Kenpo Karate Basics & Information Page

    
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What are Kenpo Basics

    Like the aplhabet, basics must be put together into words and then a sentence to be of any meaning. Kenpo Basics must be put together in a smooth precise way without conscious thought. You must train these combinations of basics to the point you are able to react correctly to any type of attack in a fraction of a second. Hours of training in self defense practice is the only way to achieve this type of reactions.

Self Defense Techniques

    A self defense technique is a movement consisting of 3 or more motions against a pre ordained attack by an imaginary opponent. If only 1 movement, it is considered a basic. Every self defense technique is supplied a name. This helps the student's memory and in creating an image in his mind, he or she can visualize the movements more clearly. These techniques must be practiced against many types and skill levels of people; tall, short, fast and slow. Trial and Error and kinetic bio feedback of practicing with an actual opponent, is the only way to develop your judgement and timing of distance.

The 4 Stages Of Mind & Body Learning

   
    Mechanical
      The student knows nothing about Kenpo Karate and is just beginning to learn the basic movements involved in each technique and form. This is a non functional stage because every every movement is exaggerated through a slow mental process.
    Physical
      The first two stages mark a beginner. The student now understands the mechanics of performing techniques, bu not necessarily the flow between the techniques and cannot react instinctivly to attacks. The student can neither react very instinctively to an attack, nor can they adapt the techniques to variations in the attacks such as the force of the attack, the terrain, and the height and weight of the aggressor. In essence, the student must search for the correct response to an attack.
    Mental
      This level represents Brown and Black Belt level of quality. The student now understands both the mechanics of executing techniques and how they flow together. The student properly reacts to an attack without having to think first. The student plans his next movement in advance. He is an expert.
    Meta-Physical
      In this stage the martial artist is said to possess skill in clairvoyance, telepathy, and precognition. He knows your moves before you make them. He sees how you carry yourself and pre-reads your intentions using your body lanquage. This person has seen every attack before and has the proper response wired into him. He is the true professional.    

Power Principles

   
    Each technique in the Kenpo system is based on one of these power principles. Techniques can, and often do, make use of more than one of these principles, but one of the three is always the overriding force behind the technique.
    We have it whenever we sink or when all our force is going down. Use high wide kneel to accentuate Marriage or Gravity. Marriage of Gravity is essentially Back-up Mass on a vertical plane (we're moving in a straight line down).
    Provides more power. To get torque, something must twist or rotate.
    Putting your entire body into a move. We have Back-up Mass whenever we're moving in a straight line. This puts your entire body into a particular movement. Back-up Mass is essentially Marriage of Gravity on a horizontal plane.

Definitions
    "KENPO" Fist Law & "KARATE" Empty Hand
    CLOCK PRINCIPLE
    A directional reference used to aid students in selecting proper direction when attacked, retaliating, or working basics).
    MATHEMATICAL and GEOMETRIC SYMBOL CONCEPTS
    Mathematical Symbols (3); Geometric Symbols (3).   Utilized in conjunction with the Clock Principle as frames of reference for the execution of motion.
    COMPONENTS of POWER
    Rotation; Gravitational Marriage; Body Momentum.
    ECONOMY of MOTION & POINT OF ORIGIN
    Execution of strike / block directly from where it is at time of attack.  Choosing best available weapon for best available angle, to ensure reaching best available target in least amount of time, while still obtaining desired result:  Avoid WASTED MOTION.
    DOUBLE FACTOR:
    Entails utilizing dual movements to defend yourself.  These moves can incorporate any combination of blocks, parries, and checks.  It also refers to sophisticated moves, which are dually defensive and offensive.  Reverse Motion is an integral part of this concept.
    DIVISIONS OF THE BASICS:
    Stances, Maneuvers, Blocks, Strikes, Kicks and Specialized Moves & Methods
    DIMENSIONAL ZONE THEORY:
    Height Dimensions, Width Dimensions, Depth Dimensions
    ZONE OF OBSCURITY:
    Areas of space outside the boundaries of our (or the opponent's) peripheral vision.  These zones are BLIND SPOTS from which action can originate, and be delivered unchecked.  Usually these involve calculated use of deceptive angles.
    EQUATION FORMULA:
    The Equation Formula for fighting was designed as a formula to allow fighters to build/design logical and practical fighting techniques. It states that for any base move (i.e. punch/kick) or group of moves (technique - i.e. Delayed Sword) one may modify their intention by the target area, weapon, or both.
  • Prefix a strike or block with an off angle body positioning (i.e. step out of the way of the weapon!).
  • Suffix your strike with one or several more.
  • Rearrange the order of a technique. Instead of block-chop-punch change it to block-punch-chop (don't forget to block however).
  • Insert a move, perhaps simultaneously, such as a check of another weapon.
  • Delete a move to prevent unwanted injury to yourself, your opponent or to prevent unnecessary time spent engaging and less time leaving!
  • Adjust the range or angle of the weapon.
  • Regulate your weapons speed or force and you may get a very different reaction.

    • THREE PHASE CONCEPT
      Kenpo techniques are taught with a three phase formula where the student is expected to learn the technique as written, then go on to experiment with the possibilities. The Three Phases are, in order, the following:
      Ideal Phase
      In the Ideal Phase the student learns the technique "by the book". This means the attack is specified, the defense is applied and the attackers reaction is known.
      What-If Phase
      In the What-If Phase the student(s) experiment with different possible scenarios for the attack and attackers reactions.  Thoroughly analyze probable variations to the model technique.
      Formulation Phase
      With the Formulation Phase the student tears apart the technique, explores its principles and develops alternate, spontaneous, reactions all with the aid the equation formula. Apply variable solutions to a free and changing environment.