William Kwai-sun Chow (July 3, 1914 – September 21, 1987, AKA William Ah Sun Chow-Hoon) was instrumental in the development of the martial arts in the United States, specifically the family of styles referred to as kenpo/kempo.

[4]In 1944 Chow began teaching what he called “Kenpo Karate” at the Nuuanu YMCA in Honolulu.

His many students included Ed Parker, Joseph D. and Adriano D. Emperado, Ron Alo, Abe KAMAHOAHOA, Bobby Lowe, Ralph Castro, Anthony S.Agisa, Sam Kuoha, Matias Ulangca Jr, Bill Chun Sr., John Leone, William G. (Billy) Marciarelli (Kachi/Kenpo), Walter K. Liu, and Paul Pung.

[6] In spite of his heavy influence on the martial arts in the United States and his many notable students, Chow never had a dojo of his own, often teaching in the park.

Nick Cerio once stated that "He was a very cautious individual who had no business sense whatsoever.

"[8] Chow referred to his style as a “War Art” and focused largely on techniques that he felt worked in the streets.