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
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