Sunday, June 26, 2022

Web of Knowledge - Green belt

 Web of Knowledge: Green


Grabs and Tackles:

obscure claws

menacing twirl

conquering shield

intercepting the ram


Pushes:

encounter with danger

leap from danger


Punches:

circling destruction

circles of protection

taming the mace

kneel of compulsion

glancing wing

back breaker


Kicks:

detour from doom

circle of doom


Hugs and Holds:

squatting sacrifice

broken gift

twirling sacrifice


Locks and Chokes:

escape from death

heavenly ascent

cross of death


Weapons:

brushing the storm

capturing the storm

securing the storm

clipping the storm



Web of Knowledge - Blue belt

 Web of Knowledge: Blue


Grabs and Tackles:

begging hands

racking mace

crossed twigs

gripping talon

broken ram


Pushes:

thrusting wedge

snaking talons

twist of fate


Punches:

flashing wings

shield and mace

flashing mace

gathering clouds

circling the horizon


Kicks:

hugging pendulum

retreating pendulum 


Hugs and Holds:

repeating devastation 

tripping arrow

gift of destiny 


Locks and Chokes:

entangled wing

fallen cross

wings of silk

destructive twins


Weapons:

defying the storm 

returning storm

Web of Knowledge - Purple belt

 Web of Knowledge: Purple


Grabs and Tackles:

charging ram

darting mace

obscure sword

obscure wing

twin kimono

twirling wings


Pushes:

snapping twig

parting wings

hooking wings


Punches:

leaping crane

thundering hammers

shield and sword

sleeper

reversing mace

raining claw


Kicks:

swinging pendulum 


Hugs and Holds:

crushing hammer

squeezing the peach

gift in return

spiraling twig

thrusting prongs

crashing wings


Locks and Chokes:

captured leaves

circling wing

bow of compulsion

cross of destruction

flight to freedom

locked wing

twisted twig


Weapons:

evading the storm

calming the storm

obstructing the storm 



Web of Knowledge - Orange belt

 Web of Knowledge: Orange


Grabs and Tackles:

clutching feathers

lone kimono

crossing talon


Pushes:

triggered salute

glancing salute

repeating mace


Punches:

dance of death

five swords 

shielding hammer


Kicks:

thrusting salute

buckling branch


Hugs and Holds:

gift of destruction

scraping hoof

striking serpent's head


Locks and Chokes:

locking horns

grip of death


Weapons:


Web of Knowledge - Yellow belt

Web of Knowledge : Yellow 


Grabs and Tackles:

sword and hammer

mace of aggression 

delayed sword


Pushes:

alternating maces


Punches:

sword of destruction

attacking mace


Kicks:

deflecting hammer


Hugs and Holds:

captured twigs


Locks and Chokes:

grasp of death


Weapons:

checking the storm


Saturday, June 25, 2022

Web of Knowledge

(recently posted on Facebook by Mr. Ron ChapĂ©l)

In studying the nature of an attack, you must learn to:

