拳法(けんぽう)

けんぽう
noun
Chinese-style martial arts; kenpō
1. kenpō — a style of Chinese-origin martial arts emphasizing strikes with the fists, and, by extension, various related martial arts
A martial art that emphasizes hand strikes, kicks, and throws. Originally referring to Chinese martial arts such as 少林寺(しょうりんじ)拳法(けんぽう) (Shaolin kenpō), it is also used for Japanese-developed variants like 日本(にほん)拳法(けんぽう) and 少林寺(しょうりんじ)拳法(けんぽう) (a modern Japanese martial art founded in 1947). It is a homophone of 憲法(けんぽう) ('constitution') and is distinguished by kanji and context.
拳法(けんぽう)を習(なら)っている。
I'm learning kenpō.
少林寺(しょうりんじ)拳法(けんぽう)は中国(ちゅうごく)の武術(ぶじゅつ)から生(う)まれた。
Shorinji kenpō originated from Chinese martial arts.
彼(かれ)は子(こ)どものころから拳法(けんぽう)を続(つづ)けていて、黒帯(くろおび)を持(も)っている。
He has been practicing kenpō since childhood and holds a black belt.

Compound of 拳(けん) ('fist') and 法(ほう) ('method, art'), literally 'the art of the fist'.

USAGE:

  • 拳法(けんぽう) refers primarily to Chinese-origin martial arts and Japanese styles inspired by them. It is less commonly used as a stand-alone term than specific style names.
  • The most familiar compound in Japan is 少林寺(しょうりんじ)拳法(けんぽう), a modern Japanese martial art founded in 1947, distinct from Chinese Shaolin kung fu despite the name.
  • Be careful of the homophone 憲法(けんぽう) ('constitution') — only context and kanji distinguish them.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 拳法(けんぽう)を習(なら)う: to learn kenpō
  • 拳法(けんぽう)の道場(どうじょう): a kenpō training hall
  • 少林寺(しょうりんじ)拳法(けんぽう): Shorinji kenpō
  • 日本(にほん)拳法(けんぽう): Nihon kenpō
  • 中国(ちゅうごく)拳法(けんぽう): Chinese martial arts (kung fu)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 武術(ぶじゅつ): martial arts — a broader term covering all martial disciplines.
  • 武道(ぶどう): martial way — focuses on the spiritual and philosophical aspects of Japanese martial arts.
  • 空手(からて): karate — a specific Japanese striking art.
  • 功夫(カンフー): kung fu — general term for Chinese martial arts, often borrowed directly.

HOMOPHONES:

  • 憲法(けんぽう): constitution (of a country) — completely different meaning; distinguished by kanji.

Related Words

Homophone: 憲法(けんぽう) (constitution (homophone))
general
Added 2026.4.15 18:10
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