red fists, i agree that the origin of many a japanese martial art is a chinese martial art, I also agree that Kempo is japanese for Chuan Fa which is Chinese for Fist law/method.
I do not agree that the modifications of Japanese arts are "slight".
Lessons in the Hara (Dan Tien) and Ki (Qi/Chi) are omitted in many styles of Karate and not dealt with to the depths they are explored in systems such as Shaolin based styles. Especially in the west.
Both have definitive value as martial systems. But imho, they are very different animals.
peace