(1) identify, define and classify the types of encounters you may find yourself in;
(2) thoroughly scrutinize the various methods in which weapons (natural or otherwise) can be employed; and (3) instinctively determine your choice of action in successfully combating the numerous types of encounters with which you may be confronted.
When identifying the nature of an attack, you must first ascertain whether trouble is:
(1) eminent in the ENVIRONMENT you are entering;
(2) then anticipate the possibility of an encounter; and
(3) eliminate the element of surprise. Although the type of action you encounter may surprise you, you would, nevertheless, be prepared to instinctively utilize your knowledge regardless of the predicament. Again, at this stage, strategy and plans for defense and offense are not thought of consciously -- they occur naturally.
Defining the predicament involves classifying and categorizing the various types of attack. Utilizing this approach makes classification a useful tool when you are categorizing and defining the attack. Answers are more appropriately geared to attack situations when they are categorized into topics such as:
1. Grabs and Tackles
2. Pushes
3. Punches
4. Kicks
5. Holds and Hugs
6. Locks and Chokes
7. Weapons
8. Multiple Attacks
While these categories become extremely helpful in defining the attack, they, nevertheless, are general categories. Specific detailing is needed since there are numerous methods of executing the techniques listed in each category. In the determination to classify and categorize the various types of attacks in a logical and systematic order we were prompted to create the WEB OF KNOWLEDGE.
In Ed Parker's words, "The idea for the WEB OF KNOWLEDGE came to me thirty two years ago in Hawaii as I observed a spider constructing a web. As I watched the spider meticulously build this ingenious trap for his survival, I attempted to parallel the principles of this construction with the learning of the Martial Arts. From this design created by our Supreme Being, I pondered about how it could be used as a beneficial trap: a trap that would be an aid in retaining Martial Arts' knowledge. Surely, if a web is primarily a trap to ensnare victims, why couldn't a similar structure be used to ensnare knowledge? As I began to develop the concept, I pondered about topics that could be studied. What knowledge was the web to contain and what order of priority would it follow? Would the topics of study vary from one belt level to another? If so, what belonged where? Such unanswered questions did not make it easy to create and organize a progressive plan utilizing a WEB OF KNOWLEDGE. Through trial and error, I arrived at what I thought to be an equitable solution. I categorized the web into prime topics of concern and arranged the course into what I considered progressive."
The Web is prioritized according to the degree of difficulty in handling an attack:
1. Grabs and Tackles -- The beginning student should have a good chance against a grab where the opponent does not instantly plan a punch. Without an immediate follow-up, a grab is basically inactive.
2. Pushes -- Because of the forward momentum of pushes, they require more timing than grabs, but not as much as the required timing for a punch.
3. Punches -- Still a greater degree of timing is required to defend against a punch due to the faster speed and force of a punch.
4. Kicks -- Not only do kicks require timing, but they have potentially greater power than punches -- thus making them more dangerous.
5. Holds and Hugs -- These in turn are more difficult because of the restriction of body movement and the limited number of available weapons and targets. There is a real danger of being taken to the ground.
6. Chokes and Locks -- These are more dangerous than Holds and Hugs because they have the potential of causing broken limbs and even instant death.
7. Weapons -- The timing and power associated with weapons easily rates them as being the most difficult to handle. Your opponent has a range advantage with a high probability of serious injury or death.
8. Multiple Attacks -- Defense against multiple attacks requires skill and strategy. Being attacked by more than one opponent increases the probability of serious injury or death and, therefore, should be viewed as being equivalent to a single attacker well versed in the use of a weapon.
Careful examination of the techniques required in each of the belt levels will reveal that the topics listed above are in the exact order in which they are introduced to you. While all belt levels up through Green Belt, follow the same sequence of topics, there are noticeable omissions of attack sequences. The omission of various attacks within the sequence may be due to the frequency of different attacks. Lower belt requirements may stress more grabs, punches, hugs, or holds since there is a greater probability of encountering these types of attacks rather than kicks. Secondly, beginners are not equipped to make kicking techniques work because of their limited experience.
Besides understanding the relative difficulty and danger of various attacks, you should explore related usages for the Web by visualizing and categorizing the various attacks according to direction, method, path, dimension, and angle of delivery or execution. For example, a punch might be delivered with a left or right hand, in a linear or circular motion while employing a variety of methods. Such methods of execution may:
(1) create straight, hook, or roundhouse punches; (2) employ related methods in the form of a cross, jab, uppercut, chop, rake, or thrust type punches; or they may require (3) delivering punches with the rear or lead hand while in a stationary position, shuffling, or using a step through maneuver; or (4) by using combinations of the same. All methods of punching, grabbing, pushing, etc., and their combinations should be studied. The greater your knowledge of existing methods, the greater your repertoire of knowledge -- all Of which lessens your chances of being surprised. All motions that have been discussed may be compatibly inserted into the UNIVERSAL PATTERN™.
In time you will learn that a specific technique used for a right-hand grab may be suitably or identically used for a right hand push or punch. It may require altering the timing of your action, but you, nevertheless, would still employ the identical technique pattern. When the structure of a technique allows for identical use against each of the types of linear motion mentioned, spontaneity is proportionately increased. There is no hesitation in deciding which technique to use, you simply respond to the action without deviating from the prescribed pattern. The substitution of a knife, however, would undoubtedly alter your technique pattern. Sophisticated strategy would be needed to control your opponent's actions. Naturally, logic should always dictate your need to alter, reduce, expand, or substitute your movements to increase your chances of success. Included here are 4 blank Webs. Study the outline of the previous Web and fill in a Web for Yellow, Orange, Purple, and Blue. Please use a pencil as you more than likely will make a few errors in filling in the Webs. Remember when filling in the Web that a spider weaves its web from the outside into the center.
In addition, a progressive list of techniques, according to the nature of the attack is provided. If properly used it can be a valuable tool in developing your spontaneity.

Monday, June 20, 2022

Z Ultimate learning center website

 A good idea by Z-Ultimate, a learning center website where students can go and watch videos of their techniques and forms, as well as read a student workbook.



Get a JUMP START on your next belt!

