Hello and welcome!
“I want you to always remember that Kenpo will always be the art of perpetual change… If you remember this then the art will never become obsolete.” … “The ignorant refuse to study and the intelligent never stop.”
—Supreme Grand Master Ed Parker
Kenpo 5.0 is the art of perpetual change, not for the pure sake of change,but to allow our style to remain on the cutting edge of self-defense based martial arts. Our collective unit of instructors and school owners led by Master Jeff Speakman continue collaborating to create the most up-to-date system of curriculum to address the Jiu-Jitsu and MMA evolution of threat, bringing in the knowledge of how to do our kenpo on the ground and keep it relevant to the times.
The combate models of Kenpo 5.0 address the progression of attacks from stand up to contact manipulation, take-downs and defense on the ground. The material learned in the progression of the belt system, along with the technique family grouping of the combate models, assists our students to embody the kenpo flow of effective motion in self defense.
Utilizing the science of motion, physics, principles and concepts that are the foundation of the art of Kenpo, birthed through the brilliance of Grand Master Ed Parker when he created American Kenpo, we have a fantastic style of martial arts that builds on itself through the belt progression and combate models. While it is not that difficult to learn, it takes dedication to retain all material from the start as Kenpo 5.0 builds upon its strong foundation of basics and all material in sequential belt order.
Kenpo 5.0 is more than a constant evolution of self-defense based curriculum addressing the current threat, we are a family. Our worldwide family currently reaches more than 20 countries connecting thousands of Kenpo 5.0 students, their families and communities. To paraphrase Senior Master Jeff Speakman, ‘The mark of a great martial artist is their ability to make a positive impact during their life on this planet and leave this world a better place than it was when they entered.’ We accomplish this through the values and morals that run through the foundation of our Kenpo 5.0 family and our like-minded community.
Wisdom, Strength and Kindness built on a foundation of respect for self and others is what our students learn to embody. Other attributes such as confidence, resilience, team-work, and perseverance, to name a few, are all qualities our instructors worldwide teach to our students through leading by example.
About the Online Academy:
The Online Academy is the Kenpo 5.0 Online Only school designed for the martial artist looking to learn Kenpo 5.0 but not within striking distance of a brick and mortar school.
Our OA community spans worldwide and has programs for youth and adults. Whether you are a novice beginner or a martial arts lifer you will be able to walk your Kenpo 5.0 journey through the Online Academy.
Utilizing 3 methods:
– Live weekly zooms classes
– 24/7 connection to Master Speakman’s Online University
– 24/7 access to your student portal where you will participate in weekly pre-recorded lessons by me, your OA instructor.
These lessons mirror the same type of instruction you would receive on a physical mat. Work through these lessons at your own pace at a time that suits you.
Online Academy Student Portal: 24/7 access
– Calendar with built in links to your classes
– Access to your belt rank, and all prior rank courses
– Access to all recorded and archived zoom classes
– Access recorded and archived master-classes and seminars taught by 5.0 school owners and seasoned martial artists from all styles.
The Kenpo 5.0 Online Academy is here to provide you a connection to the Kenpo 5.0 worldwide community. We welcome you with open arms and open hearts to our family.
Now a little about your instructor…
My name is Jenny Keiper. welcome to Jeff Speakman’s Kenpo 5.0 Online Academy, a space where I share my passion for martial arts and the dynamic art of Kenpo 5.0 with students worldwide.
My martial arts journey began at a local recreation center in the American Kenpo style, where early challenges shaped a lifelong commitment to martial arts. A turning point came when my father sought out a more suitable karate school after a tough early experience. That search led me to Chuck and Carol Cordova of the Peoples Kenpo Karate Association in Littleton, Colorado (then known as Golden West Karate).
Under their mentorship, I developed a deep understanding, love, and connection to the martial artist lifestyle. Over the following decades, I immersed myself in the art of Hawaiian Kenpo, training through a lineage that includes Chuck and Carol Cordova, Cecil Peoples, Bill Ryusaki, John C. Leoning, Adriano D. Emperado, and William K.S. Chow.
I have always been a lifelong learner, continuously seeking opportunities to deepen my knowledge and skills. This love for learning has fueled not only my personal growth but also my passion for teaching others—not just the style but also how to teach it. I firmly believe that passing on the art of Kenpo is not only about preserving its techniques but also about upholding a legacy that connects generations of martial artists.
In 1999, I earned my first-degree black belt, marking a significant milestone in my journey. I realized then that this was more than a personal pursuit—it was a lifelong calling to teach and share the martial artist lifestyle. By 2012, I fulfilled a dream by opening my first brick-and-mortar karate school, creating a space where students could thrive. Although closing that school was difficult when my family relocated, it sparked the vision for what has become the Kenpo 5.0 Online Academy.
In 2013, my journey continued in Santa Fe, New Mexico with Erika and Tony Potter, students of Master Jeff Speakman. I began training in Kenpo 5.0, a martial arts system designed to evolve with modern self-defense needs. Starting over as a white belt at this stage in my martial arts life was humbling yet inspiring, allowing me to deepen my understanding of the art and its limitless potential for growth.
Kenpo 5.0 represents the evolution of martial arts traditions established by Ed Parker, Sr., the founder of American Kenpo Karate, and Senior Master Jeff Speakman. Rooted in the lineage of James Mitose and William K.S. Chow, Ed Parker played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Kenpo system. Through a connection suggested by Marino Tiwanak, Parker and Bill Ryusaki trained together, intertwining branches of the same foundational martial arts tree that greatly influenced my early training and understanding of the art.
The challenges of 2020—what I call the “Grand Pause”—gave me the clarity and opportunity to create this Online Academy. Kenpo 5.0 is taught in over 19 countries, yet many students cannot access a brick-and-mortar school. Today, as a 5th-degree black belt, I am the guide in the Online Academy bridging that gap, offering not just curriculum instruction for students but also for those interested in embracing the instructor roll, rooted in a holistic approach to living the martial artist lifestyle.
Beyond the dojo, I am a wife, a mother, creator, artist, avid reader and connoisseur of all mediums for learning and growth. My work extends into the energy healing realm as a Reiki Master and certified EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner. Helping people overcome limitations, embrace their authentic energy, and step into their best selves is my passion.
Through both martial arts and energy work, I aim to serve others, helping each person who crosses my path break free from barriers and grow in confidence. I am committed to inspiring others to become not only skilled practitioners but also confident instructors capable of passing on the art and its rich legacy.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. I look forward to connecting with you and welcoming you as part of the Kenpo family.