White Tiger Kenpo
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Kenpo system founded by Tom Saviano, based off of John McSweeney's Kenpo. Incorportates aspects of Goju Shorie Karate, Kang Chwan Do Kung Fu, Boxing, Brazilian Juijitsu, and wrestling. The system name originally started out as a school name that began in 1982. Over the years, the name became a label to the system being taught. An off shoot of Parker's Kenpo from the early 1960's. Received notoriety when Keith Hackney defeated his opponent that outweighed him by more than 300 pounds in the UFC.
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[edit] History of System Evolution
When Tom Saviano began with John McSweeney in 1980, he had already been a practitioner of the martial arts since 1964. John McSweeney's Kenpo, at that time, had been pared down to 24 base techniques with variations being taught to his students. Also a part of McSweeney's system was unarmed defense against knives, clubs, and handguns. Students were also required to learn armed defense; yawara, knife, club and hand gun (point shooting).
[edit] Forms
John McSweeney had removed all forms as he felt the old forms no longer fitted within his new system of Kenpo. It was Tom Saviano who re-introduced forms into the system. He took the original 24 and modified them into the form. Originally his black belt thesis form, it was then separated into 3 forms and added to McSweeney's Kenpo.
[edit] Other Styles Added
When Tom Saviano started his school, besided the original 24 techniques, he also taught his students modified aspects of Goju Shorie and Kang Chwan Do Kung Fu. Over time, aspects of other systems weere added.
During the early UFC craze, grappling had been slowly incorporated, borrowing from Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and western style wrestling. It was during that time that the White Tiger Kenpo received more national and international exposure through Keith Hackney, when he fought the largest fighter ever to enter the UFC, Emmanuel Yarborough. The first strike used in that fight, mislabeled as a "wild right", was actually a common strike in the system. Modified for the great height disparity, the strike is actually called a Tiger Strike. The technique was modified from the Crane style of Kung Fu, originally a part of John McSweeney's system.
[edit] Changes to Techniques
It was around the year 1998 that the techniques of the system went through some changes and additions were made. One of Tom Saviano's black belts, Zoran Sevic, brought to his attention the fact that the system had changed beyond what had been written into the curriculum. After this, the techniques were reduced to 28 base techniques. Many of the original techniques were modified and some were removed as well. Over the years, through Tom Saviano and input from many of his black belts, the number increased to 30. These modifications were subsequently accepted by his instructor, John McSweeney.
[edit] Curriculum to Black Belt
As of 2006, there are 30 base self defense techniques for 1st degree black belt. Most of which is learned by green belt. There are various drills, sets, and 3 forms. As a student progresses into brown belt, they will need to create variations for each technique. The philosophy behind this is that it should help to create spontaneous response.
Here is a list of what a black belt test would require.
- 30 base techniques plus 4 variations for each.
- Forms 1, 2, and 3 plus thesis form.
- Spontaneous unarmed defense against club, knife and gun. The attackers will resist your techniques so you must be able to neutralize them with control and focus. Many times, this has gone to the ground, so some knowledge of ground work would be very helpful.
- Weapons and spontaneous armed self defense. Yawara, club, knife, and kenpo sticks (escrima sticks).
- Hip throw, cross arm throw, sweeps and takedowns.
- Spontaneous multi man defense. Defender and attackers are in sparring gear.
- 4 Man Wall - Back is against the wall while for attackers are lined up in front of defender. Object is to fight your way out.
- 2 Man Sparring - Sparring two at the same time.
- Circle of Death - Defender is in a circle of hostiles. Each attacker is called in one and sometimes two at a time.
- Alley - Walking between two rows of hostiles. You may only react to those that are attacking, as not all are attacking and those that are will only attack when you are in range.
- Single Line - Attackers are coming in a one's and two's. Object is to not give ground.
- Breaking of 3 boards.
- Be prepared for surprises.
- Verbal - Must show general understanding of the history of Kenpo and the martial arts. Also must show general understand of self defense laws and ramifications of the same.
[edit] Black Belt List
This is a list of 3rd degree black belts and up, as of 2006. This list does not include ranks of recognition that some may have received through the American Kenpo Karate Association. This is only for the White Tiger System.
[edit] 5th Black
- Steve Rigitano - Teaches in Elmhust, Illinois, USA
[edit] 4th Black
- Ray Long - Teaches in Naperville, Illinois, USA
- Zoran Sevic - Instructor at the White Tiger School.
- Tony Schiro - Instructor at the White Tiger School.
[edit] 3rd Black
- Chris Heneghan - Instructor at the White Tiger School.
- Anthony LaPorte
- Scott DeMatteis
- Mike LaCalamita
- Mike Roberson
- Steve Cochran
- Rick Hanneman
- John Smith
- Michael George
- Mike Odeh
- Keith Hackney - Teaches mixed martial arts in Roselle, Illinois, USA.
