The mission of Kenpo Christian is to glorify God by leading people to become dedicated followers of the teaching of Jesus Christ, using martial arts training in the Art of American Kenpo Karate and spiritual training based on the holy word of God as presented in the Bible.
The style of martial arts taught is American Kenpo Karate. American Kenpo Karate or the Parker System of Kenpo Karate is a system of martial arts commercialized by Ed Parker, characterized by the use of quick moves in rapid-fire succession. The multitude of fast strikes, sometimes criticized by other arts, has a dual purpose. The strikes may overwhelm an opponent but more importantly, the various strikes demonstrate to the practitioner that there are many options should the technique not work as planned, and should the initial strikes miss some will not. Ed Parker stated that this training was not intended for “overkill,” but rather “over skill”. It is largely marketed as a self-defense system, and is derived from traditional Japanese martial arts and other martial arts such as Southern Chinese Kung Fu found in the cultural melting pot of Hawaii. 
A typical Kenpo Christian class consists of opening and closing prayers, warm-ups, self-defense training, forms practice and sparring. In addition to teaching punches and kicks Kenpo Christian focuses also on character talks such as “Dealing with Feeling Mad” or “The Three Steps of Listening” but more importantly during class times Christian testimonies on important topics such as “Keeping Commitments” and “Consequences to our Actions” are given by Kenpo Christian Instructors and by special guest speakers such as First Baptist Church Wentzville Associate Minister of Students, Alec Erhart. All students both young and not so young are encouraged and empowered by the martial arts training, Christian fellowship and powerful testimonies. This produces a group of people that are not only to defend themselves physically but also prepared spiritually and mentally for the challenges of this world.
Kenpo Christian was formed on the belief that God did not intend anyone to be someone else’s punching bag, verbally or physically. As stated in Psalm 144:1 “Blessed be the lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle”, God never intended us to be weak or passive in regards to our spiritual view or allow ourselves to be victimized by those would seek to harm us. God intended us to fight for ourselves, our families and God. Furthermore, God wants us ready always for battle, both physical and spiritual. By training in the martial arts, and hearing the testimony of powerful Christian holy warriors, we are forged into powerful and battle ready soldiers for Christ. Ready and able to stand up and speak out or fight for God, not matter the situation before them.
What is in the future for Kenpo Christian? Whatever God deems fit. But more specifically we plan to hold several Women’s Self Defense classes, a Bully Buster seminar and the continued growth of our student body.
Contact Information:
Michael Deslongchamps, Senior Head Instructor
573-205-0873