We as Martial Artists

     We as Martial Artists and warriors should not merely be self-centered takers, focused solely upon or own promotion and or accomplishments. We must as well be sacrificing givers—enriching and enlightening the world, and yes when needed enforcing justice through our warrior honed skills and tactics.

     We need to be far more like wise “Dragons” than mere ferocious tigers—and this can only be accomplished through our Spiritual development and growth and a commitment to "Qualities of Character"(1) such as, “Humility…Loyalty…Integrity…Honor…Mercy and Discipline.”(2)

(1) Mr. +Shaun Damon Hagler 1^st Degree Jr. Instructor of the Arts

(2) Mr. +Todd Durgan 7^th Degree Senior Professor of the Arts

The Spiritual component of the Martial Arts

     I will not digress into a diatribe upon religion, for this is not my intent with this composition—I desire to discuss and actually emphasize the omission of Spirituality in society and in particular the Martial Arts. There seems in our world today to acquiesce to a wantonness to appear to be religious, rather than actually being Spiritual, and thus Spirituality is lost.

     Even within the Martial Arts community, a microcosm of society as a whole, the Spiritual component has been lost. In days of old, Warriors yes honed their physical bodies, but they meditated to improve their Spiritual selves and to become enlightened. They did so as well so that they would internalize not only the physical/combative element of their existence and training, but to as well evolve by internalizing “Qualities of Character”(1) such as:  “Humility…Loyalty, Integrity…honor, Mercy, and Discipline…,”(2) to name a few.   

     Today these qualities are not emphasized nearly as much, and thus not internalized, for this emphasis/component has become downtrodden by a focus upon attaining promotion and rank and or money and praise. The attention to the development of Character—which can only be attained through the Spiritual— for most practitioners, is not highlighted and or not taught at all. Thus, as significant to the development of one as a Warrior as it is, and thus to the whole of the Martial Artist, is lost. Warriors of old were poets, and philosophers, as well as skilled killers. They meditated and worshiped—though we may religiously not ascribe to their philosophies, such as I am Christian, and many of them were Buddhist, the emphasis upon Spirituality was not in one iota overlooked. Furthermore, though my religious beliefs may differ, I can still appreciate, and thus acknowledge that the spiritual component of my training so profoundly affects my mental and physical and thus cannot and shall not be ignored nor neglected. They trained to protect, and defend not merely for fame and or as we sadly tend to be more concerned with tournament victories and belt promotions.

     As well, theirs was the epitome of an, “lay your life on the line,” era in time. When they fought, people were killed and or wounded. They knew someone would die and fought anyway as that was the code, founded upon truth and true honor, by which they lived. Today, ours is more often than not, “a way of,” mindset and inferior approach to training because for many it is not about “life or death,” respect, integrity, honor nor discipline, nor a commitment to excellence in execution of one’s Art. Again, due to the loss of the Spiritual Component, in many cases training more so is a preoccupation with the material trappings of training; trophies, and belt ranks, and the like in addition to pats on the back as being the baddest on the block, or in the Dojo.

     What is your Spiritual depth? Is it as a shallow pool or puddle that has no tributaries in or out of it? Alternatively, is it more as if a running river stemming from a snow covered pristine mountaintop magnifying GOD’S glory and “Qualities of Character”? This pure and wholesome source, so high and elevated, causes that river to flow downhill, enhancing and giving life to all that drink from it, as it travels to the deepest ocean. Moreover, said ocean’s ebbs and flows, which are vaporized by the Sun that return to its original source, that beautiful mountaintop, as falling snow.

     It is time for a resurgence and re-commitment to the Spiritual component—not merely tradition per say, but a re-commitment to logical, sound, wise, practices that will allow for us to maximize and develop our character, skills and bodies as a whole. So that we may become the very best, we can be as people and Martial Artist—for these should not be separate.    

