Kenpo Karate is a complete fighting system that is particularly popular in Ireland and the United States.

Kenpo places equal emphasis on the use of hands and feet and uses similar fighting techniques to other Okinawan fighting styles. Kenpo also practises Kata or forms like other martial arts. Whereas most Karate styles use white gis (uniforms) throughout, a visual characteristic of Kenpo is its use of black Gis.

The KKAA had been founded in 1956 by Ed Parker, the emblem used on the original certificates was a depiction of the "overhead club" technique.

The first KKAA black belt certificate that used the Tercell emblem were awarded in January 1961. Ed Parker remained the head of the KKAA until 1964, when the International Kenpo Karate Association (IKKA) was formed, and the KKAA was turned over to Ed Parker's senior black belts.

The Artane School of Kenpo is registered with the IKKA and is very much highly regarded within the Association.

"I come to you with only Karate, empty hands, I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong; then here are my weapons, Karate, my empty hands."
Ed Parker