Independant Study

[delta1]

Most of you know that I live in a rural area, and it is difficult to get any consistant training in anything, and impossible to get training in my base, which is American Kenpo. Working out with other schools is fun and educational, but also consumes a lot of time and money. So, I'm thinking of forming a sort of independant study group. As a base, I'm looking at the IKCA video serries- a Parker Kenpo based system, but abreviated (55 techniques). I think I can handle the instruction there, along with the videos. And it is adaptable enough to be mixed with TKD, Arnis, and some of the reality arts like SCARS and WWII combatives. Those are the primary interests of prospective participants here. I've done some of most of these, and I just viewed some of the SCARS tapes and manuals. I can see all of it easily blending with Kenpo (though the SCARS will need a lot of work).

 

What I'm thinking about is doing the IKCA stuff, and learning it well. Testing would be optional (they will video test you if you want the rank). The other arts, people could learn and mix as they like. I'll help them, but I expect that as they get more experience working with principles and concepts, they'll be able to handle this on their own. In fact, that is one reason for going with a Parker based system, to learn to extrapolate and transpose the principles. Since I enjoy doing this, and do some now with a few of them, it would be no big deal for me- and I learn as much as they do when I help them.

 

I have most of the equipment, and others also have some, so cost is not a factor. The main thing is to get one group with a common goal, and that is a realistic training aproach to street/combative martial arts. Adults only, and expect to get hit. I'd also like to add some ground work, if I can find someone competant to at least give ussome basic skills there.

 

I expect the eclectic nature of the group and training could be a problem. But it can also be a strong point, since you wouldn't get into the rut that a lot of schools find themselves in, fighting only their own style. And everyone will have to get a sound base and understanding in order to transpose and mix the systems. You also get to work with and understand more than your own narrow focus. I've done this before, just not on my own or to this extent, and it works. And I'm in the research, planning and developement phase right now, so who knows if it will fly. But a few of us have been talking about it, and the idea intrigues me.

 

At this point, I don't plan to charge anything. I'm not taking on any titles, and if any one else can contribute, they are more than welcome to instruct. I would be sort of a coordinator, in that someone has to be in a position to lay out the classes and keep things on course and in focus, and make sure everyone gets a chance to practice their area(s) of interest.

 

Any of you ever tried something like this? How did it work? Any pointers, tips, or pitfalls to watch for?