     We as Martial Artist and warriors should not merely be self-centered takers, focused solely upon or own promotion and or accomplishments. We must as well be sacrificing givers—enriching and enlightening the world, and yes when needed enforcing justice through our warrior honed skills and tactics.

     We need to be far more like wise “Dragons” than mere ferocious tigers—and this can only be accomplished through our Spiritual development and growth and a commitment to "Qualities of Character"(1) such as, “Humility…Loyalty…Integrity…Honor…Mercy and Discipline.”(2)

(1) Mr. +Shaun Damon Hagler  1^st Degree Jr. Instructor of the Arts

(2) Mr. +Todd Durgan 7^th Degree Senior Professor of the Arts

Conceptualization--Adherence--Practice--Time

 Conceptualization along with understanding of sound-proven concepts and principals, along with understanding, retention of, and adherence to these concepts and principals allows for better execution.       

     Practice, brings about improvement in fluidity and continuity of motion at a faster and higher degree of execution—in addition one becomes more economical in motion and output and thus the return upon/for one’s efforts multiplies.

     Thus, in time, one becomes a “Master of Motion”—not over-night, nor shall just promotion and undeserved stripes on one’s belt attain this.

Thoughts on "Motion"--continued

Execute with purpose...there must be meaning behind your moves, there must be intent...

Let not your moves be "superfluous," or "purely aesthetics" or without intent or "purposeful-less." These are examples of "wasted motion" in many regards, which in turn is wasted energy and time, and in combat these are not positives, they increase the probability of one being defeated.

The articulation of your weapons as well comes to mind:

·         Your hand in a punch, are you striking with the two major knuckles?  

·         Your foot in a kick; is it the ball, the heel, or the blade used and thus conveys clearly even what type of kick  it is?

For that matter:

·         Your footwork, blocks, parries, etc., all motion and movements should be clear, defined, and refined.

All these convey your will/desire—that is what “you,” desire to do to your opponent and cause to happen—these are conveyed through the display of execution. As is your retention, comprehension and understanding in regards to the principals and concepts of motion.

Your proper execution and articulation demonstrates as well depth, training, commitment, and devotion and sacrifice—for one does not  mature in regards to execution/motion, and graduate to a higher level without these qualities. 

Reflections stemming from a conversation with a young student

     While on my nature walk with my 6-year-old nephew today he asks me, “Uncle what belt comes after white belt?”—so of course, we begin to discuss the multiple belt rankings in the American Kenpo System and that as well if he does not practice more, he will be a white belt until he is 25 and that it will be quite a while before he would be eligible for Black. After our laugh, and discussion as well of his most recent material, he shares with me that there is a kid in his class who is a Black-belt, and likes to pick fights with the kids in his class and the school.

     His words not mine—“I told the kid that he feels he needs to prove that he is tough just because he has a Black-belt, and that I wouldn’t fight him to prove I was tough just because I don’t have one. You always tell us we only fight when we have too, and that we better not ever use Kenpo to pick on people.”

     I shared  with my Nephew and student, what I hope to be where comforting words, that of course he can always talk with me about anything in addition to his parents and Grandma, and that he should not worry as the Kenpo he knows now, he can use to protect himself. I told him if you cannot get away to tell a teacher or adult, if you need to, you fight back. That, when unable to get to a teacher or adult for help, if this kid attempts to pick on, or hold him down and hit, and or kick him that it is o.k., to protect himself.

     No, I am not encouraging my Nephew to fight; I am encouraging my Nephew and student to hone his ability within, and confidence and belief in Kenpo and his using it to protect himself and stand for right. Through Kenpo, I as his Uncle and Instructor am helping him to become not only a better, confident, young man, but also a better Human being.  As I am also helping him to grow, and mature and come to realistic perspectives and terms with the world we, live in. For those that may disagree and argue that I am encouraging him to fight I pose this question—Is it not the foremost responsibility and duty of an Instructor to prepare their student(s) for that which they will encounter in the world, both outside of and inside of the Dojo? I answer with an emphatic, “Yes it is,” and thus conclude it is our responsibility to equip them with realistic, applicable, and practical “Self-Defense” theories, concepts, perspectives, and actions—whatever System we are teaching and thus, “training” them in. We should be as well endeavoring to encourage and nurture their growth, and striving for growth for ourselves in the areas of “Mind, Body, and Spirit,”—Mentally, Physically and Spiritually/Emotionally. If we are not doing this, we are not doing our utmost as Instructors and are truly ill preparing them, and discrediting ourselves.

