The art of Ryukyu Kempo utilizes grappling and striking techniques found in the katas (forms) that its students practice. These techniques utilize pressure points to allow the greatest effect on the offender using the least amount of energy from the defender.
It was Gichin Funakoshi who brought the lessons from his teachers together to bring this style to its present state. His instructors were well versed in Chinese Kung Fu and Japanese Karate. The combination of the 'soft' (internal) skills of the Chinese arts with the 'hard' (striking) skills of the Japanese arts provides the Ryukyu Kempo student with an adept knowledge of the martial science.
Ryukyu Kempo students learn that not only must you understand your opponents' weaknesses, but you must also know your own. These students are well versed in 'western' anatomy and physiology as well 'eastern' theories based on acupuncture. The pressure points studied herein can be used to harm as well as aid a person.
This Art gives all students: male or female, large or small, from seniors to children, the ability to defend themselves against an attack. The traditions upheld in this style are very true to the founders' intentions. This style is not 'Americanized' it is just modernized to defend against attacks that may be used today.