(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.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Mark Tracy teaching at Dallas Texas seminar
(photo from the Chamberlain Studios of Self Defense Facebook page, 7-14-18)
Mark Tracy teaching at a seminar in Dallas recently.
I like the writing on the back of the gi as well.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
IKKA Facebook page cover photo
EST. 1960 is what stood out to me when I first saw this cover photo on the IKKA's Facebook page.
The 60th anniversary will be coming up in just over a year. I wonder if they might do something special to commemorate it.
Monday, July 30, 2018
Eight Hands of the Leopard
Very similar to American Kenpo Karate's "Five Swords".
There has been some cross-pollenization somewhere along the way with Mr. Parker's kenpo and USSD's kenpo.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Language Analogy
(by Ron Chapel Ph. D. kenpotalk.com 7-22-18)
You learn to talk, then you learn your ABCs, then you learn to write or script. Phonetics, alphabet, print, write, shorthand. Kenpo Training based on “Motion” is a concept that is the “phonetic phase” of learning Mr. Parker’s commercial system.
But let’s not forget, just because you can say the word, doesn't mean you can spell it, or know its true meaning. Every phase builds upon the previous skills and knowledge acquired.
However, each level if learned in proper sequence is capable of standing alone as a workable segment of the whole. Those who have obtained superiority in Kenpo based on the “Motion Concept” are on their way to moving to new heights of skill and knowledge.
But be aware, once you leave “Motion Kenpo,” the freedom and flexibility you had to move, alter, and change does not re-surface until you have absorbed the lesson of the other Phases and restructured fundamentals to satisfy an advanced criterion.
When you "say" the word, there is some measure of flexibility in how you choose to pronounce it. When you learn your ABC’s and spell the word, there is one way. You cannot change the ABC’s or how you choose to spell the word.
Each level of Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate has its own ranks and certifications. It is important to understand you do not lose any ranks achieved on previous levels. But, like a Ph.D. in Education who decides to move to an another/different level and become a medical surgeon, you must learn the basics and fundamentals associated with the new level of skills you wish to obtain.
Therefore, each rank, like each level of knowledge and skills, builds and grows upon the previous level. I have had people approach me to learn the “nerve strikes” or manipulations in Kenpo. They don’t understand, without a defined base technique, I can only teach Ed Parker’s “tricks.” To truly learn, you need a well designed and structure delivery system.
In other words, you must learn the techniques at the next level. These techniques then evolve into all aspects of the system. The hard part in “Kenpo” is when you leave the level of art (motion) and move to the level of science (biomechanical) execution. In my own teaching, there is no transition because I teach sound bio-mechanically from the beginning. Therefore there are only stages in the biomechanical hierarchy as one progresses.
Techniques and execution become more precise. Therefore the level of commitment to obtaining skills and certifications are higher and more demanding. But, that has always been the case as you move up in any field of endeavor. From high school, to college to grad school, to professorship. In our educational system, many are content and satisfied with a bachelors degree, then they focus on other aspects of their lives and career.
Others choose however to move to grad school and beyond. It’s about choices. However, feel content that whatever level you choose, you have made significant accomplishments. It is a given in life, the higher you go, the harder it gets, and the fewer the people you will find there.
Kenpo based on Motion is only the concept that is the beginning for those who either chose to begin there or didn’t recognize there is a higher place to start. The former prevails because it is more user-friendly and therefore more commercially viable.
Some have mistakenly thought it was THE system. We live in a society that's wants everything right now. We think 5 or 10 years invested in the martial arts is a lot. We forget, in education, 10 years is nothing. You're not even a senior in high school.
There are old men in China still studying and learning. In this country, we want everything fast. Fast food, fast cars, fast martial arts. We complain because we get a fast black belt in a few years, and get upset because someone says we don't know everything. Many in Motion-based Kenpo are as high school seniors. They know everything and the old teachers just don’t understand how it really works.