     My Instructor, Mr. Todd Durgan, 7^th Degree Black, Senior Professor of the Arts, wrote, spoke, and has emphasized as long as I have known him for 19 years:

"Patience, Loyalty, and Honor should be maintained above all else, we should not allow our paths to a better understanding, to be corrupted by greed for money or rank."
- Mr. Todd Durgan, 7^th Degree Black, Senior Professor of the Arts

     My Nephew’s experiences, furthermore, I argue, validate this—under no circumstance should a 6-year-old be anywhere near having the rank of Black—they are not spiritually, mentally, and thus not emotionally mature enough to handle the responsibility and or comprehend the material required to hold said rank. I mean, if a 6-year-old can see the problem(s), and comprehend that it is not a wise mode/means of action, where does the disconnect in logic and reason and actions occur for some adults/instructors?

     Those Instructors in the Martial Arts who are, need to stop practicing hasty promotions, promoting students without testing them, and thus, disgracing the arts. For, not only does it make them as Instructors and Teachers look like immoral, corrupt, money grabbing degenerates seeking praise and acknowledgement through their students—it does our students and our Systems the greatest disservice.  As it gives them, their students and said Instructor(s), a false sense of accomplishment and security, as well as over inflated egos ascribing to arrogance and haughtiness, rather than integrity, humility, and compassion.

Salute

Thoughts on "Motion"--part 1

     Let your “execution,” (i.e., the physical manner of communication through action(s) displayed, and “articulation,” (i.e., manner of communication through verbal/speech and or sign) of your System speak for you more than, or at least equally to, the "rank" on your belt. Hoping that it actually speaks to you being better than your present rank as you are striving again, to become better than you are presently.

Now by no means am I implying my execution is “perfect,” but I work at it often and scrutinize/criticize myself to bring about improvement, for I strive to execute on/at a higher level—seeking improvement and proper execution except at those times that I am just “walking through” and or “trying to remember” a form and or technique.

     Far too often the disgraceful bastardization, cheapening, and commercialization of American Kenpo caused me to become frustrated and angry—it still does.

I see footage of belt tests and or techniques and or forms and the execution is beyond deplorable, it is sub remedial in some instances…the fact that a person had the audacity to put it on YouTube and then worse promote it as good or exemplary—really? That some put belt test on the internet and clearly, any unbiased witness even of other systems with some knowledge of your system would be able to critique said execution in the negative—one should be ashamed, yet many are not.

     Execute with purpose...there must be meaning behind your movement, there must be intent...

Let not your moves be "superfluous," or "purely aesthetics" or without intent or "purposeful less." These are examples of "wasted motion" in many regards...that in turn is wasted energy and time and in combat these are not positives, they increase the probability of one being defeated. Feints do not fall into this categorization—unless one over or incorrectly uses them, then this too would/should be categorized as "wasted motion, energy, and time."

I am not seeking perfection--I seek to be exemplary

    

        Practice does not make perfect, nor are we seeking perfection. We seek to become exemplary practitioners, technicians, and executioners—surgical and sniper-like. 

   

      Moreover, this is only attained through sacrificial practice, and commitment and dedication, not a seeking of perfection. Is this not equatable to love--A love for the art of Kenpo and a commitment to becoming the best Kenpoist we can become and all that, that entails.

