delta1

I'm in a lot the same boat as you. I currently have started the IKCA curriculum, but have a background in American Kenpo, as well as have studied and worked with several other martial arts. If you search back in the archives here, you'll see thatmy posts and opinions have been pretty consistant- with one exception. After looking into the concept of video training, I have changed my opinion of it. I used to be against the idea except as a suppliment to other training. I still think that is the best way. But I have since seen that it can work well for training on its own. How well depends on the quality of video instruction, how much the student is willing to put in to training, and the standards of the instructors in corrrecting and giving extra instruction. A lot like training in person. Video tests can be tougher than testing in person. The camera picks up everything, and the testor can replay as many times as he wants. I don't really care about rank. It's usually meaningles outside your particular school or system anyhow, no matter how you got it. My advice is to stay with the Combat Hapkido if you can, and still do the Kenpo video course. If you can only do one, then you'll just have to pick. I can't say which is best in your case. Good luck!

The most tedhnical or involved thing I do with computers is peck at the keyboard here! I've tried to send pics before to a senior Kenpoist who I was talking to by phone. I finally just took the dang things down to a repro place and paid them to do it! They gave me a copy on disk, but danged if I can figure out how to send it to someone else- I can't even view it on my own computer! Any way, it's a mess in there right now. But I'll see what I can do. I'll have to borrow a digital camera somewhere- with a techno-photo-wizzard operator-person!

I have some of Wong Kiew Kit's stuff on Taiji, and he is very good.

I like the option to modify the set up. But then, I'm sort of a nut about improvising training devices! Right now I'm in the middle of another remodeling project in my shop/training area. I'm installing a homemade floor to cieling spring loaded swiveling post dummy with adjustable arms for holding pads. Sometimes I think I spend more time improvising and installing/building equipment than I do working out! But, I enjoy doing both, so it isn't wasted time, and most of the materials are salvaged or scrounged. The things I buy are mostly items that I watched for sales on, or promotions, and a few items from Sakuras' auction board.

It seems to dampen the rebound a little, as well as the offset effect. Probably due to a combination of more mass, less chord, and an extra point of articulation. Similar strikes on the double set up don't move it quite like on a solo set up. How does yours work with two double end balls? Are either of them offset? Sometimes with the offset ball you have to be really quick to pick it up in time.

Keyslinger, from Mr. Chuck Sullivan, IKCA. Not only legal to carry, but legal to conceal. Inexpensive. Easy to learn to use. So quick that witnesses have watched the altercation and had no idea how the defender droped the agressor. Can be used face to face, or as you run and the guy chases you- without turning or even breaking stride! Oh, they are also real handy for organizing and carrying keys.

Work your angles and get close but outside. If he's bigger, you want to nullify both his reach and his power. Outside, you have position and leverage. Another problem with big guys is that as soon as things start to go bad for them, they try to grab and ground, or just tie up and overwhelm you with their size and power. Getting outside makes this a lot more dificult for them. Forget bone breaks, go for joints- especially knees. Another good thing about being close outside is it opens up that Kenpo looping roundhouse or knee strike to the back of his knee. Another good target for a roundhouse knee are his quads. In fact, any of the large muscle groups of the upper leg. He'll think about you for a good week or more if you work those over! Take the initiative and take it in close where his fists are not a factor. Use elbows and knees in rapid succession, while keeping his base checked.

I have both, and like them for different things. But I'd say the double end bag is more useful. The speed bag is good for developing rythm, flow, timeing and coordination. It is also a good device for developing humility. If you get one, I recomend getting a tape and book on useing it. Ringside has a set called 'The Speed Bag Bible', and I think the KF store carrries some Ringside products. The author not only shows how to use it, and with feet and elbows too, but he has some outstanding tips to set up and maintain the apparatus as well. My double end set up is a little different than any other I've seen. I have a regular cannister shaped bag from Century, which I hang at chest/abdomen level. But it hangs beneath an offset double end ball from Ringside, which is at head level. What this does is give me both head and body targets, and it adds an element of unpredictability. Of course, I can simply unclip either one and have either a regular dbl end bag or an offset bag alone. Doubling them up does dampen them a little. Either way, they are good for working timeing, accuracy, adaptability, and flow.

Same old...! I wondered where you got off to. I agree with your post, but wouldn't go so far as to say you have to do extensive dammage every time you fight. On the other hand, if you have to fight and things get a little carried away..., well, he should have behaved in the first place, huh!? It's funny, but since training in Kenpo I've been in a lot less situations that even could have, let alone did, end in violence. 'Course, that could come with getting older too. Hey, you and opnek, and everyone at the LTKKA have a good Christmas!

