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Adapted from "Inide Kung Fu", July 1997 By Andrew Breen
 The Nick Cerio's Kenpo style combines the techniques borrowed from the engagement arts of China, Okinawa, Japan and Korea. It is composed of circular blockings, direct blows, projections, restraints, sweepings and locks.
Although this style employs high and low kicks, the system comprises 80% hand techniques.
"In this system, a block is a blow and a blow is a block", explains Shihan Cerio. "Kenpo is not especially hard nor soft but a good combination of both. The key to Kenpo is fluidity and continual movement".
Katas were never much considered in Kenpo. Although a half-dozen katas were created by Emperado, the only recognized katas of the American Kenpo style are those developed by Ed Parker. This is why professor Cerio wanted to emphasize this aspect in his own system.
"One of the elements that seemed to be missing in the Kenpo katas are the positions found in Shotokan katas such as Bassai-dai, Empl and Konku dai. This is why I added these katas to the Nick Cerio system. I also adopted several pinans from Kyokushinkai as I think that they are really strong."
Professor Cerio explained spontaneously why he considered it necessary to increase the number of katas in Kenpo. "In our katas, we did nothing but move to and fro. There were no front positions nor true back positions. Kenpo katas offer only fist blows and kicks. The Shotokan katas are the opposite. From my point of view, they build better foundations for the students than the Kenpo katas; they teach strong positions, transitions and focus."
The studies with weapons: bo, sais, kamas, tonfas and nunchakus, of Japanese Okinawaian/Japanese tradition such as Kwan Do, the 3-section stick, and Chinese martial arts swords are part of Nick Cerio's Kenpo arsenal. Professor Cerio also taught the iaido to some of his advanced belts.
However, since Kenpo comprises as many hard and linear movements as soft and more circular movements, these weapons are compatible with Kenpo. Working with these weapons helps the students gain control and discipline.
"Winning a combat without fighting
is the main goal of all martial arts practitioners"
Professor Nick Cerio
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