Mr. Chad Warner--Conservation of Energy

9/26/2010

Conservation of Energy

What is the purpose of learning concepts, theories, and principles contained within American Kenpo?  The answer is quite simple really; the idea of learning concepts, theories, and principles allows a Kenpoist to discover what a movement can mean, and how to effectively use several concepts to enhance a movement.  Movements enhanced with the principles allow a Kenpoist to maximize effort and save energy.  Heat is burned energy, and requires replenishment. Therefore, we as Kenpoist strive to reduce energy output and execute efficient movement— also known as, “economy of Motion” which does this.

Simple concepts such as the rounding of corners, where a line ends and the circle begins, allow a Kenpoist to stay in motion.  Why is it important to keep moving once inertial engagement has begun?  To stop a strike requires much more muscle contraction than adding a slight circle and using residual energy to bring the weapon back to a guarding position.  For an easy demonstration, execute a reverse punch in a right neutral bow with your left hand as you pivot into a forward bow.  You have to put on the brakes (contract muscles) so you do not overextend which requires effort.  Add a circle to the end of the line and notice the acceleration on the return because the movement has not been disrupted.

Adding a circle at the end of a strike reduces heat due to minimizing muscle contraction thus reducing fatigue and allowing conservation of energy.  Inertia is now used to bring the weapon back instead of another muscle contraction that burns energy.  American Kenpo uses multiple movements so using the initial movements as a catalyst allows inertia to work when adding a circle at the end of each movement.  Sequential flow requires the practitioner to stay moving without fatiguing muscles and without using unnecessary muscle contractions that create heat and ultimately the loss of energy.

Every single movement redirects energy with a circle at the end to obtain maximum efficiency.  Whenever a strike is on a straight line, whether the weapon be the foot or hand, the circle added to the end will increase return speed and save energy.  It does not matter if the strike hits the target or not because your return is already eminent and planned.  

The use self defense techniques, as a model will show you to plan and execute where the circle is to be placed when hitting targets to feed inertia and maximize the principle.  In Kenpo we talk about relaxing, relaxing is using the least amount of muscle contraction as possible during a sequence.   Fatigue destroys your ability to move quickly and accurately so add circles instead of contracting your muscles and stopping and starting movements.   The cause of fatigue is the effort expended in muscle contraction and the effect is exhaustion, which results in a loss of effectiveness to ensure the outcome of victory in combat.

Chad Warner 3rd Degree Kenpo Black Belt

Tiger & Dragon Kenpo Club Vegas

Mr. Durgan--Developing the Art: "Analytic Study of"

Developing the Art

“Analytic study of”

     The Kenpo system, as fragmented as it has become over these last twenty years since Mr. Parkers death, shows signs of promise in development and growth. Not in size or numbers of people that study it, but the actual progression and development of the system that is Mr. Parker’s Legacy. There are many schools of thought on this but the reality is that while Mr. Parker was alive he was continuously developing and integrating new thoughts and ideas of principle and motion into the model of Kenpo that was most widely taught as with his own personal brand of Kenpo. There are so many different directions that one can go; it is hard to understand how any one “senior” person could have all the answers. This is where some of the bickering and fighting about who is and who is not comes from or has come from in the past. In my opinion they are all correct for the time period or material that was covered with them by Mr. Parker however, he himself said in many of his books that he hoped that people would further endeavor to develop and understand the art thereby helping and cultivating its progression forward going.

     Many people misinterpret personal growth for progress of the art or vice versa. In my relatively short 30+ years in the arts with the last 25 either assisting, teaching, running, or owning a studio, I have had the opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time on and off the matt studying areas of the arts that interest me for one reason or another. With the development of the internet and wide use by martial artists around the globe to showcase their own material and styles, there is little doubt that the arts are both expansive and yet, at the same time seemingly limited in their applications, and unlimited in the various interpretations. While some of my fellow Kenpoist proclaim evolution or progression of the system others say bah it’s only the discovery of things unknown to that individual prior to learning it from some source or believing in discovery.

