Chinese martial arts; kung fu; wushu
Refers broadly to Chinese martial arts, including kung fu and wushu. The term 拳法 itself is used in Japanese to denote Chinese-origin unarmed combat systems.
He studied Chinese martial arts in China.
The kung fu master defeated his opponent with swift movements.
kenpō; kempo
Specifically refers to Japanese martial arts styles called kenpō/kempo, which often have roots in Chinese martial arts but developed distinctively in Japan. The spelling 拳法 is shared, but context distinguishes the Japanese systems.
Nippon Kenpō is practiced wearing protective gear.
Shōrinji Kempō was founded by Dōshin Sō.
Chinese martial arts; Chinese kung fu
From Chinese 拳法 (quánfǎ), literally 'fist method'. The term was adopted into Japanese to refer to Chinese martial arts and later also to Japanese systems derived from them.