Me. Get creative in finding places and setting things up. No one can give a 'how to' list that will apply to everyone. Besides physical training, you can train your mind to look at your surroundings as a possible battleground. Just take inventory as you walk in a room. Look for obstacles, potential weapons, likely ambush points, etc. Don't train for specific living rooms. Train for general environments. Train your mind to look and see the entire environment and its' combat implications. Learn to think instinctively in different environments, not to pull up a list of similar environments you've trained in and/or a list of things to do there.

I said "Deflect and counter", because that would be the first of the three you list. But I'm with Jerry, if I understand what he's saying. I want control of the weapon to use it against him. With a knife, I'd want to be outside the knife hand/arm so as to neutralize his far weapons. Either deflect and get outside, or pass it inside. Seize and control the knife hand as you position yourself to gain leverage to either disarm or turn the blade on him. And, to tell the truth, I'd rather control it in his hand than to disarm and drop the weapon. If you don't have control of the weapon, someone else does- or can. Keep moving into him- constant pressure as you maintain and use your leverage to skewer him on his own blade. Jointlocks are fine if they are there, but I wouldn't waste any time trying to set one up. This is just generically how I look at the scenario. Obviously, different situations might call for different responses. Edit: I've said this here before, but probably should mention it here again..., traping a weapon arm in the crook of your elbow is dangerouse. If your technique isn't ideal/perfect..., if you wrap just below the elbow..., if he even begins to counter before you lock..., if he inadvertantly or intentionally changes the angles you are depending on prior to full lock..., look at photo three and immagine all the dammage a blade being withdrawn might do. Also, think of his probable reaction to being struck in the face. Now, do you really want to depend on that maneuver to save your life?

The term is used so loosely today, I doubt there is a universally recognized definition. My opinion: Two or more seperate systems tought as seperate systems, at least one of which is a striking art and one of which is a grappling art. Usually thought of as hard contact sport oriented, but not necessarily allways. The minute you start choosing and combining parts, and discarding large parts of the systems you teach, you are creating another system. Regardless which you do (mma or new system) how effective you will be depends primarily on two things- how you train and how well you understand the principles and concepts of the variouse arts you are combining. No ammount of ability can make up for poor understanding when trying to just force a couple of arts into something you can tell everyone is your own style. And no ammount of knowlege can make up for lack of training and working out your theories under hard physical conditions. That is the problem I think several of you are seeing in these McMMA schools that come and go. Some clown tries to stroke his ego and make a fast buck at the same time by throwing a few systems (that he has limmited knowlege in) together, gives himself a title, and a new ultimate style is born! The MMA phenom is about to fall prey to the same thing as the rest of the arts. And that's too bad.

Well, I've already said welcome, but I'll say it again any how- good to have you aboard!

I met Paul Metz and some of his students in Long Beach. Good, knowlegable instructor, and his students speak volumes for his quality of instruction. Not far into the tapes yet, but I'm in no hurry either. I'm thinking about asking Mr. LeRoux if I can send an extra tape in for evaluation with some stuff not required for rank or tests. Don't know if they'll do that, but it can't hurt to ask. Good to have you here! There's a pretty good group here- a lot of experience in a lot of styles. But we're just a little short on Kenpo/Kempo systems, though that's getting a little better.

Whoa! Are you one of Mr. Metz's students? He is one crazy, dedicated instructor! If you are with him, you have a good school. I believe he incorporates some TKD and a couple of other systems into his school. I do IKCA Chinese Kenpo (video) and AKTS American Kenpo (private instruction). Just getting started in the IKCA. They do some things a little different, like turning the lead foot out a bit, especially in the forward bow. But I like that, as it's a little easier on my knees when doing some of the really energetic moves.

DM, you must be off the sauce lately- that was a good reply! After the disruption and advancements in communications and travel post WWII, the martial arts were going through some radical changes everywhere. Also, many people had just seen the necessity of good self defense first hand, and many were moving away from the self improvement aspects to the martial aspects of the arts. In this period Bruce Lee, Remy Presas, Ed Parker and a lot of others flourished. JKD was a dominant philosophy at that time, and Bruce Lee both defined and popularized it. That it was later formalized into a system (mor like many systems) doesn't seem so oddd to me as it does some. The real trick, though, is in how well the variouse schools understand and integrate the concepts of the arts they blend. A lot of people use Beuce Lee as an excuse not to learn forms. Bruce Lee never said they were worthless. But any dead practice, including just walking through forms, is of little value. You have to understand what you are doing, and practice as a dynamic art.

http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=5847&start=20

Mr. Mike, good to see another Kenpo stylist here! Welcome to the forum. American Kenpo, I'm guessing from your post. Interesting changeup. It would change your angle of incidence and your angle of entry for the groin strike, though. Does your sweeping leg interfere with the heel palm strike? I get the idea here that Mr. Tatum is emphasizing control more than dammage. But in some of our discussions here, we (mostly me) have discussed the importance of working these types of changups, varrying the angles and what if's. Similar to the latest OTM subject. Be interesting to get your take on this topic as well.