The Learning Center is an exclusive “Members Only” website, devoted to helping students at all levels retain and strengthen their Z-Ultimate Martial Arts training material.


All of our online videos are performed by Senior Instructors of the Z-Ultimate Board of Masters.


You can use the website to view videos on how the techniques are performed and review each individual move that is broken down for you in our exclusive online Student Workbook.


Check it out TODAY at http://zultimatelearningcenter.com

Saturday, June 18, 2022

The Kenpo Creed Explored

by Ian Lauer - black belt magazine - June 2, 2022

The Kenpo Creed was originally penned by Grandmaster Ed Parker for American Kenpo practitioners. Since then, it has been assimilated by other martial arts and used as their creed as well. As with many things we say regularly, we frequently recite them mindlessly and rarely take the time to digest and embrace the true message behind the words. Before delving into what the pledge means to us in today’s world, let’s take a moment to review the Kenpo pledge verbatim.

The Creed:

“I come to you with only karate, empty hands. I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong, then here are my weapons, Karate; my empty hands.”
Now that we have reviewed the pledge, let’s take a deeper look.

“I come to you with only karate, empty hands.”
This refers to how we approach any given person on any given day. We live each day with the goal of peace. People and situations are to be met with serenity and calm. Karate literally translates as “empty hand” as is further clarified immediately following within the pledge. This reinforces that we hope our presence is seen as a positive meeting and not misunderstood as an aggressive encounter. Depending on the situation, we prefer to literally or figuratively extend our open hand in greeting.

“…I have no weapons…”
The desire for peaceful encounters is further elaborated on by specifying “I have no weapons,” I do not take this literally. The reason being, as seen later, we refer to our hands themselves as weapons. Instead, I take the meaning of “I have no weapons” as a way of showing how we carry ourselves and what we present to others in any given situation. We take reasonable steps to avoid physical conflict by adhering to this approach. At this point however, we must clarify within our own mind that there is indeed a line that must not be crossed. The question we must ask ourselves is: Where is that line?

“…but should I be forced to defend myself…”
Obviously, if someone physically attacks us, they have crossed that line and we must defend ourselves. There is no other reasonable option. However, it's not unless we are “forced to defend” ourselves through physicality that we must move beyond the “empty hands and no weapons” portion of our pledge of how to live as a Kenpoist. So, beyond obvious personal physical attacks, what are the reasons we may be forced?

“…my principles or my honor…”
Over the years, one of my instructors told me to consider situations ahead of time and decide what level of force I would be willing to use to defend myself or others in different situations. This is sage advice. You might be wondering why? Allow me to clarify. If the moment arises, you must not be in your head mulling over what to do. You must act with decisiveness. This is why I strongly recommend you take the time to determine what your true guiding principles are and what you are willing to do to adhere to them. For instance, let’s assume that you don’t believe a person should assault a senior citizen. This being the case, decide today at what level you would intervene should you see this happening.
When it comes to “honor” we must tread carefully. An excellent book, “Living the Martial Way,” discusses honor in detail. I highly recommend reading it and coming to your own understanding of honor. That said, I’m not going to pretend to tell you how you should define “your honor” in every possible circumstance. I will instead just say that we all must pay special attention to make sure we are not mistaking what we may call “honor” with our ego. Honor is much bigger than any one of us individually or another’s perception of us and is to be defended, when necessary, selflessly.

“…should it be a matter of life or death…”
This is a much simpler decision to make that goes back to the original example of someone physically attacking you. If you find your life or that of another person is at risk and you can help, then using whatever means necessary to defend yourself or others makes perfect sense.

“…of right or wrong…”
I have found that these words tend to be a bit more ambiguous and open to interpretation. For instance, if you see someone stealing a candy bar, you know that is wrong and convincing them to put it back would be right. However, beating up a thief that has stolen a $1.50 piece of chocolate is not necessarily the right thing to do. This again goes back to mentally working through many scenarios in your head before they become a reality and predetermining your reactions with a cool and collected mind.
What severity of action requires your physical reaction?

“…then here are my weapons, Karate; my empty hands.”
Should a peaceful resolution be off the table and your hand be forced, then you must make use of the skills you have honed over your years of preparation. As mentioned before, take the time now to decide what level of response is necessary for as many different scenarios as you may possibly face.
I hope that this discussion has given you some insight and made you rethink your Kenpo creed or the guiding creed that your martial art employs. Whatever you take from this article, please remember that physical force is always the last resort of the true martial artist.

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Kenpo artwork by Joe Pingleton

"Spirit of the Tiger and the Dragon"