What makes American Kenpo different from all other martial arts systems is the use of principles of motion. Think of principles of motion as ingredients to make the perfect recipe for performance.
Each of our techniques, forms, sets, freestyle, and drills are designed to help us understand, explore and internalize proper action through the use of principles.
As a student of the Art, I would encourage you to learn, incorporate, and apply these principles in everything you do. The difference between an average Kenpoist and a great one, often lies in their use and understanding of the principles of motion.
Here are some core principles you should unequivocally incorporate into your training, in no particular order:
1. Logic – If there were one principle to rule them all, this would be it.
2. Point of Origin – John Wayne could’ve used this one and refers to moving any natural weapon from wherever it originates rather than cocking it before deploying it. Helps to eliminate telegraphing your moves.
3. Economy of Motion – Make sure every move counts and is efficient.
4. Centerline – Learn how to minimize yours and maximize your opponents.
5. Margin for Error – Build this into everything you do both offensively and defensively.
6. Tea Kettle – Exhale at the proper moment for maximum effect.
7. Simplicity – If it’s too complex, you’ll never be able to pull it off.
8. Engagement – Have your mind, body, emotion, and spirit ready.
9. Anchoring – Get your butt under you and drop your elbows.
10. Black Dot Focus – Be aware of everything going on around you, not just in front of you.
11-20 I want to hear from you!
What other principles would you add to the list and why? Add your comment below by clicking the “Add Your Comment Here” link now and help me get to 20 core American Kenpo Principles!
About Ryan
Wow Ryan, I think 10 is great, and I never even got close to mastering the 10 you have presented. I managed to come up with 10 other things that I still remember from class. I’m not sure they would all be considered “core” principles, but they were definitely important or interesting enough for me to remember after 18 months.
11. Torque – Increase energy at impact by striking in more than one dimension
12. Prefixing and Suffixing – Which simple technique or move would be a logical precursor or next step to this technique
13. Cover Out – After each technique carefully get out of there!
14. Compaction – ( is that a word? ) Don’t leave anything hanging out that an enemy could grab or strike
15. Utility – Every block is a strike and every strike is a block. Every part of the enemy is a target, including hands, arms, legs, and feet if that is what is available.
16. Mobility – Don’t negate anchoring, but stay on the balls of your feet with your knees spring loaded for the fastest reaction time.
17. Alignment – Keep your legs and arms aligned for maximum stability and power.
18. Path of Action – Attack with the Kenpo 2×4, not pinpoint attacks. This is in the same vein as Margin of Error but implies lower case and upper case action.
19. Weapon Availability – Ensure that your stance and facing don’t preclude an attack from any weapon, like the rear foot.
20. Avoidance – The best defense is to avoid the situation altogether. That may mean running like a little girl but it’s better than an altercation.
Ok, so I made up the terms, but hopefully I’m not too off base on the descriptions.
Joel
Path of Action…. are you using the end of the 2×4, or the whole thing? When you look at one or more of the principles, you can see how they compliment each of the others.
I would have to then say contouring! Contouring your body helps with speed, finding your targets(strikes/or blocks), and helps to keep you covered against attacks and counters.
RELAXING… as simple as it sounds. if you don’t stay loose it can affect many aspects of the art such as speed, torque,
power, mobility, and you ultimately end up fighting yourself
All great ideas guys! What else should we consider? Can we make it to 30 principles?
Internal elastic recoil…use of muscle groups to expand and contract to initiate methods of execution. (whip, lift, hammer, thrust)
Here are some more important principles to add to the list:
INTERCEPTING – Why wait for them to get too close? “Reach out and touch someone!”
WEDGING – Built on the idea of the triangle – the strongest geometric shape there is. This idea is deliberately built into the logo for our school. Hmmmm….
DIRECTIONAL HARMONY – Having all of your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual energies and movements go in the same direction
BRACING ANGLE – Every move should be properly supported and reinforced
MARRIAGE OF GRAVITY – Drop your weight and tap into the universal power source!
GROOVE OF THE MOVE – When moving in a circular fashion, keep within the groove of the orbit you’re on
FITTING – Like a puzzle, fit the weapon to the target
OUTER RIM – Keep your moves compact both offensively and defensively
We’re only scratching the surface here. Feel free to add your ideas to the list!
These may not be the principles of motion that you ‘re looking for but I believe they are important concepts none the less.
Intensity- If you’re not moving with intensity, then a lot of these principles won’t help you.(This isn’t just on the street but also in your training- Practice with intensity and you will react the same way in a confrontation- Note: you can move with intensity and still be in control, i.e.- Not hurting your partner)
Control- This comes when we put all these principles into action- Control over the situation, control over yourself and control over your opponent.
Confidence- This comes with control and applying these principles of motion over and over again. Without confidence in your movement things can take a turn for the worse real quick.