What style of Kenpo/Kempo do you teach?

Our style is called Renigar Kenpo / Ju Jitsu. Our Founder is Sr. Professor Todd S. Monis, 8^th Dan. Kenpo and Kempo are the same thing. The spelling is different depending on where your founder is from.

What style of Jujitsu do you teach?

The style of Jujitsu that we practice in Renigar Kenpo / Jujitsu is Hakkoryu Jujitsu. Hakkoryu is a Japanese style that is not very common in the United States. We have mixed this style of Jujitsu with our Kenpo, although we still practice pure Hakkoryu techniques as well which involves throws, sweeps, takedowns, and submissions. However, this is not to be confused with BJJ.

Do you have any women in your classes?

YES! Both men and women are welcome. Our style is about self defense. We want you to be able to return home safely to your family at the end of the day.

What age groups do you teach?

Our class consists of mostly adults, although children are welcome. Because of the nature of some of our techniques, we do not encourage children under 12 to participate.

I have trained in other styles in the past, do I have to start over?

NO! You have earned the rank that you already have. We honor the equivalent belt in our style. However, you will be responsible for learning all of our material from start to finish. It is your choice to wear your belt while in our classroom.

Do you conduct weapons training? If so, which weapons?

Yes. We focus mainly on Kali/Escrima sticks and combat cane techniques.

How much does it cost to join?

Single membership is $50 per month*. Two or more family members can join for $75 per month* (the price is the same whether you have 2 family members or 5 family members, it remains a constant $75 per month*). There is no contract or obligation. Membership is on a month-to-month basis where fees are due at the beginning of each new month.

Participants are responsible for their own uniforms (we have some links to online stores that sell these) and weapons (each individual should have a cane and one set of Kali/Escrima sticks). Patches may be purchased for your uniform for $5* in class.

How often do you test for advancement?

Belt advancement is under the sole discretion of our Chief Instructor Marcus Turner. Testing days will not be announced. Each individual is responsible to be prepared for each class and practice the material they have learned. Individual rates of advancement will vary. Generally it will take 2-3 months between each belt level with the exception of Brown to Black Belt. Individuals will hold their Brown Belt for approximately 3-6 months before testing for their Black Belt. Again, this will be at the sole discretion of our Chief Instructor.

What should I expect from a typical class?

Each class generally begins with donning of the belts, followed by stretching and calisthenics. The material taught in each class will vary depending on the student level. See our uniform and belts page for basic material.

Am I too old or too "out of shape"?

No! Everything we do in class is tailored to fit each individual student's abilities and needs. Whether you are 16 or 60 we can make it work for you.

Is your style nationally sanctioned and have a legitimate history?

Yes we are nationally sanctioned. Professor Monis has created his own style called Renigar Kenpo / Ju Jitsu which has been approved for Sokeship by the North American Grandmasters council.

Does your style require students to learn hundreds of forms/katas?

No. Our style consists of 66 combinations from White Belt to Black Belt, along with Combat Cane and Stick techniques. We feel if an individual learns 100 combinations they are going to pick out their favorites and use only those. We focus on these very effective 66 techniques learning them well and making them work for each student's needs. You can see the requirements for each belt from White through Black here. We do have forms/katas, however, they are not a part of the belt requirements.

Do you train for tournaments? Will I get trophies?

No. Generally we do not train for tournaments, nor do we receive trophies in class. The techniques that we focus on are illegal in tournaments and would result in your disqualification. However, if a student decides they would like to participate in some tournaments we can provide you with that kind of training as well. It should be noted that this "tournament training" would not be during regular class times so we are not taking away from our main focus, Self Defense.

How many belts do you have and do you charge a testing fee?

From White to Black there are 8 belts. To see the belt colors and requirements for each, go here. We do NOT charge testing fees. Your monthly dues cover your tests, as well as your new belt should you pass your belt test.

Do you use stripes on your belts between colors?

Not in our club. Our club has decided not to use stripes, with the exception of Black Belts 1st through 4th degrees.

I left an organization because of power struggles and strong egos which made me feel like I was not wanted in class. Do I have to worry about this kind of treatment in your class?

Absolutely not! We discourage egos in our class because egos discourage training. We are all here to learn from one another. Our club is run by the students. If there is something you want to see happen, simply make the suggestion to Professor Monis or one of the other officers if you feel more comfortable.

Why does a Kenpo/Kempo stylist wear a black Gi?

When James Mitose returned to Hawaii in 1937 from his Kenpo training with his grandfather in Japan, he knew that people would assume his art was just another Japanese/Okinawan martial art. He immediately wanted to send a message to all other martial artists in Hawaii that this was not the case. He did this by wearing a "Black Gi", which was contrary to the nature of the traditional martial arts. James Mitose wanted all to know that while there were some similarities to other martial arts, Kenpo had taken a different path of development and was a style of its own - not to be considered Japanese in nature or origin. Even the Japanese government recognized this when they did away with the Samurai as a class and outlawed the traditional wearing of swords. At this same time the Japanese government's edict went out: when the sanctity of human life was affirmed, Kenpo was made an illegal art. Ju Jitsu was allowed to be practiced because it was more scientific, meaning Kenpo was a killing art that had its true origin in China.

The message the Black Gi sent was that Kenpo is a war art; Black was an indication of death and bruising. To this day traditional Japanese and Okinawan tournaments will not allow the wearing of Black Gis. Kenpo's very nature would certainly cause disqualification if all techniques were used in a tournament. In traditional karate the basis of the art is, "In Karate there is no first strike". In Kenpo it is different, "In Kenpo there should be no second strike".