COMBAT BU DO KWAN

American Combat Bu Do Kwan is the complete martial arts & combative arts training system. Bu Do Kwan stands for a “Balanced Way of Warrior Training” System of American Combat Karate/Martial Arts. The system is based upon U.S. military discipline, LEO DT training, hand to hand combat training, grappling / ground fighting, and American boxing. Combat Bu Do Kwan is also influenced by the techniques from the major martial arts systems – which include Japanese, Korean, Okinawan, and Chinese systems, and the arts of Judo and Jiu-jitzu. Several levels of weapons training are included by the time 2nd Dan Black Belt and certified examiner’s levels are achieved.

Combat Bu Do Kwan emerged in the early 1980’s. The system’s founder, Grandmaster Emeritus Ja’Mes Bethel, was a highly decorated Vietnam War Veteran (Army Airborne Ranger). In Vietnam, during extended duty, he was assigned to the Combat Engineers, and alternatively was involved in LRRPs (pronounced Lurps) excursions. He is listed as having 42 kills during his tours, and was awarded Three Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. Grandmaster Bethel has been recognized world wide as a pioneer of “American Combat Karate” and for his contributions to the martial arts community. He is also recognized for establishing the original American Combat Bu Do Kwan Karate System.

The original formal exercises consist of six empty hand forms and six weapons forms. Two of the original weapon forms are dedicated to the United States Military. Since the founding of the system, several more forms have been added. Most of the Order instructors include advanced weapons forms and kata from major Asian Martial Arts systems in addition to the Bu Do Kwan exercises. All Order Black Belts must be familiar with close order drill and are qualified with firearms.

Order students are taught using proven methods by the U.S. Military and American Law Enforcement, using rank and structure, and having the goal of developing self-discipline, respect and leadership. The Combat Bu Do Kwan martial arts system encourages cross training in other systems. This is done to develop and fully prepare the student as a complete martial artist and warrior. It’s also intended as a means to develop new training ideas, best practices and methods to further advance the Combat Bu Do Kwan system.