拳法(けんぽう)

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.

Watch out

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