Brief descriptions of various Martial Arts in the Fresno/Clovis area:

Kenpo Karate

(although often referred to as "Kenpo Karate, this is actually a misnomer, Kenpo is NOT anything like Japanese Karate, a much more rigid and less practical art, see: Shotokan)

One of the most popular types of Martial Arts in Fresno, Clovis, and the rest of the world. It is a beautiful, very explosive Martial Art, with lots of Hand strikes, Kicks (many of them low), Sweeps, Take Downs, Restraining Moves, and Weapons training.

This is a picture of one of Kenpo Karate's most famous students, The King Of Rock'n Roll, Elvis Presley, who was also a student of Kenpo's founder and Grandmaster, Edmund K. Parker. The only other existing direct student of Mr. Ed Parker in the Fresno and Clovis area is Mr. Sacha Williams, 8th degree black Belt, Author, and Hall of Fame Member.

Kenpo is actually a complete system of Martial Arts (unlike Aikido, Judo, Jujitsu, Tae-Kwon-Do, Shotokan, Kick-boxing, Escrima, Kung Fu, who are all considered styles.) Other complete systems: Hwa Rang Do

This art's popularity stems from several aspects:

1. It is one of the most practical systems of Martial Arts (wide variety of counters, and Self Defense Techniques against common attacks like grabs, punches, holds, locks, weapon attacks, multiple attackers.

2. This is one of the few Martial Arts which involves "kinesiology theory and applications". This just means that you learn how the human body works in easy to understand, English terminology

In Fresno and Clovis, the best place to go for Kenpo is Fresno Kenpo Karate, or Williams Kenpo Karate. Also, there is an After School Transported Karate Pickup program (a little bit like day care with Karate).

Well suited for Adults and Children.

Great for women, as Kenpo techniques do not require great strength or size to be effective. Similar to Aikido, Kenpo offers many "redirect" and "soft style" techniques to control a larger, stronger opponent.

Good for Adults and children (mainly older children).

However, do not expect to learn techniques against typical "crime related" attacks. This is not the place for a woman to learn how to defend against an attack, or for a child to learn how to defend against the school bully. On the other hand, a great, elegant form of exercise, coupled with all the other benefits of Martial Arts training (Patience, self control, flexibility,etc)

Most systems of Kung Fu are considered "Soft Style". Most of us have seen enough Chinese Kung Fu movies to get an idea of how this art looks like.

Although not considered very practical, it nevertheless offers great health benefits.

In general Kung Fu teaches forms or "sets", often emphasizing weapons such as swords or spears. 

One of Fresno's best Kung Fu schools is John Cho's Kung Fu School, offering classes for Adults and older children.

Tae-Kwon-Do is a great way to learn kicks, but not much else. This is not to say that TKD is not a good Martial Art, but be aware that it is highly specialized. Forget about learning to use your hands to any great extend, and prepare to do a lot of Jumping Kicks, Spinning Kicks, Flying Kicks, and A LOT OF STRETCHING!

Due to their almost complete lack of techniques against common attacks, most TKD schools focus on children's classes, but still offer smaller adult programs.

There are several TKD schools in Fresno, so will not recommend any in particular. Look out for schools that have been around for at least three years or longer, these clubs are notorious for only staying in business for 12 to 20 months. There are, however, several well respected TKD schools in Fresno and Clovis who have been in operation for many years and have proven their longevity.

Good for children and "very flexible adults", not so much focused on actual self defense.

This Martial Art style (which, similar to Judo) is sometimes referred to as the "Gentle Art" is mainly practiced by adults, particularly adults who are not looking for self defense. Make sure you are comfortable with the idea of wearing a "hakama", the skirt-like pants that are part of the traditional Aikido uniforms.

A Unique Japanese Martial Art, and very different from other japanese arts. Aikido is definitely not a Hard Style, although virtually all other Japanese arts are.

This art mainly embraces soft style "Side stepping" and "Re-directing" techniques.

The level of practicality is moderate, this art can be effective against grabbing attacks as well as over committed, power oriented "blind rage" type of attacks, by using the above approach (similar to the soft style aspects of Kenpo Karate), however, Aikido is not a complete Martial Art, and will not teach many techniques against holds or locks or jabbing type punches.