     There are a couple of things that are certain about Kenpo, it is a great “system” or “art” if studied as such, it works well when applied correctly in any arena, and it does NOT have everything there is to have in a Martial Art. Moreover, while we scurry around the globe to try to find the answers to the questions we ask ourselves about the effectiveness of our art, do we ever stop to ask if we have fully explored the Art of Kenpo that SGM Parker left us? I believe there are concepts and theories of Kenpo that have not yet been exploited to the fullest of their potentials. I believe that like he said in his own books “further exploration is necessary”. I believe that some of the people in Kenpo are so caught up in the “Tiger” mode of Kenpo, and that they sometimes forget they could be a “Dragon” if only they would realize that Kenpo is an art, a system, or style, whichever you want to call it. In addition, that it may/will take a lifetime to master such a thing, if it is even possible. They could spend their entire lives studying it, internalizing and applying it. Therefore, the point of all of this is, how do we develop an art or system that seems to have all of the answers but a lifetime is required to really know? Observation is a key in any analytical process and learning Kenpo has never been any different.           

     The thing about Kenpo that is so vastly different from any other system or art is its use of terms and incorporation of so many scientific principles and laws. But is that so different than all the rest, do they not use gravitational marriage, or torque, or height width and depth? Of course, they do, everyone does, and these are basic physical laws or elements that cannot be denied by any man in any martial art.  Concept and theory drive the Kenpo practitioner to explore and develop their own personal style and understanding of the arts. The core of Kenpo is not its 154 self-defense techniques or its 30 something forms and sets, these are simply pre-arranged sequences of motion that will, in time help the practitioner develop proper coordination and timing.    

     Principles and laws of motion are applicable from one style or scenario to another. They drive the effectiveness of a technique or sequence of motion. These are transferrable from one physical move to another by virtue of the fact that the laws of nature are pure; you cannot jump up and not come back to the earth without some other force to suspend you in the air. Gravity WILL pull you back down. Diagonal motion for example when applied to the human body will momentarily cancel height, depth, and width. In a world where people are trying to develop more techniques to cover all the possible scenarios, we just need to look at the principles and use them to back up and drive the motion that will remedy the situation given.

     Many of the keys and tools that are available to us as Kenpoist are documented plainly in the many writings that Mr. Parker left us. The key is to use them appropriately in the manner for which they where meant, or is it? What is the key really, how do we know what appropriate is? The subtitle of this article is “analytical study of?” with no specific subject for a reason. Each individual eventually chooses their own path and direction to fulfill what they believe to be “the way” along their personal journey in the martial arts. Many in Kenpo study the teachings and writings of Mr. Parker with acute focus on specific ideas or concepts that they either got in person or have acquired through experience—on and off the mat, and either through teaching and or practicing. This does not however lead to progression, merely passing it on or carrying the torch of a system that they have now “traditionalized” for the sake of validation or respect and honor, none of which are wrong, but it is not progression. Progression involves advancement, growth, and greater effectiveness, all very important elements in the progression or evolution of anything.

     Development is many things to many people, the problem with the mere idea of progression or development is that we as individuals see things subjectively as they correlate or relate to present day or “personal” knowledge and understanding. The problem with that is that no two people have the same foundations in the art, even if they studied from start to finish in the same class with the same instructor. Perception and interpretation play a major role in the execution and understanding of the art. Thus the subjective as opposed to objective views of the art and what its function, purpose, or application are.

           

     Many students leave their teachers eventually due to this very element in ones learning processes, or for a myriad of other various reasons. The students that can look past these differences and allow themselves to continue to learn from the teacher are the ones who will benefit the most. They would allow new information to seep in and be applied as well as integrating and interpreting information from the teacher. It is sometimes hard as a student to realize that although we have grown by leaps and bounds the teacher will most likely grow proportionately and maintain that elevated level of experience and understanding. In a discussion with an old friend of mine, he said something that is very true, “…we don’t know what we don’t know.”  Now this may sound rather simplistic, but has a very true message in that as we grow in, or out of our own unknowing into another phase of knowledge and understanding we sometimes think that we have now attained something special, and for the individual that is true but typically not so much for the Arts as a whole.

