Comments by Ron Chapel on Kenpotalk forum about Directional Integrity and other kenpo terms

(kenpotalk.com 8-5-18)

One of the things I learned from Mr. Parker is the importance of terminology and vocabulary that "makes sense" and translates into ideas and principles anyone can understand with a minimum explanation. This discussion was prompted by some of the many terms he had chosen for his conceptual Kenpo Karate. I personally took issue with terms like "gravitational marriage." I surmised, "We're always married to gravity unless we leave the earth for weightlessness only found in space." He said, "Of course, you're right, but in this instance, with this vehicle, we aren't talking about true science." He went on to explain that Kenpo Karate was more pseudo-science or para-science, and his only goal was to convey an idea to a student. Gravitational Marriage served it's purpose for most by getting them to understand they needed to allow gravity to work for them by using your own body weight when striking.

However, when you move to another level of thinking and away from loose concepts, you must have a level of specificity that is transportable in science terms while still conveying the proper message and ideas. A good example from my system would be the Platform Aligning Mechanism or P.A.M. SOme might equate this with gravitational marriage expressed in a slightly different way. However, the term literally speaks for itself in that it describes the function of the action while teaching the transfer of weight much like "gravitational marriage." Therefore it is easy to explain the grand purpose that makes the minor application effective. "You do this, to get this, which will in turn get you this."

Anatomical Energy is an interesting term that may be expressed positively or negatively, but neither gives any insight into what it does or how it is accomplished. Truth is most of the intelligent experienced guys on this forum could easily decipher its meaning and/or intent. But, the intent of terminology and vocabulary is to convey information and insight to those who are uneducated. It does no good to make up terms that make us sound smarter while ignoring our goal and supporting the task of teaching. If we don't actually teach, then what we know and do will die and only remain in some semblance shell of what we know.

One of the many things the "Old Man" pounded (literally) into me.