American Kenpo Karate was developed by Ed Parker after studying first judo and then kenpo karate from William K.S. Chow in Hawaii.  Chow had included many elements of Chinese kung fu that he learned from his father.  Parker took what he learned from Chow and modified it further, testing it and refining it.  It is now a very practical style that combines very fast hand strikes with the controlling moves typically seen in jujitsu.  Most of the kicks are sweeps or kicks below the waist.