Luckyboxer, in the clip when Mr. Ryer worked with Captured Leaves, he gave a couple of good examples of how this might be applied. We practice this in the base mode for a Chinese Finger Lock applied as the opponent walks by you from the rear and on your right. His left hand grabs the fingers of your right hand and raises your hand & arm. He steps in front with his right, and as your arm comes up to chin level his right pinches a pressure point on your right forearm. It will definately stand you up on your toes! What other scenarios does your school use for this one? Some of the changeups we practice involve reaching over your right wrist to counter grab his left instead of reaching under and through. Another good one is to step up the circle with your left instead of cutting in front, so that you are side to side and facing the same direction with the counter wrist grab (under & through) in place. Don't raise his arm up over your shoulder, but instead anchor your left elbow, forcing your shoulder into his upper arm as you leverage his arm back. Be careful if you try this, as it doesn't take a lot of pressure to dislocate his shoulder here. You can move him around pretty easily from here, or you could go into an arm bar or an elbow break. Have you got any interesting changups for any of these techniques?

Red, how does Shaolin Kempo work on the principles and concepts? In AK we have studies as well as work outs. Weave to know our definitions, and have a working knowlege of how each principle works. Then on the mat the instructors will drill us with questions while we work. They'll ask things like 'What is the major power principle in this technique,' or 'Why is there a pause at this point?' Not being able to attend a class regularly, I miss out on a lot of this drilling, so I have to get my knowlege from other sources (books, other systems that I've worked out with, and just a lot of brain exercise). So I'm allways open to hearing how the other guy does it. As far as thinking and reacting for ourselves, I agree with both you and Lucky. We think things through in workouts so that we understand them better and also train our minds to work in specific ways. We work them physically to become proficient with the movements and to get a good feel for these moves as applied under force. The marriage of the two is refined instincts, what we use when it counts.

This is what AK is designed to teach- the what ifs'. The techniques are a base to teach principles, concepts, and their application. We start with the 'dojo grab', but as we work on the technique we explore those 'what ifs' '. This is also the reason for having more than one technique for the same type grab. It may be a hammer lock, but how you react to it depends on how it is applied, from what direction, and the direction he moves you. The idea isn't just to learn several techniques so you can react no matter how the hammer lock is applied. You should have a good enough feel for the differences to be able to respond with something (not necessarily a recognizable technique) no matter how he applies the hold. So, you are on the right track, even without sound!

Depends on how you move, and how you move him. This kick depends on your being to the side and back far enough to access the back of his leg/knee with the kick. And you are right, you definately have to close the hips to deliver this one effectively. It is also best to set him up- take his ballance or get his weight on the target leg so he can't move away too quickly or lift the leg. If you can get his weight on that leg, this kick is extremely devastating! One last, but important point. If you are out of position a little and have to kick with the instep or lower shin, make sure to quickly snap the kick. Kicking with the mid to upper shin and driving your foot to the ground will drive him a little forward and down. But the lower leg/foot will collapse his knee and drop his weight back, pinning your kick in a vise unless you snap it quick.

The latest OTM illustrates something I've tried to explain before, but probably didn't do too good a job of it. One of the reasons American Kenpo has multiple techniques for the same basic attacks is the possible variables that can occur in the basic attack. For a short clip, he gives a pretty good illustration of the answer. http://www.unitedparkerskenpo.com/Onthemat.html Feel free to ask questions or to make observations!

We do similar things. Definately one of KM's strengths, though. I understand that many KM schools also use a lot of different things to induce stress in the fighters before sparing and drils, which isa good thing. Agreed. And seeing a little in person is not definitive of the entire system either. That is why I allways qualify my statements about KM. Again, you are correct. The only thing I'd say here is that just because others teach dangerouse disarm techniques (and they do!) does not excuse KM for doing so. You are drilling muscle memory under stress in your classes, and if those techniques are problematic you could be drilling to defeat yourself in a real life situation. But if you can mix good technniques from elsewhere in your system, and deemphasize problem areas,I agree that is a goodthing. A lot of my weapons training is from differnt sources, though I allways bring it back to Kenpo basics.

In what way? I'll certainly read reviews, especially on books and videos, before buying them. The site- you bet! I have to admit that I'm not really patient with computers and computer stores. The first couple of times I tried looking at your products, I got the impression that you only sold T shirts, caaps, and trinkets, and went where I knew they had the items I wanted. I'm probably not the only dummy around like that, so I think the new site is a good idea. I'd just suggest you set it up with people like me in mind- terminally ignorant about computers! As for submitting reviews, you all know how shy I am about stating my opinion on anything! ... Sure, I'd be willing to submit reviews where applicable!