     In reality, there has only been the personal growth into a new phase of learning and understanding. Evolution can only happen when there is undeniable proof that an element, concept, or principle is being added, expounded beyond, or incorporated that has not previously been. This is a difficult thing to determine when and if the person “developing” has no knowledge of what he, who came before knows or to what extent he knows. With the Kenpo system, we at least have the advantage of having some of SGM Parker’s information or insight in written form. Is this everything he knew, I hardly think so, development therefore becomes this very gray area in the Kenpo system whereby people of different camps and training see things through different eyes and levels of personal understanding. To expand or develop what is written in the “Infinite Insights,” is not necessarily to develop what SGM Parker knew or did, it is merely the development of information he documented and released publicly. This, like anything else that might be expanded on would be done subjectively since the originator or founder of the information is not doing the expanding. 

      Many individuals in the Kenpo System have exacted some expansion or development of the art. They each in their own small way have contributed to the collective progression of the Kenpo system. The problem is that there is no “real” collective, everyone is doing their own development and moving in their own direction without the supervision, input, or interaction with others that are seemingly doing the same thing. This is where the Ego supersedes the Art for so many. Therefore, the next time you feel like you just discovered something new and fresh in the Kenpo or martial arts world, look around and try to recognize it for what it is with an objective view. Try consorting with someone you respect but that has a different outlook or opinion of the Arts or system than yourself. Discussion with a student or peer is not always the way since they will typically jump on board with you and your views in a blind faith loyalty or fellowship. Also, remember that some people will in fact say things to discourage you, sad but true if they themselves have not really understood the things you speak of or have learned. Be creative and thoughtful both in your understanding and in application, and respectful of the root of the information you have, as well as where and when it comes from.

Mr. Todd M. Durgan 7^th Degree Kenpo Black Belt

So begins, my solo teaching journey...

There are times in life, when we acknowledge, “This is the moment, and I must step forward toward this calling, and fulfill this goal—now is the time.”

I have for many years desired to teach American Kenpo, both prior to and after attaining my Black belt, and did so under the tutelage of my teacher Mr. Todd Durgan while with him in the Northwest. However, now is that time for my solo teaching journey to begin

.

I shall begin this journey by teaching privates, as I am in the process of finding a location for what will become the home for, “American Kenpo Club of Greater Atlanta”…”A.K.C.” for short, for now.

If anyone, reading this piece, in and outside of the Martial Arts circle, know of family, friends, associates and the like, and or yourself, that are looking for loyal, quality, well-rounded American Kenpo Martial Arts teaching and training in the greater Atlanta area, please contact me and or have them do so. Share with them my facebook page through a friend suggestion, and or have them contact me via “Google Plus,” and or my blog(s), and or twitter—which you can find links to below—and I will connect with these individuals and or groups, to set-up talks to proceed forward. I thank you all in advance for your much-appreciated assistance. 

Salute and Blessings

Mr. Shaun Damon Hagler

 P.S.—If some, and or many of you would as well share this on your pages, and or via other platforms of social-media,  meaning not to be intrusive, that would as well be greatly appreciated, and again I thank you in advance.

https://www.facebook.com/ShaunDamonHagler

http://fistlawphilosophy.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/shaun_d_hagler

To truly become...

To truly become something, anything, one must, dedicate and fully commit--discipline themselves to the actualization of truly, becoming.

To truly become something, anything, one must make all the necessary sacrifices to internalize the theories and philosophies required to internalize the things, ideals and philosophies that said thing embodies and personifies.

These ideals, philosophies, and qualities must truly, become you.

They must permeate your psyche, take up residence in your mind and dwell there—ooze from your pores, sweetly roll from your tongue and flow from your mouth as they are your truest thoughts and beliefs and thus be exemplified in your behavior(s).

