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The Knowledge of Kenpo

"The Most Advanced Block"

A block is siply defined, "is a way to hinder the passage to and fro; to obstruct." According Ed Parker's Chinese Fan Principle, "Reaction can simply beat action by simply moving the target first and not the block ing arm." Putting it generally it says whan you move the target, that you opponent is attempting to strike, you are hindering the passage of his or her strike to it's intended target.

When you block consider the following: "Every block is a strike and every strik is a block." So, if you are actually blocking a strike, you are in turn striking the approaching threat. But, if you move the target, you are obstructing the attack. In the end, avoiding a strike is "The Most Advanced Block".

"Stomping"

Stomping is one of the simplest of strikes. It is a thrusting method using the foot(usually the heel, to strike a designated target that is located down to the ground. Stomping has but one essential rule. The rule is as follows, "When stomping, the foot is to be raised to a height that is equal to 3x the width of the area being striked. The purpose of this rule is (1) that you do not trip over your opponent and (2) you generate more power to the stomp.

This rule stated above applies to all martial arts, and it is definetly true in the art of Kenpo. In Kenpo we have a technique named "Dance of Death"and this technique there is no question if the rule applies.

"Checking"

There are two way or types of checking, (1) an upper check and a lower check.

A lower check is utillized at or above the knee. This type of checking is used to off set your opponent's balance, to prevent that leg to be used as a fighting tool, or to distract him or her. The second type of checking is an upper check, which is applied to the upper body. But, mostly at the arm, which is always done at or above the elbow. This check wil eliminate the threat of one of his or her arms as a weapon.

These checks have three ways that they can be preformed: (1) pressing on the area that is being checked, (2) pinning the area that is being checked between your checking tool and his or her body, and (3) by hugging his or her area of the check. Each check should be done at the joint of higher then the joint. This minimizes the leverage of your opponent, and nulify the action.

Chinese Kenpo Karate
The Language of Motion
Disston Karate Club

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