Nippon Kempo (日本拳法) is a Japanese martial art, practised wearing protective gear (face, body, crotch, etc.) and gloves and allows full use of stand-up striking, throwing, and ground fighting. It was founded and created by Muneomi Sawayama in 1932. Sawayama was a judoka who had studied under Kenwa Mabuni, Karateka who would establish the Shito-Ryu school of Karate. There are multiple schools and groups based on the Nippon Kempo Association launched by Sawayama, and each has its own rules.