There can be, not one iota of defiance to this ideal—there can be not one iota of a refusal to truly, becoming.

American Kenpo is...

        American Kenpo is a System of Self-Defense.  An, “Armamentarium of Martial Arts concepts and ideals,”(1) if you will, that when learned and  internalized through practice and execution, empowers the American Kenpo Practitioner to have at their disposal a vast array of weapons, both offensive and defensive independently and or interdependently as offensive-defensive, or defensive-offensive—depending upon the situation and or your perspective.

      As well, it, American Kenpo, is a solid philosophical foundation upon which to learn, grow from and within, and to teach for it is effective and practical, as it, American Kenpo was devised for real life street combat/self-defense.  It is a reality based system—not at all just aesthetically pleasing, non-practical and or non-pragmatic.

     American Kenpo shares similar components, etc., with other systems/styles, as well as those “Specialized” maneuvers, techniques, and or concepts of its own origin, and thus is all-encompassing. Yes, it has strikes, but as well, it has arm-bars, leg and ankle-locks, joint manipulations, chokes, evasive maneuvering, and “The path of least resistance.” These tactics and or philosophies are so often thought to be found only within, Jujitsu, Ninjitsu, Kung-Fu, Aikido, and or the grappling modes of Martial Arts. I say this as throughout my now 20 years of Martial Arts training, 19 of which are based in American Kenpo, I have heard  statements, and or engaged in conversations with other Martial Artist who conveyed their thinking and subsequent arguments. One of which I have been inundated with is that we American Kenpoist are “merely strikers,” and the second is we are incapable of executing “this or that.” “This or that,” being a maneuver, technique, or concept “supposedly unique,” to only these other styles or systems—as these try to claim it as “all theirs." This and the other arguments are, “ridiculously-erroneous.”(2) Yes, I merged the two words to form one, for the flawed argument is just that, “ridiculously-erroneous and doubly-ignorant.”(3)

     Yes, I did say it and I stand by it…all takers willing to participate in a logical debate, you can reach me on facebook and or here on the blog—leave an intelligible, intelligent comment and I will respond. However, I will only respond to logical/rational comments—I will not debate, “Emotionally based diatribes,”(4) nor comments from a, “Argumentum ad hominem”(5) perspective. – Shaun Damon Hagler

     American Kenpo is not merely a striking art—our mindset alone, being Black-Dot Focus disallows it to be limited or defined as an art merely of, or about striking for Black-Dot Focus by definition and when internalized requires its adherent to be mindful of all things: offense, defense, environment, self, and opponent(s). Thus, "a true Kenpo Martial Artist"(6) cannot be merely a striker who operates solely offensively or executes in the realm of "overkill."(7)  Furthermore, our “Web of Knowledge”(9) the “Blueprint,” if you will of our system, is comprised of nine parts. Of which standout, and are relevant to this discussion are “Specialize moves,” “maneuvers” and parries. Why would, an art or system solely concerned with striking/stand-up, and overkill need, and or have these varied, diverse, and as well defensive concepts? Nine parts not one—not only striking—now that was over-stating and may be over-killing my point—LOLOL.

     The true American Kenpo practitioner is a living, breathing entity that creates or gives the necessary response to a threatening stimulus—they are well-rounded Martial Artists. Whether it is to either, go on the offensive and take the fight to their aggressor, or to defend and then counter the attack, they decide based upon the situation. As a result of sacrifice to training, they are able to, in some instances, within the smallest of windows of opportunity, when the opening presents itself deliver a strike, block, striking-block, kick, check, choke, "Contact Manipulation"(10) maneuver, takedown etc, and or a combination of these, or other various components of the American Kenpo System. This array of options renders the "fight" over and or now, in the favor of the Kenpoist, which leads to their victory in the objective of self-preservation, i.e., self-defense.  — Shaun Damon Hagler  (10) Mr. Todd Durgan

      Our founder, Mr. Ed Parker is quoted as saying, “…this training was not for "overkill," but rather "overskill."(7) This statement alone could validate my argument. As it is very irrational to argue with any things creator/founder—or Grand Master in the case of a Martial Art System—as to said creations purpose, what it is, and thus how it should be perceived. Never-mind the fact most, if not many detractors of American Kenpo have never trained in, nor with an American Kenpo practitioner or teacher for any considerable amount of time, if any time at all.

