Mr. Tatum on draining KI from one's meridians

(recently posted on Mr. Tatum's Facebook page as a follow up to his Stance Set 2 post)

In short, as KI passes through the body there are times when with the correct weapon one can channel the direction of KI or disrupt it in certain moments when one is engaged, but this is highly sophisticated and is only effective at the right time when the attacker is in a moment of reset or weakened. 

The type of Reiki is not passive but a very strong and purposeful application of your natural weapons. In some of the techniques, there are Clawing and or ripping that tear at the cluster of Meridian points much like intersections throughout the body that are vulnerable but only at the right moment. 

When I say right moment, I'm not talking about a standing still compliant student as you most likely have seen online that drops at the slightest touch but with a very harsh striking force that fellows the "Algorithms" of the body's nerve system which can affect other internal organs. 

Many techniques in the system follow this related structure of the Algorithm's paths and patterns. It is a fascinating study of the kenpo we have at our disposal. The use of this type of mastery is supported by several pretexted moves that activate the targets so they will comply with this method of striking. 

If you look at my daughter striking the inside of my arm with her elbow, then the heel palm you will see her allow her fingers to grasp the bicep and grasp the nerves over and around the bicep, but the strike of the elbow and then the palm heel activated or deactivated the use of the Bicep. This was and has been somewhat of an elusive art within an Art (kenpo) that is fascinating and gives one another edge to their training.

If you look at an overhead claw in use it may strike the bridge of the nose and then the fingers to the eyes, but then notice how the path of action continues down the torso, raking the chest and even down the stomach, (checking his height) in the process. When it reaches the point of no contact then there is an upward groin strike buy this downward rake has made it even more reactive to the strike. Because you have hampered the relay process to the last target. In this photo see where you can place your fingers on the meridian lines and how they spread out across the face the neck and the chest.

 

Stance Set 2

(recently posted on Facebook by Mr. Tatum)

With each stance the arms and hands now mirror the stances and footwork but in an inverse position to each other.

Each hand and arm position is lending and giving emphasis to the action of the transition from one stance to another while each stance change does the same for the arms and hand.

All the stances are kenpo stances in that they follow the parameters of the three depth zones in Kenpo, as do the arms and hands.

This unique exercise was very much a part of Mr. Parker's routine exercise and was an extract from his Kung Fu development phase after bringing his Kenpo to the mainland.

Further examination reveals how the Eagle moves about his prey by descending tearing clutching and thrusting his wings upward to lift his prey.

This descending and lifting of your prey play out in much of your kenpo today. An example is in the extensions where your heels hook under the chin of your opponent while the other knee is bracing against the neck and you want to cause a lifting break, you then need empirical from your lifting arms and hands to pull you upward against the fulcrum of your knee and one tucked under the chin.

To cause this upward break you are propelled into the air like an Eagle over and away from your attacker landing in a Crane stance.

At one demo I gave with Mr. Parker, he slipped into this bird of prey fashion of moving and when his attacker was face down, he swooped down with his arms flailing over his attacker and allowing his hands and fingers to become like talons as his ripped across his opponent in an (X) pattern tearing across his meridians which did affect the dummy in such a way not often seen.

I said you are tearing at the flesh but more importantly, you are draining his KI from his meridians.

As kenpo time moved on throughout its evolution this type of movement was not often seen outside of Kung Fu practitioners.

Although he defined every basic scientifically, he nonetheless appreciated the spirit of the animals such as the Eagle, the Tiger, the Snake, etc.: in his actions.

What made this form or set his was when he scaled it down to work within the parameters of Kenpo today.

Not the long stances of the past Kung Fu days. The stances and hand work matched each other within the outer rims that surround and separate the top to the bottom but work in harmony.

More in the C'Mon Maaan, Series... (March 31st, 2024 edition)

(from Mr. Conatser's Facebook page)

I was reading a recent article/post concerning comments which had something to do with the  whole system of awarding belts, grades and titles, which seems to be a sensitive topic for many karate practitioners... and also for those that don’t practice any of the various Arts, which often strikes a negative chord with many. 

The title/rank system was created to encompass a hierarchy awarded to practitioners based on their proficiency, knowledge, and contributions to the art. 

While some see it as a valuable marker of progress, yet others view it as elitist, egotistical or lacking transparency. 

Strong opinions on both sides seem to lead to some very critical comments.

In addition to any grading system, (which is another deeply emotional  topic), it is utilized by the majority of martial arts teachers. 

When the titles are awarded/created, they acknowledge not just the technical prowess but also proficiency in teaching, character, and contributions to an art's preservation and evolution.

 Any belt recognition/title is usually associated with one's leadership position in a given Association due to either foundation, time and or  contribution to the art practiced and taught.

While this rank/title system traditionally serves as a hallmark of recognition and structure, it seems to give grounds for a huge amount of criticism by some.

The primary reasons for this criticism most likely stems from the perception of elitism.

Some practitioners, (perhaps those without titles themselves), seem to view the awarding of titles as a form of exclusivity that creates a divide between those who hold titles and those who do not.

Actually using such traditional titles as "Grandmaster, master, sifu, sensei, or others are titles utilized by most today. 

This perception in question is, "what is the criteria" for earning these awards/ titles seems unclear or perceived to be biased, leading to feelings of resentment, jealousy, elitist, or alienation.

The lack of transparency in acquiring these titles are often criticized and raise concerns about the fairness, objectivity, legitimacy, and process, questioning whether they are truly earned based on merit, skill or just a proclamation of leadership.

