Ken-shen ryu has often been referred to as "a tree which grew from tangeled roots to intertwining branches." That being the case, many have asked how it is that Ken-shen ryu can be considered a singular body of knowledge. The answer lies in two key components. The first is the Ken-shen ryu Core Curriculum, which every student of Ken-shen ryu learns before venturing off into the study of traditional systems. The second is the Seven Internal Principles of Ken-shen ryu and their subsequent sub-principles.

 

The Core Curruiculum was designed to be a sort of "short cut to self-defense" and, while covering well the empty-hand personal protection needs of everyone from the average citizen, to security professionals, police and military personnel, it can and has been taught thoroughly in a three day intesive workshop. A careful study of this program will lay the foundation for an accelerated study of any street practical system.