Joining with Previous Martial Arts Experience
At Kokoro Martial Arts, we welcome students from all backgrounds — whether you’ve trained in another martial art, or you have experience in American Kenpo. However, there are some important things to know about how we approach rank placement and training.
If You Have Previous Martial Arts Experience
We value the skills and discipline you’ve gained in other systems. That said, every martial art — and every school — has its own unique methods, mechanics, and curriculum.
At Kokoro American Kenpo, we have specific ways of teaching basics that are foundational to everything else we do. For this reason, all students start at White Belt so we can make sure everyone has the same solid base to build on.
Your prior training certainly may help you progress more quickly — but we’ll still begin by ensuring you can perform our various methods and basics with precision before advancement.
If You Have Previous American Kenpo Experience
Even if you’ve trained in American Kenpo before, unless you have previously trained in what was the American Kenpo Karate International (AKKI), now called Paul Mills Legacy Kenpo, you’ll also begin at White Belt at Kokoro American Kenpo.
Mr. Paul Mills, the founder of the AKKI, introduced very specific methods of moving, executing techniques, and organizing the curriculum that differ from other Kenpo lineages. These require us to revisit and refine some basics, as well as adjust certain approaches to execution.
If you were previously a member of the AKKI, or actively practice Paul Mills Legacy Kenpo, your rank and progression can be reviewed in alignment with association guidelines, and determine the best place for you to start.
If you happen to be a Kenpo orphan (i.e. your instructor moved away, or perhaps you moved and no longer are near a Kenpo or Paul Mills Legacy school or instructor), our program might work great for you!
For Black Belts in American Kenpo and other arts
We deeply respect the dedication, discipline, and years of effort it takes to earn a Black Belt in any martial art — especially American Kenpo. Your rank is an accomplishment that will always be honored here.
That said, because Kokoro Martial Arts follows the Paul Mills system of Kenpo, curriculum, and approach — which presents a slightly different take on the art — even Black Belts begin at the start of our program. This ensures you can fully experience and integrate the unique methods, movement principles, and perspectives we teach.
Some foundational elements in the Paul Mills style of Kenpo are distinct enough that revisiting the basics creates a far more seamless transition. Once those fundamentals are in place, your existing skills and muscle memory will often allow you to pick up techniques and advanced concepts much more quickly.
How Fast Can I Advance?
One thing that makes Kokoro Martial Arts unique is that we have no set minimum time requirements between belts. Advancement is based entirely on your ability to learn, process, and perform the material to the required standard — not on an arbitrary clock.
If you can absorb the information, apply it correctly, and demonstrate consistent proficiency, you’ll move forward at your own pace. This is true for all students, whether brand new or highly experienced.
In short:
- Everyone starts at White Belt unless currently ranked in Paul Mills Legacy Kenpo.
- Prior experience can help you progress faster, but only if you can demonstrate Kokoro’s methods with skill and accuracy.
- Advancement is based on performance — not time served.
If you’re ready to train, we’re ready to teach you as much as you can take in.
If you’d like further information, the following links should answer most of your questions: