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Kenpo Crutches

by Arlo Chan, Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate Yellow Belt

Because of knee problems, I hadn’t attended class for six months.  As seemingly foolish as it might have been to have both knees operated on at the same time, I was anxious to get the surgeries over with and get on with healing so I could get back to Kenpo, among other things in my life.

Before I could walk again unaided, I had an epiphany, which I call, “Kenpo Crutches.”  I decided to learn practical self defense without the normal use of my legs. After all, life goes on.  Anything could happen, whether I was on crutches or not.  If I were an actor in a movie, I could say to an assailant, “Could you hold that thought for a few months, so I can come back and kick your butt?!?”  In the real world, the only time is now, so I wanted to be prepared.

When I discussed my idea with Mr. Hawkins, he said he had worked with many people recovering from injuries, but never anyone while they were still actually using crutches.  I could tell he liked both the idea and the challenge.  I also discussed the idea with Mr. Khalsa, as I knew he specialized in cane and stick techniques.  He was equally enthusiastic to work with me.

So far, I have learned “lock flow” from Mr. Hawkins -- a progressive series of joint locks (finger, wrist, elbow and shoulder) which do not require much leg strength or movement, and the basics of cane and stick techniques from Mr. Khalsa.  However, the most important thing that I’ve learned from such high level Kenpoists is mind set.

For me, Kenpo is about preparedness.  The foremost aspect of preparedness is awareness.  The more we are aware of our environment, the better we can prepare to move freely and safely within that environment.  By studying self defense while physically less than 100%, I have increased awareness of both my surroundings and my limitations.

I’m not a tough guy, eager to “take on all comers.”  Kenpo is not about being better or tougher than someone else.  There will always be someone better or tougher than me.  Neither is it about perfection.  Yes, we should strive to perform our techniques perfectly, but we should never get caught up in thinking that we, or life, can be perfect.

“Kenpo Crutches” is my mind set.  It is an acceptance of who I am and of what I am capable right now.  Not sometime in the future when my techniques and katas are perfect.  Not someday when I can devote eight hours a day, six days a week to work on my Kenpo.  What I have learned from my esteemed teachers is that the ultimate goal of Kenpo is not simply learning self-defense.  It is learning to live a better life.  Thus, my lessons are not about self defense, but about Life.  Thank you, Mr. Hawkins.  Thank you, Mr. Khalsa.

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