IKCA kenpo

[aznkarateboi]

Does anyone know anything about IKCA kenpo? I've seen it mentioned on numerous forums and it has a good reputation.

[delta1]

Does anyone know anything about IKCA kenpo? I've seen it mentioned on numerous forums and it has a good reputation.

 

It is an abreviated Kenpo course taught primarily by video. You purchase their videos, study the material , then send in your test by video and they critique you, plus dub on extra instruction and send your video back. It does require a partner to work out with.

 

The system is based on American Kenpo, but is only 55 techniques (as opposed to 160 to 200+, depending on which other system of AK you want to try). They do a pretty good job of teaching the principles, but you don't get a lot of the concepts, like dimensional control or family groupings, in as great a deapth. The techniques were created by the founders, Mr. Sullivan and Mr. LeRoux, both of who studied under Mr. Parker I believe. I talked to Mr. LeRoux once, and he seems to be very knowlegable and willing to share his experience, even though I'm not in their system. He's definately very motivated, one of those hard charging individuals that loves what he does.

 

I usually recomend people look into IKCA Kenpo to study with other styles, or if you just can't get to a good school. I think it would really go good with TKD, Arnis, Okinawan systems, many Chinese systems, and most other styles. I don't recomend any video course over a good school, but for some it is a good option as a second art or as an adjunct to current training in a school, or if there's no other alternative at the time.

[aznkarateboi]

I am already a member of a kung fu school but the school doesn't really teach lots of practical self defense. Do you think the program is good for street self defense? On the site they said that the reason for only haveing 55 techniques is because you could adapt those techniques to many situations. Does the video course teach the three level technique thing of kenpo?

[delta1]

Not sure what you mean by "the three level technique thing of kenpo".

 

There is the three phases of learning a technique- ideal, what if, and formulation. Ideal is by the numbers, you learn the mechanics and principles on a compliant partner, then start to increase the level of force until you can make it work under "street conditions". The what if phase of learning the technique is where you explore options when things don't go exactly as planned. The formulation phase of learning is when you tear the technique apart, change it, add or delete moves, look for hidden strikes, locks, throws, etc. I think they do teach this.

 

My system (AKTS), and most others, teach there are three pases to a technique- deal with the attack, change or modify a deminsion, take advantage of the change. Two, or all three phases can occur at the same time, but all are there. I don't know if thy teach this, but from all I've seen of their stuff the IKCA techniques do have this concept embedded in their system. Understanding the three phases is extremely helpful in formulating a technique.

 

As for its being good for street defense, I think it can be. But it depends on how you train it.