What is the Difference Between Kempo and Kenpo?

There is no difference between Kempo and Kenpo; both terms refer to the same kanji word used for several martial arts from Japan. The difference in spellings is due to the way people have attempted transliteration of the original kanji term for Kenpo or Kempo. The kanji word for Kempo or Kenpo is made up of "Ken," which means fist, and "Ho," which means law.

In practice, Kenpo is often associated with lineages that go through Ed Parker, while Kempo can refer to a wide variety of things, such as Chinese and Okinawan branches of karate or kung fu. However, from a Japanese linguistic point of view, Kempo and Kenpo are entirely interchangeable, and the Japanese do not distinguish between the sounds "ken" and "kem".

Comparative Table: Kempo vs Kenpo

Kempo and Kenpo are essentially the same, referring to several Japanese martial arts. The difference in spellings is due to the transliteration of the same kanji word, with Kenpo being more prevalent in Japan and American styles, while Kempo is more associated with Chinese styles, particularly Shaolin. both terms can be translated as "Fist Law". Here is a table summarizing the differences between Kempo and Kenpo:

In conclusion, Kempo and Kenpo are not distinct martial arts but rather different spellings or variations of the same term, which refers to various Japanese and Chinese martial arts.