Kenpō (often informally transliterated as "kempo") is a general term used to describe several different martial arts. The name translates to "Fist Method," derived from the Japanese words "ken" meaning fist and "po" meaning method or technique. Due to the generic nature of the term and its widespread adoption across various cultures, there are many divergent definitions for what constitutes Kenpō.
In modern Japanese usage, the term is generally employed to describe any primarily striking-based system, particularly those of Chinese origin. However, in specific contexts such as Suiō-ryū Iai Kenpō, it refers specifically to "Battlefield sword against sword forms."