After over sixty-one years as a practitioner and teacher, I’m still learning and extrapolating information from the foundation created in me by my teachers. The one thing I know more than anything else is, I still have much to learn whether it is from a layperson, another black belt, or the lowest of white belts. Everyone and anybody can be the catalyst that triggers a perspective previously unrecognized, that leads to knowledge gold. My teacher both, (Ark Wong, and Ed Parker Sr.) were perpetual students, and so am I.
You learn to talk, then you learn your ABCs, then you learn to write or script. Phonetics, alphabet, print, write, shorthand. Kenpo Training based on “Motion” is a concept that is the “phonetic phase” of learning Mr. Parker’s commercial system.
But let’s not forget, just because you can say the word, doesn't mean you can spell it, or know its true meaning. Every phase builds upon the previous skills and knowledge acquired.
However, each level if learned in proper sequence is capable of standing alone as a workable segment of the whole. Those who have obtained superiority in Kenpo based on the “Motion Concept” are on their way to moving to new heights of skill and knowledge.
But be aware, once you leave “Motion Kenpo,” the freedom and flexibility you had to move, alter, and change does not re-surface until you have absorbed the lesson of the other Phases and restructured fundamentals to satisfy an advanced criterion.
When you "say" the word, there is some measure of flexibility in how you choose to pronounce it. When you learn your ABC’s and spell the word, there is one way. You cannot change the ABC’s or how you choose to spell the word.
Each level of Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate has its own ranks and certifications. It is important to understand you do not lose any ranks achieved on previous levels. But, like a Ph.D. in Education who decides to move to an another/different level and become a medical surgeon, you must learn the basics and fundamentals associated with the new level of skills you wish to obtain.
Therefore, each rank, like each level of knowledge and skills, builds and grows upon the previous level. I have had people approach me to learn the “nerve strikes” or manipulations in Kenpo. They don’t understand, without a defined base technique, I can only teach Ed Parker’s “tricks.” To truly learn, you need a well designed and structure delivery system.
In other words, you must learn the techniques at the next level. These techniques then evolve into all aspects of the system. The hard part in “Kenpo” is when you leave the level of art (motion) and move to the level of science (biomechanical) execution. In my own teaching, there is no transition because I teach sound bio-mechanically from the beginning. Therefore there are only stages in the biomechanical hierarchy as one progresses.
Techniques and execution become more precise. Therefore the level of commitment to obtaining skills and certifications are higher and more demanding. But, that has always been the case as you move up in any field of endeavor. From high school, to college to grad school, to professorship. In our educational system, many are content and satisfied with a bachelors degree, then they focus on other aspects of their lives and career.
Others choose however to move to grad school and beyond. It’s about choices. However, feel content that whatever level you choose, you have made significant accomplishments. It is a given in life, the higher you go, the harder it gets, and the fewer the people you will find there.
Kenpo based on Motion is only the concept that is the beginning for those who either chose to begin there or didn’t recognize there is a higher place to start. The former prevails because it is more user-friendly and therefore more commercially viable.
Some have mistakenly thought it was THE system. We live in a society that's wants everything right now. We think 5 or 10 years invested in the martial arts is a lot. We forget, in education, 10 years is nothing. You're not even a senior in high school.
There are old men in China still studying and learning. In this country, we want everything fast. Fast food, fast cars, fast martial arts. We complain because we get a fast black belt in a few years, and get upset because someone says we don't know everything. Many in Motion-based Kenpo are as high school seniors. They know everything and the old teachers just don’t understand how it really works.
After over sixty-one years as a practitioner and teacher, I’m still learning and extrapolating information from the foundation created in me by my teachers. The one thing I know more than anything else is, I still have much to learn whether it is from a layperson, another black belt, or the lowest of white belts. Everyone and anybody can be the catalyst that triggers a perspective previously unrecognized, that leads to knowledge gold. My teacher both, (Ark Wong, and Ed Parker Sr.) were perpetual students, and so am I.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
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