     If one researches the history of American Kenpo, one will find it was originally called, “Kenpo Jujitsu,”(8) by Mr. Parker emphasizing its punching, striking, kicking, locking and throwing, as well acknowledging the teachings and influence of Mr. Mitose and his Japanese influence. However, he also fully acknowledged, and incorporated our Chinese roots from the teachings and influence of Mr. Chow, from whom he, Mr. Parker, many claim attained a 3rd Degree Black-belt ranking.  

     American Kenpo is a System fully devised and developed by Mr. Parker. It is like no other as it has linear and circular motion, striking/standing, and grappling/ground-based concepts. American Kenpo as well, again, is philosophical, and encourages one to think, not merely mimic, and emulate. For Mr. Parker did not desire nor intend for those that would follow him to do the previously mentioned—he  intended for the system to evolve, and the only way for that to be accomplished is through creative ingenuity, and acknowledging our origins, but not making ourselves absolutely tradition based, and as if held hostage to our origins. The art must grow with and adapt to the times and conditions of which the practitioner, or we presently exist…otherwise it becomes impractical and ineffective.

     

     Now in no way am I advocating that we should do away with the traditional aspects of American Kenpo for, they are still practical and effective, and two they are our lineage, origin, and foundation, and without these, we have nothing from which to grow, expand and improve. However, I am emphasizing we must always seek to grow and evolve so to improve as Mr. Parker desired us to.

     Thus, I conclude and state emphatically, American Kenpo is a System of Self-defense, a Martial Art, it is not limited in its scope, it is not one-dimensional, it is ever evolving, and through its true Kenpoist a concept, an amalgamation of ideas, ideals and concepts brought to life, and personified. I argue as well American Kenpo is theory transposed into reality, art brought to life, and visible...this is the true beauty of American Kenpo seen, felt, experienced, and what American Kenpo is.

Quotes:

Numbers (7) - (9) Mr. Ed Parker 10^th Degree Black-Belt; Grand Master of the Arts

Number (10) Mr. Todd Durgan 7^th Degree Black-Belt; Senior Professor of the Arts http://www.kenpoguy.com/

Numbers (1) - (6) Mr. Shaun Damon Hagler 1^st Degree Black-Belt; Junior Instructor of the Arts

Motion is literature

Motion is literature, as it tells a story from multiple perspectives

It can be beautiful, and graceful

It can be ugly and deplorable

It can be violent

It can be self-preserving

It can be enlightening

It can be destructive to self, the opponent, as well to others who witness it (3^rd person perspective)—physically, emotionally, mentally, and Spiritually

Motion, like literature, tells a story—what type of story, as a Martial Artist, are you telling?

I am a Scholar and a Warrior

     I am a Scholar and a Warrior, a devout Martial Artist, and my body—all parts of it: Mind, Body, and Spirit—are my weapons.

     My body is a Sword—a weapon of righteousness—thus, I internalize loyalty, integrity, and honor, and am committed to enlightenment, improvement, growth, introspection, analysis, and teaching—the sharing of knowledge, so that others may come to internalize and live to promote these values as well.

     Like a Sword—sharpened, balanced and forged in fire—I too have, and must continue to go through and be refined in the crucible of fire at times—the sacrifices, trials and fires of life to improve, grow and become the best I am called to be, and do all that I am called to do.

     As a balanced weapon, it is not merely the physical I am to hone, but the emotional, mental, and Spiritual as well—as all of these make up the whole, and are intricate components to self and my Martial Art philosophy. (Mind, Body, and Spirit—The Pyramid of Knowledge).