“To enlighten and evolve through the art of Kenpo”
| Volume 12 |
March 2007 |
Issue 1 |
From The President...
Basics and Transitions
Basics and Transitions
by Gurujodha Singh Khalsa
Kenpo means law of the fist. Hence it can be concluded that there are certain laws —principles and concepts which if followed will lead to proficiency and eventual mastery of the system.
Back in 5th or 6th grade when I was doing complex fractions, one of the strategies for solving complex problems was to reduce the problem to its lowest common denominator. This process put the problem in a simplified and more “do-able” format for easy understanding and resolution. There were certain laws, or rules, for reducing fractions. Following these rules/laws led to the right answer, not following the rules/laws led to the wrong answer. I learned a lot about life from fractions.
This strategy of logical grouping can be used for the study or mastery of any subject, particularly Kenpo Karate as taught by Senior Grand Master Ed Parker. In fact the way Mr. Parker organized the system is predicated on the assumption that the advanced student/instructor will take it upon him/herself to organize the system based on common denominators such as master key moves, family moves, and the web of knowledge. Organizing the system on this basis makes it much easier to “chunk it down” and see the relationship between aspects of the system. This in turn facilitates systematic learning, enhances understanding and opens up avenues for the student to develop creative and spontaneous solutions based upon an understanding of the fundamental laws contained in the system.
Basics and Transitions:
One way to look at Kenpo is that it is nothing more than “Basics” and “Transitions”. Understanding this concept and related corollaries makes execution of self-defense techniques, forms, sets and freestyle more powerful and effective.
Definitions:
Basics in the system are defined as Stances, Foot Maneuvers, Blocks, Strikes, Punches, Kicks and Specialized Moves such as falling, jumping and rolling. Ed Parker self-defense techniques are sophisticated, logical groupings of basics designed to address a specific type of attack.
Transition loosely defined is change or movement through a series of events. Transition in Kenpo terms, however, may be defined as the conscious sequential flow through a series of basics based upon Kenpo principles and concepts specifically designed and tailored by the practitioner to address the present situation at hand in neutralizing violent and/or aggressive behavior in the most effective and economical (in terms of thought, word and applied motion) fashion possible. This Kenpo definition of transition clearly has application to much more than the study and use of Karate and is a principal reason why Kenpo is a “life” art and not just a martial art.
An examination of Ed Parker self-defense techniques supports the thesis that Kenpo can viewed as basics and transitions. Using the first technique of the system as a test case the following is revealed:
Delayed Sword (for a right hand lapel grab)
The first technique learned is composed of the following basics: Stances-natural stance, right neutral bow, right front cat stance; Kicks-right front snapping ball kick; Blocks-right inward block; Strikes-right outward hand sword; Foot maneuvers ½ reverse step thru or step back.
First corollary to the law of Basics and Transitions:
Strong effective techniques require strong effective basics. The execution and effectiveness of a technique is only as good as the execution of the practitioner’s basics. If your stances, foot maneuvers, blocks, punches, kicks and strikes are not strong, well- developed, and precise, the effectiveness of any given technique is reduced and/or nullified.
So, if in Delayed Sword your right neutral bow or cat stance lacks balance or proper formation it will reduce your capability to execute the technique with power and precision. Likewise if your foot while executing the ball kick or your hand while executing the outward hand sword is ill formed, not only is the effectiveness of the technique minimized but you could cause injury to yourself.
Second corollary to the law of Basics and Transitions:
The second corollary is that the power is in the transition between the basics. This in my opinion is where motion is mastered and elements of “motion wizardry” as evidenced by Mr. Parker can be experienced. This is because it is in the transition between basics where you employ (singly or in concert) the three primary methods of generating power in Kenpo: marriage of gravity, rotational torque, and back-up mass; where you explore and experience the three states of motion — solid, liquid and gaseous —and put it all together with economy of motion (which includes but is not limited to timing, target-weapon harmony, angle of deviation and entry relative to angle of attack and reverse and opposite motion). To the extent that one develops the habitual, intuitive and spontaneous application of these transitional elements in executing Kenpo self-defense techniques, the effectiveness of the technique is magnified exponentially while the exertion level is minimized. In other words you get more bang (a lot more) for your buck if you can consciously apply these principles and concepts.
Revisiting Delayed Sword this second corollary becomes very clear.
Delayed sword begins in natural stance. Next you “drop back” into a right neutral bow and execute a right inward block against the opponent’s forearm. Dropping back from a natural stance into a right neutral bow is a transition. How do you generate power sufficient to dislodge the grab, create pain and cause injury to your opponent? By stepping back and ROTATING into a right neutral bow. This allows you to 1) pull your opponent off his center (step back) and 2) deliver the inward block with power using the rotational torque of your hips in conjunction with the application of the block to generate explosive power.
Hence the power is in the transition between the natural stance and right neutral bow. To the extent that you are consciously conscious of using the principle of rotational torque as you transition from a natural stance to a right neutral bow, the effectiveness of the right inward block will be enhanced and your exertion level will be minimized.
Note a properly formed natural stance with your feet exactly shoulder width apart allows you to step straight back with your left foot and rotate into your right neutral bow, this allows maximum hip rotation and results in perfect toe-heel alignment. If we incorporate the concept of body fusion, into the execution of the right inward block we can experience that while our forearm is the body part making contact with the opponent the force is generated by the entire body hence an exponential impact effect is created with minimized physical exertion.
Finally, if we look at the transition between the execution of the front snapping ball kick and the execution of the outward hand sword to the opponent’s neck which ends Delayed Sword, we see that the power and effectiveness of the hand sword is magnified by the use of marriage of gravity. As we plant from the kick into a right neutral bow we drop our weight simultaneously with the execution of the hand sword. Note, if we also utilize proper breathing and energetic projection to create a “quadruple whammy” effect the true power and effectiveness of Kenpo can be realized.
In conclusion this simple concept of basics and transitions can be applied to Kenpo self-defense techniques, forms, sets, and freestyle. Go into your Kenpo laboratory and mentally take apart each Kenpo self-defense technique to examine the basics included in the technique and re-assemble the technique paying special attention to the sequence (order and combination) of basics relative to the attack and the transition between basics to see and experience where the elements of back-up mass, marriage of gravity and rotational torque are applied. Investigate how to use economy of motion (i.e. moving from point of origin, body fusion, and outer rim theory) to shorten the transitional time frame between execution of basics in a technique. Have your own “A Ha” moment. For me the concept of Basics and Transitions is simple but sophisticated and when internalized and applied can enhance the Kenpo experience.
- “Mr. K”
Gurujodha S. Khalsa