Our Roots:

Tom Saviano received his Kenpo instruction from Grand Master John McSweeney, one of Senior Grand Master Ed Parker's earlier Black Belts. John McSweeney's form of Kenpo is a system based on Ed Parker's Kenpo of the 50's and 60's, the Chinese styles which he had opportunity to study, and his back ground in Judo and other forms of Martial Arts. Over the years, he developed a system who's primary focus was plain and simple self defense with stopping power. 

The Kenpo:

These days, there are many forms of Kenpo stemming from Ed Parker's teachings as well as those stemming from his instructor, Professor William Chow. All have different philosophies, approaches, and teaching methods. Although, if you put many representatives of different systems in one room, you may find more similarities than differences.

Kenpo is best described as a logical and practical approach to self-defense. It is neither hard nor soft, but a well balanced system of both. Kenpo is fluid with continuous and rapid motion, graceful yet extremely devastating. Kenpo is also a blend between Japanese (Karate and Jujitsu) and Chinese (Kung Fu or Chuan Fa) martial arts.

The White Tiger System:

Mr. Saviano  established his White Tiger Kenpo School in 1981. The system's base is Kenpo. Also, the system introduces aspects of Southern/Northern Chinese Kung Fu, Japanese/Okinawan Karate, and other aspects of Martial Arts that covers all ranges of self defense. Rather than the usual focus put on direct strikes, this system is composed of circular blocks, linear and circular strikes, grappling, throwing, sweeping, joint locking and ground fighting techniques. Although many types of kicks are used, the system is designed to use knee and foot strikes below the waist, with hand and elbow strikes above the waist.

As a student of the White Tiger system, from the beginning you will learn basic self defense techniques that will not only teach you balance, coordination, power, and self confidence; but techniques which are designed to be practical and effective from the very beginning. With this combination and his many years of experience, Tom Saviano has created a unique and very effective form of Self-Defense.