Those that keep adding a prefix or suffix "title" prior to their name IMHO is unnecessary to remind everyone of your status whether (earned or just labled).

Humility is one of the admirable traits of a true leader given by those that want to honor such individuals based on their accomplishments and thus status.

The process of learning, for those that have maintained, persevered, evolved and earned such a title, maybe should be thought of just like the old Okinawan proverb: 'Your fist should remain hidden up your sleeve until somebody comes looking for it.’ - unless of course you court criticism.

Historical facts are ... the teachers of the martial Arts Ancestry were compensated with shelter, clothing, food and other necessities they may need, in exchange for spiritual and physical guidence.

Respect, Honor, and reverance was 'given' by the appreciative students who were the recipients of great knowledge, skill and spiritual guidence.

However, (and this is a BIG reality) as the "BUSINESS" of "teaching the Arts" came into development it brought many factors which in some cases affords the opportunity of some to utilize and misuse or "demand" positional respect instead of earning it from their students.

Let us realize "EACH of us needs ALL of us" and we must remain Humble and retain Honor to our Ancestors who walked before us and gave us the foundation of discipline, respect, skills, knowledge, and inspiration to pass on to the future generations these precepts to all we teach.

"It is our profound obligation"-!!

"Time will either promote you or expose you".

Jim Kelly, Bruce Lee, Enter the Dragon and kenpo karate

(from wikipedia)

Jim Kelly began his martial arts career under the tutelage of Sin Kwang The' (Shaolin-Do) in Lexington Kentucky.  He trained in Okinawan karate under the direction of Parker Shelton, Nate Patton, and Gordon Doversola. During the early 1970s, Kelly became one of the most decorated world karate champions in the sport. In 1971, he won four prestigious championships that same year, most notably, the World Middleweight Karate title at the 1971 Long Beach International Karate Championships. Kelly opened his own dojo which was frequented by numerous Hollywood celebrities and which ultimately landed him in the movies. 

Kelly was the first black martial arts film star. His first film role was a martial arts instructor in the thriller feature film Melinda (1972). He got it after being asked by the film's writer, to whom he was introduced by one of his karate students, to teach martial arts to its star, Calvin Lockhart. Kelly then co-starred alongside Bruce Lee in the blockbuster Enter the Dragon (1973). He played Williams, a martial artist invited to a tournament run by crime lord and renegade Shaolin monk Han. The role was originally intended for actor Rockne Tarkington, who unexpectedly dropped out days before shooting in Hong Kong. Producer Fred Weintraub had heard about Kelly's karate studio in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles, went there to see him, and was immediately impressed. 

That film gave him his most memorable lines

Han: We are all ready to win, just as we are born knowing only life. It is defeat that you must learn to prepare for.

Williams (Kelly): I don't waste my time with it. When it comes, I won't even notice.

Han: Oh? How so?

Williams: I'll be too busy looking good.

-----

If you want to be "too busy looking good" may I suggest this Enter the Dragon inspired Jim Kelly "Williams" t-shirt based on the Black (Kenpo) Karate Federation cobra logo which appears briefly on the wall in a flashback dojo scene in the film. 

https://www.bathroomwall.com/products/enter-the-dragon-inspired-williams-jim-kelly-kung-fu?variant=8035137191964

Kenpo Kards

EPAKS Guide to the Kenpo Kards (Kindle Edition)

(from Amazon.com)

This book will guide you to an understanding of how the Kenpo Kards can help enhance and invigorate your workouts. It delves deep into every aspect and detail of the Kenpo Kards. Each feature and use is explained and illustrated in a clear and concise manner.

This book is designed to open many avenues of understanding and use of the Kenpo Kards. And through that new understanding, open new doors into exploring and comprehending the many concepts, theories, and principles of American Kenpo.

This book is a must for American Kenpo practitioners of all ages, ranks, and experience!

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kenpo+kards&crid=2JKGH2JJJDUJF&sprefix=kenpo+kard%2Caps%2C152&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

The full version of the revolutionary Kenpo Kards app is now available for Android!

This app has the ability to sort, study, and browse the Kenpo Kards in numerous ways. It even has the ability to call out the list of sorted Kards, so that you and (a) partner(s) can practice along as the list is played for you.

Here is a list of some of the things you can do:

* study all kards individually

* find and study a specific kard

* pick from a list of kards to study

* sort the kards based upon multiple features / aspects of a technique

* choose only the kards you practice

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=epaks+kenpo&i=digital-text&crid=2SK25HYXXZRTT&sprefix=epaks+kenpo%2Cdigital-text%2C121&ref=nb_sb_noss

You can still get the original physical Kenpo Kards (at least I think they are the actual physical cards) through the EPAKS official website. 

The physical cards will run you about $120.00 total where the digital version will run you about $30.00, however there were a couple of comments on Amazon saying that the App is kind of old and clunky and maybe a waste of money. 

If you are interested in the product you might want to go big or go home and just get the actual book and cards.

https://kenpokards.com/kards-catalog.php

They will call anything Kempo these days

These AI generated images are really getting dumb. I thought AI was supposed to be smart.

It literally got nothing correct.

Horrible neutral bow stances, no heel to toe alignment, hand placement is debatable, and for some odd reason they are all looking over into the corner of the room instead of up front.  

There are a couple of brown belts in front of the black belts, (black belts should be up front), I don't see any black gi's anywhere, and what is up with the aikido lady wearing her hakama?

This is not kenpo.

Kenpojoe's kenpo patch collection (explanation and update)

A fun video by Kenpo Joe Rebelo going over his kenpo patch collection. 

He has probably well over 100 patches!