They use the name Kenpo/Kempo because that's what Mitose used.
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