The Shaolin Temple, built in 495 A.D., is generally accepted as being the greatest single influence on all existing martial arts. The influence of the Shaolin Temple began when Bodhidharma (Da Mo) traveled to Honan province around 520-535 A.D. and began to teach the Shaolin monks Xingyi Boxing as a form of exercise and self defense.

Masters Self Defense Centers was formed in 1991 and offers a style of Shaolin Kenpo that can trace its lineage back to James Mitose (1916-1981), who taught Kosho Ryu Kempo or "Old Pine Tree School" to William S.K. Chow. Chow combined the training he received with his own family style of Kung Fu to create Kenpo Karate.

Masters Self Defense Centers was formed in 1991 by Professor Robert J. Nohelty and Professor James M. Bryant, who each have over 30 years of experience in Kenpo, Kung Fu, and Shotokan, as well as training in Okinawan, Japanese and Chinese weapons. Shaolin Kenpo has ties to Karazempo Go, Shinjitsu and Kajukenbo.