About Us


​Kenpo Girl was founded by Jesalyn Mae Harper, an avid and passionate martial artist studying American Kenpo and Eskrima.  Jesalyn's vision was to create a forum to not only discuss the various systems of martial arts but the effects and experiences that martial arts has on people.  What started as a basic Facebook page has grown.  Kenpo Girl now features articles and interviews from various martial artists discussing current issues in the Martial Arts world, while staying true to the original mission.

See her event page for upcoming Martial Art Events
and her Dojo's Near You page featuring different schools pre-approved by Kenpo Girl.

Top 15 Kenpo Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2018

Listed #3 for actively working to educate, inspire and empowering readers with frequent updates and high-quality information.

Our History

Kenpo Girl was founded by Jesalyn Mae Harper.  Jesalyn is currently a 1st Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo under the Parker/Planas Lineage.  Her direct instructor is JR Diaz, 8th Degree Black Belt and Planas Patch holder. She is a former student of the late Grand Master Frank Trejo.  Sifu Jesalyn also cross trains with Sifu Z, a 9th Degree Black Belt American Kenpo Parker/Planas Lineage, in Kenpo, Jeet Kune Do, Silat and Kali.  Her weapons training focus is Karbaroan Eskrima specializing in Mano Largo, Mano Corta and Spada y Daga; instructed by JR Diaz, under Guro Ed Planas.  

​While doing a seminar with JR Diaz, Jesalyn decided to start a website where various martial artists could discuss the different systems and promote various events.  Kenpo Girl was a success and after multiple requests created an Instagram account: the_kenpo_girl. She continued to promote and post, creating discussions among the various systems.  She was asked to start interviewing various established martial artists. Jesalyn began her blog Kenpo Girl and has continued to discuss martial arts with her followers.

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