Okinawan Kempo

Okinawan Kempo is a martial art originating in Okinawa. It is somewhat similar to various styles of karate, using all parts of the body for defense or offense and with a strong emphasis on kicking as well as punching, but stances are far less broad than many other styles, focusing on lowering the body's center of gravity for stability. Kata is a central form of teaching and is considered the vocabulary from which all fighting is learned. Sparring is notably done without protective gear, because of the great emphasis on control. Injuries are avoided during sparring because only more advanced teachers spar with beginners, and beginners are unable to harm them. People at similar levels of training only spar at their same level after they are advanced enough to have enough control to score points without harming their opponent, which usually means several belts into training.